First Time Renters

First time renters need to consider the hidden costs incurred when getting into your first apartment or rental home. This may be your first time out of Mom and Dad's house where everything was free. Before you sign a lease, consider the following items:

1. When you find the apartment/home of your dreams and fill out an application to rent, you will have to pay a tenantscreening fee. This fee covers the cost of examining your credit history. Some landlords require criminal background checks also. Your income will will be verified and your references contacted. If you pass the tenant  screening, you will qualify to rent.

 2. Signing a lease will obligate you to pay the rent written in your lease within a time frameevery month. But the first month you will also be required to pay a security and damage deposit. Some landlords will require first and last month's rent payment so be sure you understandhow much money you will need to move in.

3. You will be responsible for paying utility bills and many utilities will charge first time set up fees, turn on fees and/or deposits. Check with your landlord to get phone numbers for the utilities you will be paying for. You will want to contact these companies before you move in to set up service and insure that your utilities will be available when you move in.

4. Read your lease carefully and all the way through before you sign. This is a binding legal contract and you will be bound by its terms. Pay particular attention to the sections on late fees, notice of intent to vacate, and sections listing your responsibilities for care of the property. If you have questions, be sure to ask them before signing. Your lease will have specific language regarding having roommates or subletting the unit while you are still obligated to the lease. Be sure you understand the rules before you invite someone to share your place.

5. When you have signed the lease and are ready to move in, do a move in inspection of the property. Write down every detail of damage on carpets, flooring, walls, windows etc. Check to be sure appliances are in working order and that there are no leaks in the plumbing fixtures.If you leave something out, you may be charged for it as damage you caused. Most landlords will do a walk through inspection with you and help you fill out the paperwork. In either case sign the completed document date it and give a copy to the landlord. Keep a copy for yourself with your lease paperwork.

6. You may have furniture and certainly will have household items. You will need renters insurance based on your estimate of the value of your posessions, clothing, furnishings,sundries, bedding and bath items and kitchen utensils. In case of theft or fire or acts of God, your landlord is not responsible for replacing your lost belongings. You can get quotes from several insurance companies and compare the rates.

7. To make this move a pleasant experience, don't forget that there are certain items that make ahouse a home. Have enough money available to buy kitchen soap and scrubbers, a shower curtain, bath soap, light bulbs, bathroom tissue etc.

8. Remember that you are responsible for any changes or damage done to your new home.  Before painting or altering the structure in any way, be sure to have written permission from the landlord.  Also get in writing whether the landlord expects you to undo the changes when you move out. Use wall friendly picture hangers. The stick on ones make a mess.

9.  It is a good idea to get a copy of the landlord tenant laws for your state and city.  Read them and know them.  They will be your guide to a happy existence in your apartment/house and a good relationship with your landlord. This information is usually available online. Here is one link to information from all 50  states , http://www.rentalprop.com/ltlaws.htm.