Renting your first apartment is a true testament to the fact that you’re now an adult. There are no more curfews, cafeterias or advisers making sure that you don’t have a special someone staying the night. It’s truly an exciting time, but it’s also your first time on your own, which means that you don’t always know what you’re getting into which could lead you into some trouble. The quality of your apartment living experience is paramount to your college survival. Here are some things to be wary of when you rent your first apartment.
5 Problems
Slumlords
Cheap rent is awesome for a college student, but unfortunately rent is usually cheap for a reason. Be wary of shifty apartment owners and managers who talk fast and accept cash, because they will always be there with their hand out at the beginning of the month. However, they probably won’t be there when the toilet starts leaking at 3 a.m.
Utility Costs
If you have never rented your own place before then you probably have little to no experience with paying the bills that come along with them. Sometimes people can get into trouble thinking that they can afford a place until the utility bills come. Even if you can afford your utilities it will quickly become clear to you why your dad was always yelling at you to turn the lights off and not touch the thermostat.
Previous Damage
When you do your initial walk through it’s important to point out every little scratch, dent and spot you see. Every apartment has damage, especially a college apartment and the apartment owners don’t want to pay for it if they don’t have to. Apartment mangers will do everything they can to keep your damage deposit so it’s important that you do everything you can to protect it.
Roommates
Roommates can really test friendships, so imagine what they will do if you don’t even know the person. Try to vet your future roommate long before you move in with them, you don’t want to end up on the news as the roommate of the person who did something heinous. Here are a few roommate horror stories that should give you pause before rooming with someone.
Special Offers
In college towns, housing can be competitive which can drive apartment complexes to give out special offers to entice tenants. Many apartment communities will offer free cable for an entire year and some will offer to cover utilities or give a month or more of free rent.
What are some other problems that students need to watch out for? Let us know about them in the comment section below.
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[…] roommate is a common issue and that is nothing to be alarmed about. It’s also an issue most students overlook until they experience a roommate nightmare themselves. Many college specific apartment complexes […]
[…] of the exact unit you’re renting. If you don’t, you may find yourself on the hook later for damages that were incurred before you even moved in and if the damage is substantial, you may be on the […]