Renting as easy as 1, 2, 3.

You’re an adult now, or at least you think you are. You’ve got a good steady job and you’re ready to be out on your own. Great, but where do you start?

First, create a budget. How much can you afford for rent each month? Then factor in gas, electric, water, etc. Then factor in grocery costs and daily living expenses (car payments, gas, nights out, etc.). Also don’t forget to factor in savings. You don’t want to waste every penny living on your own. You risk not being able to pay bills if an emergency happens.

Then follow these steps…

1. DO YOUR HOMEWORK. I cannot stress this enough. Look online to find apartments or homes in your area that are for rent. Compare prices, sizes, features, and decide which would be the best fit for you.

2. Find the Fair Market Rental Value of homes/apartments in your area.

3. Preview it. Call or email the landlord and set up a time to visit the home. Have them show you through it.

If you aren’t comfortable, don’t rent it. This is potentially where you will be living; if you walk in and don’t feel at home, walk away.

4. Ask questions. Find out how long the person has owned the home. Why they are renting? How many tenants have they had? What is there turn over rate? What are the average utility costs? Some owners can provide recent bills.

5. If you’re happy with the price, remember everything is negotiable, ask to see a copy of the lease. READ THE LEASE. I can’t stress enough reading the entire lease, several times. Feel free to ask questions. If you don’t feel comfortable with a part of the lease, talk about it before you sign. Once you sign it’s a legally binding contract.

6. Deposit. Make sure you’re lease is never more than your monthly rent and it’s fully refundable, minus necessary repairs. You landlord can retain part or all of your deposit if major repairs need to be made after your lease is up.

7. Be comfortable with you’re lease term. If you know there is a possibility that you may not be able to fulfill your lease term ask for a shorter lease period or look for another property if they will not shorten it. Short term leases are harder to secure and often come with a higher rent or deposit.

8. If you feel comfortable with your lease, landlords, and rental property. Sign the lease, you’re ready to be out on your own.