Most young adults can’t wait to move out and experience life on their own. They think about all the freedom and cool things they can do once they have their own place. Don’t be fooled by the hype of living on your own, “adulting” isn’t all fun and games when you truly make it on your own. To help reduce many “adulting” fails, we have put together a small list of top dos and don’ts for first-time apartment renters.
Do- Make a budget and stick to it.
If you are not sure how to create a budget ask your parents or check out this blog written by mint. We found that it has the easiest steps in building a budget and the app is pretty easy to use. If you don’t have a complex budget, which most young adults don’t, then this is the route to go.
Do- Read your lease.
It is important to understand your lease and the rules of your apartment complex that you decide to reside in. The excuse of “I didn’t know” won’t serve you well when you enter into a binding contract. Example, if the lease says quiet hours are from 10 pm -7:30 am and you decide to have a party then that will not end nicely for you. Or if you paint tiles in your bathroom and it states you can not alter it, then you will have to pay to fix it when your lease ends. As you can see, it is important to read and understand your lease. If you have questions about your lease you should ask and ensure you understand what it means. You’ll be thankful that you did.
Don’t – Go overboard on first-time furnishings.
We understand it is exciting to get your first place, but it doesn’t mean you have to try and deck it all out like those that you see on HGTV. Remember, you want to stick to your budget. Get the necessities and get them wisely. You’d be amazed at what you can find on Craigslist, garage sales and did you know you can find items for sale on Facebook? Vintage and refurbishing items are not only economical but it is also a trend that doesn’t seem to go away. It’s a great thing to try and do for your first-time apartment experience as well as your budget.
Don’t – Break the rules.
What do we mean by that? Rules at an apartment complex are designed for your safety. A great example of this is if your apartment complex has a pool and there are signs that say NO Diving. More than likely the depth of the pool is not safe for diving. If you have an apartment complex that has a gym and it clearly states not permitted for those under 18, that is probably because of a clause in their insurance. If someone uses the equipment that is under the age specified you will be responsible for their injuries. The rules are there to protect you and those of the community.
These are just a few basic dos and don’ts for first-time apartment renters. Of course, there are much more and you will learn them as you grow into your adulthood and experience things for yourself. The best advice is to listen to those that came before you, as you are less likely to stumble and fall when heading their warnings.