Checklist: What To Know Before You Move Into Your New Rental

Moving into a new rental can be a very exciting time in your life. On the other hand, if your previous rental did not go well, it can also be an event that feels very intimidating. When entering into another long term agreement like a lease on a house or apartment, it's good to be aware of what could potentially go wrong when basic precautions are not taken.

Your Tenant Move In Checklist

Move In Checklist For Renters: Six Things You Need to Know

Fortunately, there are certain considerations you can make before you sign paperwork for your new place that will help you avoid the various pitfalls of renting an apartment or house. In order to make that process easier for the once-bitten, twice-shy renter, here is a checklist of some useful tips on what you need to know before moving into your next rental.

1. Know What You Owe Up Front

Obviously, you will be paying rent on your new apartment or rental property, but that isn’t the only expense you need to consider. Most rental management companies require a month’s rent up front in addition to a security deposit for a month’s rent as well. Some places also charge application fees and key fees, so you need to keep those facts in mind when planning out how much money you need on hand to move into the place where you want to live.

2. Know What Your Costs Are Long Term

Bills are a real thing, whether you are renting or paying a mortgage on your home. Utilities are quite often not included in the cost of your lease, which means heat, gas, and electricity will need to be paid in addition to your monthly rent. Furthermore, some landlords add the requirement that you carry renter’s insurance as a part of your lease, which contributes additional cost to your monthly living expenses. The good news is that renter’s insurance is usually fairly inexpensive, and it is definitely worth having should your apartment and/or property be robbed or damaged in a natural disaster.

3. Know What You Need For Furnishing Your Space

Even the most spartan of renters is going to need furniture, dishes, cookware, towels, sheets, and bathroom accessories in order to make their space livable. A table and chairs, a sofa, entertainment center, a dresser, and a bed are all going to feel very much like necessities after about a day in an unfurnished apartment. Make sure you can get what you need to live in your new space before you move in.

4. Know What To Avoid When Furnishing Your Space

It is very tempting to take every little item or decoration from your old home to your new one, but after you start packing all of them up you may decide that decluttering is far better than having a lot of clutter taking up space in your moving truck or new apartment. Try to only pack up items that are actually useful, and maybe put the sentimental items in storage or give them away if you can live without them.

5. Know Your Lease Terms

This is very important! Read your entire lease thoroughly and carefully. You can be compelled by the court of law to uphold what you agree to in a lease, so make sure that you know what you are getting into before you sign. It is usually a good idea to ask the landlord for a copy of the lease to review with your attorney or a trusted friend/family member with experience renting property or signing leases. This keeps everyone honest and helps make sure you understand what you are agreeing to legally before you commit to a year or more of abiding by this agreement.

6. Ensure Roommates/Housemates Are On Your Lease

Sharing a living space in order to make it more affordable is a necessity for many in the 21st century, especially in major metropolitan areas. However, anyone who is sharing the space with you needs to be added to the lease in order to make sure everyone meets their obligations on shared expenses. If a roommate is not on the lease, this means that if they decide to stop paying their fair share or move out without warning or notice, you have no legal recourse except to pay all of the rent yourself. Should someone you are considering as a roommate refuse to put their name on the lease with yours, take a pass on that person and find someone who is willing to make the same commitment as you.

Time To Settle Into Your New Rental

Following these simple tips will ensure that you are able to enjoy a smooth transition from one home to the next, and help you avoid long term rental pitfalls. Review this checklist the next time you are hunting for a new rental to move in, and remember not to sign anything until you have considered all of these items carefully. They may make all the difference between an exciting life transition and a very expensive series of mistakes.

If you need help moving into your new rental, we here at On the Go Moving provide flexible moving for your big move. Contact us today for more information.