So, I’m eighteen. As soon as I get my car fixed and a better job, I’m going to try and get an apartment with one or two of my friends. Thing is, I don’t know the first thing about rending an apartment, so if anyone has any ideas, or has any personal experiences, please let me know so I can know how to make this go smoothly. I do plan to go to college, a community college with no dorms, and I have a company who is willing to pay for the books and other expenses I‘m not sure if they would help with the apartment though. X: ,

Do you research first and foremost!

Even if you go see the place, try driving by at night and early morning to get a feel for the area. Ask how old the furnace and water heater are, how much on average heating costs are. Don't pick a place that you can't afford if any of your roommates are ever short on their share of the rent. Decide what you need and what you just want, like fireplace, balcony, etc, and how much room you actually need. Especially who gets the bigger/better room. Decide if you're going to want a pet, if so put away money for that deposit in addition to the regular deposit. Also think about your credit score, and if don't have a credit card then get one and keep a small base on it each month (like buy something and pay it off on time) to build your credit score.

It will take a lot of experience before you get a clear picture in your head of what you want. Be prepared to look at a lot of different property before you begin to see what's important for you and what's not. Remember things like location (how close it is to the nearest supermarket if you don't have a car) and storage.

Once you get a place lay rules down with your friends. Especially things like eating other people's food and cleaning the bathroom and kitchen. This stops some fights early on.

Make sure you can get along with the landlord. You don't have to be best buds, but you shouldn't hate each other, or it'll be a constant misery living there.

Also, make sure you can rely on your friends to pay their part of the rent. If one of them misses a payment the landlord is still going to want the money, and you'll be the one stuck with paying it even though you paid your share.

Thanks. :]

once you've found a place to rent, be sure to write a list of any problems with the apartment and submit it to your landlord within 2 weeks. issues can include substantial holes, stains, chips, broken fixtures, etc. it is also a good idea to take pictures when submitted. anything that looks like potential issue concerning your deposit would be good to mark on the list. be sure to make an exact copy for yourself and register mail it to either yourself or to your parents and leave it unopened. this way the envelope is dated.

i know it sounds like a lot of work but really, you are only legally protecting yourself and your security deposit when you leave.... and those deposits are really expensive in many cases.

I recommend going through the complex several times a day, especially if you know which room you are looking at for noise issues. Most people will take you on a tour during quiet hours of the complex.

Make sure to check to see if they have space for you to park. If parking is a problem, it can be a big nuisance.

When you go through the apartment, don't let them rush you. Do not sign the lease until you have seen the apartment right when you're moving in. They legally have to let you see it. Note down every little thing in that apartment. Look carefully for spots on rugs as that's usually the biggest thing they take out on deposits.

Remember to also look at the apartment's review online. Most every apartment has one. If the majority of the reviews are bad, chances are the place is not somewhere you want to move.

If you can get a chance, bug the people around the apartments. Ask if they like it- never do this in front of management, but on your own and separate. People will give you the real scoop.

its not that hard i was 16 when i moved out and i did it all by myself nd my daughter