[INFOGRAPHIC] Guide to Renting Your First Apartment

finding an apartment in seattle

Finally ready to bust out of the dorm (or your parents' basement)? Awesome! Before you rush into the first place you see, follow these basic guidelines to help you find an apartment you will love.


seattle student apartments infographic guide to finding first apartment

 

Budget out your monthly spending

To help better understand your expenses, get the cost breakdown for your current room and board (including for university), average grocery bill, and extracurricular fees.

Research once you have a budget

Take these into consideration:
-Commute to/from work or school
>Number of roommates and rooms needed
>Renters insurance
>Apartment complexes that require a co-signer

Record your findings

Using an organizational tool like Google Spreadsheets, you can sort your options by affordability, area, furnished/unfurnished, and so forth. Or take notes to pen and paper if that helps you stay organized.

4 out of 5 adults under the age of 25 rent rather than buy

Research Tools:
>Craigslist
>Padmapper
>Roomster (to find roommates)

Tour your final choices

Compare them by price, location, amenities, and so on.

Narrow down your choices

Make a list of what you can and can't live without. Note which apartments were affordable and met your requirements.

Top three reasons people rent:
>50% rent because of budget
>50% vote renting is less stressful
>40% believe it's more flexible in terms of making future decisions

Apply for apartment

When you apply for an apartment, have your identification with you. The landlord may require a background and credit check. College students sometimes need a co-signer who can prove their income.

Start Packing

You got the place. Now you have to pack for that space.
If you have roommates, make a list of what each person is bringing. You can divvy up kitchen utensils, cleaning supplies, and furniture (if it's not furnished).

Visit our college life blog at identityseattle.com/news for more great tips, tricks, and laughs! Identity Seattle student living coming in fall 2015.

Source:

  • Fannie Mae National Housing Survey, Q3 2012 Data Summary
  • JCHS tabulations of the 2001–11 Panel Study of Income Dynamics