{"id":12975,"date":"2022-07-13T08:24:48","date_gmt":"2022-07-13T07:24:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.propertypro.ng\/blog\/?p=12975"},"modified":"2023-01-26T13:28:49","modified_gmt":"2023-01-26T12:28:49","slug":"checklist-of-things-to-know-as-a-first-time-renter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/propertypro.ng\/blog\/checklist-of-things-to-know-as-a-first-time-renter\/","title":{"rendered":"Checklist of Things to Know as a First-Time Renter."},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Being a first-time apartment renter is an exciting milestone in your life, whether you are leaving your parents&#8217; home, making the move to a new location, or have recently graduated from college. Of course, learning\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.propertypro.ng\/blog\/5-things-to-look-out-for-when-renting-an-apartment-in-lagos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">how to rent an apartment<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0entails additional duties and responsibilities and the freedom to select the ideal location. So here\u2019s a checklist of things to know as a first-time renter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Even the most ambitious and organized first-time apartment renter can get overwhelmed with the process. Although there are certain hassles associated with relocating, such as apartment hunting, agent fees, budgeting, packing, and other issues, it is worthwhile. We created a first-time apartment tenant checklist with all the information you require for a successful move to make the transfer as easy as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Determine Your Budget<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">It\u2019s common for first-time apartment renters to either overestimate or underestimate\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.apartmentlist.com\/renter-life\/how-much-should-i-spend-on-rent\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">how much they can spend on rent<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> and other necessities. According to this <a href=\"https:\/\/cowrywise.com\/blog\/way-save-pay-house-rent\/\">article<\/a><\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, 25% of your monthly salary should be enough to save up for rent. This means you need to look for ways to cut costs like teaming up with a roommate or creating an income-generating side hustle that can help offset your rent and living expenses.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Choose Your Neighborhood<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Narrowing down your dream neighbourhood as a first-time apartment renter can feel daunting. To narrow down your choices, consider the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How close am I to work?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Do I prefer driving, public transportation, or walking?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Do I need quiet or want to live in the middle of it all?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Is my dream location more expensive than the surrounding neighbourhoods?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How far do I want to be from restaurants and attractions?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The more you can narrow down your preferences, the easier it is to settle on the perfect location for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Decide if You Need a Roommate<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Figuring out how to rent your first apartment can feel impossible if finances are tight. Depending on where you live, renting can prove incredibly expensive. If rent soars above the 25% recommended rule, consider looking for a roommate to split the rental costs. But before you start tapping your network, make sure to weigh the pros and cons of having a roommate and whether or not you\u2019re willing to make compromises along the way.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Once you\u2019ve decided that a roommate is right for you, it\u2019s time to start finding a roommate. Consider what makes a compatible roommate and what kind of lifestyle you want, and what you can\u2019t tolerate. Here are some ideas:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Are parties allowed, and if so, how big and how late?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Do you need to live with someone excessively clean?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Do you care if a roommate comes with a pet? And therefore, will you need a pet-friendly apartment?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How long can guests stay, and how often?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Whose name will the utilities be in and how will you collect payment from the other?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Who will buy the furniture, and who takes it with them if someone moves out?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">It\u2019s also important to keep in mind what will make your roommate happy and what kind of conditions they prefer. You can include all of those conditions in your future\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.apartmentlist.com\/renter-life\/writing-roommate-agreement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">roommate agreement<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">As a first-time apartment renter, a roommate can be a big win. You could end up as lifelong friends, keep your costs down, and enjoy the support and comfort of having someone around.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12977\" src=\"https:\/\/www.propertypro.ng\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4246120-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"packing up\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/propertypro.ng\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4246120-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/propertypro.ng\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4246120-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/propertypro.ng\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4246120-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/propertypro.ng\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4246120-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/propertypro.ng\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4246120-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/propertypro.ng\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4246120-scaled.jpg 2560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Know the Best Time to Look for an Apartment<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">If you have some flexibility on when you can move, there are times of the year when apartments are less competitive and less expensive. Rent prices are subject to change based on seasonality, and you can save on rent by being strategic about your search. But with the increase in demand, this might be outdated advice as people are almost always searching for apartments. People have said a good time to go apartment hunting is during the rainy season, this way you can identify problems the prospective apartments could have.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>You can also <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/episode\/1CwOmI3IcP2X4p7edqY6vd?si=ux6mJ0SDS4GgnG6Cx2LyRQ\">listen<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/9trdLRHdH80\">watch<\/a> an episode of our podcast &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/anchor.fm\/propertyprong\/\">Reality Check<\/a> about &#8216;The Realities of House Hunting in Nigeria&#8217;.\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Give Yourself Time to Search<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">First-time apartment renters may be asking themselves: \u201cHow long does it take to find an apartment?\u201d It might take a few months to find the right fit, so start your search early. You don\u2019t want to be forced to rush and then pay outrageous amounts on inspection fees and the like.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Ask Questions during your Tours<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Before signing a tenancy agreement, you need to go on inspections and you need to ask the right questions, read <a href=\"https:\/\/www.propertypro.ng\/blog\/property-inspection-checklist-in-nigeria\/\">here<\/a> for a sample checklist<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. You also need to know details about your tenancy agreement, which you can read <a href=\"https:\/\/www.propertypro.ng\/blog\/nigerian-tenancy-agreement-all-you-need-to-know\/\">here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Know-How to Spot Rental Scams<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Knowing how to rent an apartment on a budget is a challenge, but it isn\u2019t very easy by too-good-to-be-true listings. Knowing how to identify rental scams comes with experience. A first-time apartment renter will be more susceptible to others, and quite a number of people have fallen victim to rental scams. Not sure what to look out for? Use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.propertypro.ng\/blog\/7-useful-tips-to-avoid-a-real-estate-scam\/\">these<\/a> tips on how to spot and avoid rental scams.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Budget for All Present Costs and Future Expenses<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">A first-time apartment renter might not always realize the extent of the upfront costs involved, but it&#8217;s good to be prepared for everything that might come your way. Read our tips on how to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.propertypro.ng\/blog\/saving-up-for-rent\/\">save up for your rent<\/a> and other renting costs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Upfront expenses are only a portion of the total costs associated with renting an apartment. Other costs may include utilities, repairs, and new furniture.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Gather Your Paperwork<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">It is not out of place for landlords and property management companies to require specific information from tenants before moving in. This information may include your proof of income, personal references, and, sometimes, proof of your marital status.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Prepare a Checklist of Essentials for Your First Apartment<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Once all of the legwork and paperwork are completed, it\u2019s time to think about furnishing your apartment. As a first-time apartment renter, there are endless details to remember from the living room to the bedroom and kitchen. Here are some things to keep in mind.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Living room:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Sofa and pillows<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Chairs<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Tables<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Rug<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Lamp<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">TV+stand<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Decor<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Bedroom:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Bed frame<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Mattress<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pillows<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Sheets<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pillowcases<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Blinds or curtains<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Nightstand<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Fan<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Clothes organizer\/rack<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Trash bin<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Hangers<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Shoe rack<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Mirror<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Bathroom:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Toiletries<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Toilet paper<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Toothbrush holder<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Soapdish<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Shower organizer<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Bath and towels towels<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Shower curtain<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Towel bar or hooks<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Air freshener<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Bath mat<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Plunger<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Toilet brush<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Cleaning supplies<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Trash bin<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Hairdryer<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Laundry basket<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Kitchen and\/or Dining room:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Kitchen table<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Chairs<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Placemats<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pots and pans<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Microwave oven<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Blender<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Plates<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Bowls<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Glasses<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Coffee mugs<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Utensils<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Colander<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Baking tray<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Measuring cups and spoons<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Drawer organizer and utensil tray<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Tupperware<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Dish soap<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Sponge<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Dishtowels<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Dish drying rack<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Paper towel holder<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Paper towels<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Aluminium foil<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Trash bin and bags<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Other:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Broom<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Dustpan<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Mop\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">First aid kit<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Iron or steamer<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Ironing board<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Sewing kit<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Extension cords<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Speakers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The list of things to know as a first-time renter is inexhaustible, this is why we have a part 2 here.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Being a first-time apartment renter is an exciting milestone in your life, whether you are leaving your parents&#8217;&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":31,"featured_media":12976,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"csco_singular_sidebar":"","csco_page_header_type":"","csco_custom_appearance":"","csco_disable_excerpt_posts_layout":false,"csco_page_load_nextpost":"","csco_post_video_location":[],"csco_post_video_location_hash":"","csco_post_video_url":"","csco_post_video_bg_start_time":0,"csco_post_video_bg_end_time":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[38],"tags":[4115,4114,350,4078],"class_list":{"0":"post-12975","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-articles","8":"tag-apartment-search","9":"tag-first-time-renter","10":"tag-moving-out","11":"tag-renting","12":"cs-entry","13":"cs-video-wrap"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/propertypro.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12975","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/propertypro.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/propertypro.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/propertypro.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/31"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/propertypro.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12975"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/propertypro.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12975\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13216,"href":"https:\/\/propertypro.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12975\/revisions\/13216"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/propertypro.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12976"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/propertypro.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12975"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/propertypro.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12975"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/propertypro.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12975"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}