Renting a house for the first time involves more responsibilities than renting an apartment — you're typically responsible for lawn care, snow removal, and sometimes minor maintenance. Before signing a lease on a house, clarify who handles repairs, whether utilities are included, and what the rules are for pets, parking, and modifications. The biggest first-time renter mistakes are not reading the lease carefully, skipping a walkthrough inspection, and not documenting existing damage in writing.
5 Essential Tips Before Renting A House For The First Time
This article outlines several things you need to know before moving into your first rental house or apartment. Knowing these things prior to your move will make your first renting experience as easy as possible and will help you avoid potentially stressful confrontations with your landlord or property manager. So without further ado, let’s get into 5 things you need to know as a first-time renter!
1. Know How Much Money You Need To Pay Up Front
Many landlords or property managers require that you produce a monthly rent up front, usually, this is in addition to a security deposit. It is good to be aware of exactly how much money your landlord will require you to produce upfront and security deposit so that you can have it on hand when you draw up the lease. Some landlords also require that renters pay an application fee when applying as potential renters, so bear this in mind as well.
2. Put Your Roommate On The Lease or Rental Agreement
In order to have a healthy relationship with your roommate or roommates, you must have total confidence that he/she will always meet their financial obligations in your renting agreement. Your roommate should have their name on the lease agreement and should equally share in the responsibility of delivering months rent on time. Having an unlisted roommate can cause all kinds of issues in your relationship with each other and can give you more financial stress than is healthy. Have a detailed discussion with your roommate about responsibilities, property damage, deadlines, and finances prior...
3. Know What Furniture Your Rental Needs
Will your new rental house or apartment come partially furnished? If so, you will need to know what furniture to purchase to make your space comfortable and homelike. If you receive a tour of the rental prior to moving in, ask the landlord about the furniture in the house and whether or not it will be there while you are renting. Takes notes and photos to help you remember what furniture your new home will need.
4. Know The Terms Of Your Lease
Leases are sometimes tricky and can leave room for uncertainty if they are not properly worded. Have a detailed discussion with your landlord with your roommate present to talk over the terms of your lease. Questions you should ask during this discussion are things like, are utilities included in the rent price? When is the rent due? Does the landlord require you to carry renters insurance? What about lease cancellations in the event of an emergency? Knowing how everything in your lease works, will ensure that you are informed about all of the important details as well as seemingly minute...
5. Know About What Changes You Are Allowed To Make
Another important topic to discuss with your landlord involves changes to the rental. Are you allowed to make minor changes to the space? What about hanging pictures on the walls or changing the paint color? Is there any furniture in the rental house that you would like to be removed? Talk about it with your landlord! You should always ask for permission regarding any major changes that you are unsure about prior to making them. This will ensure that your landlord trusts you and also will help you avoid having issues with your landlord further down the road about not requesting permission.
How To Rent a House
Renting a house for the first time is a great undertaking. As a first-time home renter, you naturally want to know where to begin, especially when comparing how to rent a house versus renting an apartment for the first time. This brief but informative guide will help get you on the right path.
How Does Renting a House Work?
Knowing where to start when renting a house can be daunting, but a little knowledge and planning can make the transition easier. Renting a house is similar to renting an apartment in that you’re essentially borrowing from a property owner. This means monthly costs are lower than if you took out a mortgage, which is one of the biggest advantages when considering renting a house. The following are some of the key steps to renting a house for the first time: Understanding your budget Knowing your credit score (credit report) Scheduling house tours Making a list of necessities
What Do I Need To Rent a House for the First Time?
Many considerations come to mind when understanding how to rent a house. Some are easy to overlook, but it’s vital to make and stick to a checklist to ensure the renting process goes as smoothly as possible. Here are some tips for renting a house for the first time to help prepare you for move-in day: Research the area beforehand Become familiar with tenant-landlord laws for your state Read your rental agreement carefully before signing Walk through the property with the landlord upon moving in Related Articles Best Time to Rent an Apartment An Essential Guide How To Meet Your New Neighbors...
Get In Touch With A Professional Moving Service To Help You Move Into Your First Rental
As you prepare to move into your very first rental house, make the process easier by working with a professional moving service. Licensed movers can help you with anything from packing, loading, transporting, and unloading. If you are a first-time renter and you have a lot of details to sort out regarding your upcoming move, why not have a team of expert movers takes care of that aspect of moving for you? Here at On The Go Moving , we have a team of skilled movers who are trained to carefully and efficiently execute each stage of the move for our clients. It is our goal to remove the stress...
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Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to know before renting a house for the first time?
Key things to know before renting a house: (1) read the entire lease before signing, (2) do a thorough walkthrough and document all existing damage with photos, (3) clarify who is responsible for lawn care, snow removal, and appliance maintenance, (4) understand the security deposit terms and how to get it back, (5) confirm what utilities are included vs. your responsibility, (6) ask about the process for requesting repairs.
What credit score do I need to rent a house?
Most landlords require a credit score of 620–650 minimum to rent a house. Scores above 700 give you a strong application. If your credit is lower, you may need a co-signer, a larger security deposit, or proof of strong income (typically 3x the monthly rent). Some private landlords are more flexible than property management companies.
How much money do I need upfront to rent a house?
Upfront costs for renting a house typically include: first month's rent, last month's rent (in some cases), security deposit (usually 1–2 months' rent), and application fees ($30–$75 per applicant). In the Seattle area, expect to have 2–3 months' rent available upfront. For a $2,500/month house, that's $5,000–$7,500 needed at signing.
What questions should I ask before renting a house?
Ask: Who handles repairs and how quickly? Are utilities included? What are the rules for pets, parking, and guests? Can I make modifications (paint, mount a TV)? What is the process for renewing or ending the lease? Has the home had any pest, mold, or water damage issues? What are the neighbors like? Is the neighborhood safe?
What should I check during a rental house walkthrough?
During a rental walkthrough, check: all appliances (turn them on), water pressure and hot water, all light switches and outlets, windows and doors (open and close each one), signs of water damage or mold (check under sinks, in bathrooms, in the basement), HVAC system and filters, and the condition of floors, walls, and ceilings. Document everything with photos and a written checklist.
How do I get my security deposit back when I move out?
To get your security deposit back: document the home's condition with photos when you move in AND when you move out, clean thoroughly (including appliances, windows, and grout), fill nail holes and touch up paint if allowed, return all keys, and request a walkthrough with the landlord before your final move-out date. Washington State law requires landlords to return deposits within 21 days of move-out.
Jason founded On The Go Moving & Storage in Redmond, WA in 2009 and has personally overseen more than 25,000 moves across Greater Seattle. He holds a Washington State Household Goods Mover license (HG-064180) and writes from direct, hands-on experience in the moving industry.
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