First Apartment Renter Guide: Tips, & Essentials

Getting your first apartment is a big step. It’s your chance to have your own space and independence, but the process can feel overwhelming when you’re not sure what to expect. That’s why we’ve put together a detailed guide that walks you through each stage, from apartment hunting to move-in day and settling in. With the right information, you’ll feel confident and prepared to make your new place truly feel like home.

 

Apartment Hunting Basics

Finding the right apartment requires more than simply scrolling through listings and selecting the cheapest option. Here's how to search smart and spot potential problems before you sign anything.

 

Set Your Budget First

Before browsing listings, figure out how much rent you can comfortably afford. A standard guideline is to keep rent at or below 30% of your gross monthly income. This isn't a strict rule, but it's a good benchmark to ensure you have money left for other expenses. Remember to factor in utilities when calculating the affordability of your rent, which usually adds $150-$200 to your monthly total.

You should also expect to pay some costs up front, such as a security deposit, any applicable application fees, and the first month’s rent. Include moving expenses, such as truck rental ($50-$150 for a local move), boxes and supplies ($50-$100 if purchasing new), and potential utility deposits or connection fees ($100-$200) if you're a new customer without an established account history.

Knowing these costs in advance means you can plan and budget accordingly and won't be caught off guard. 

 

Know What You Actually Need in an Apartment

Create a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves before viewing potential homes. Consider factors such as location (proximity to work or school), parking availability, laundry facilities, pet policies, and building amenities. Having clear priorities helps you evaluate apartments objectively and avoid getting swayed by a gorgeous kitchen when the commute would be brutal.

Think about your daily routine. If you don't have a car, is the apartment near public transit or essentials like grocery stores? If you work from home, do you need a dedicated desk space? If you have a dog, is there a nearby park or an outdoor space in the community? These practical considerations are what truly matter.

 

Ask the Right Questions

When touring apartments, don't be shy about asking landlords or leasing agents plenty of questions:

• What's included in rent? Some rentals include water, trash, and internet, while others require you to pay for these utilities separately. If utilities aren't included, request an estimate to help you budget properly.
• What are the upfront costs? Common fees include an application fee, a security deposit, and a pet deposit.
• Are there additional monthly fees? Beyond rent, additional fees may apply for parking, storage, amenity access, or pets.
• How are repairs handled? Ask how quickly maintenance requests are typically addressed, and if emergency maintenance is available after hours for urgent issues.
• What's the pet and guest policy? If you have a furry friend or plan to get one, clarify any breed or size restrictions and fees. Some rentals have rules about how long guests can stay or whether you need to register them.
• Can you personalize the space? Ask if you can paint walls or hang shelves, or if there are restrictions that might affect your security deposit.
• When can the rent increase? Most leases lock in rent for the lease term, but ask what happens at renewal. 

 

Inspect Carefully During Tours

Don't let excitement distract you from spotting potential issues. Take photos or videos during your tour (with permission) so you can review later and compare multiple apartments:

• Test water and appliances: Turn on faucets to check water pressure and temperature. Flush the toilet to ensure it works properly. If appliances are included (stove, fridge, heater), verify they work. Open the refrigerator and freezer to check for odd smells or frost buildup that might indicate problems.
• Check doors, windows, and locks: Open and close everything to ensure it fits and latches properly. Confirm that locks are secure. Windows should open easily (important for fire safety) and close tightly (important for heating and cooling costs).
• Listen for noise: Pay attention to traffic noises, loud neighbors, or squeaky floors. 
• Look for signs of pests or mold: Glance in cabinets and along baseboards for droppings, which would indicate a pest issue. Discoloration on walls and ceilings could indicate water damage or mold.
• Test cell phone reception: Pull out your phone and check the signal strength in different rooms. 
• Assess the building and neighborhood: Inspect common areas, such as hallways and laundry rooms, for cleanliness and upkeep. Look at the parking situation. Explore the surrounding area to get a feel for it and consider whether you'd feel comfortable arriving home late at night.

 

Watch Out for Scams

Never send money to hold an apartment before you've seen it in person or signed a lease. Use reputable listing websites and verify that the person showing the apartment is actually the landlord or a legitimate agent. Red flags include prices significantly below market rate, landlords who claim to be out of town and can't show the property, or requests to wire money or pay through unusual methods, such as gift cards.

Fairfield ONLY rents our apartments directly through our community’s website or leasing office.

 

Read the Lease Thoroughly

Before signing the lease, read it word for word. This document governs your entire tenancy. Key points to check include:

• Lease term and renewal: How long is the lease? What happens when it ends? Does it auto-renew month-to-month, or do you need to sign a new lease?
• Notice requirements: How much notice must you give before moving out? 30 or 60 days is usually standard.
• Rent payment details: When is rent due? Where do you pay it? What's the grace period before late fees kick in? How much are late fees?
• Security deposit terms: Under what conditions could you lose part or all of your deposit? What constitutes normal wear and tear versus damage?
• Maintenance responsibilities: What repairs are the landlord responsible for, versus what are you meant to handle?
• Rules and restrictions: Are there quiet hours? Can you have pets? Can you sublet if needed?

If something is unclear, get clarifications in writing via email. It's better to address questions now than be caught off guard later.

 

 

Pre-Move Preparation

You found a great apartment and got approved - congrats! Now comes the real work to ensure a smooth move-in.

 

Plan Your Moving Day

Discuss with your new landlord to arrange a move-in date and time. Some apartment buildings require you to move during specific hours or reserve an elevator, especially if it's a condo or high-rise. Get those details early to avoid conflicts. If you're hiring professional movers, book them well in advance for that date, as the beginning and end of the month are busy moving times and slots fill up quickly. If friends and family are helping, give them plenty of notice and confirm closer to the day.

Start collecting packing supplies early. You'll need boxes, tape, and padding, such as bubble wrap or newspapers. Sometimes, these are available for free from local stores or online community groups. Get markers for labeling boxes by room and contents.

Pack non-essentials first (off-season clothes, books, decor) and essentials last. Clearly label at least one box as "Open First" with items you'll want immediately: basic toiletries, a change of clothes, phone charger, some kitchenware, toilet paper, snacks, and bottled water.

 

Set Up Utilities Before Move-In

One task that's easy to forget is transferring or activating utilities. Nobody wants to spend their first night in a dark apartment with no electricity or internet. Typically, you'll be responsible for utilities like electricity, gas, and internet/cable, while some rentals also require you to set up water or trash services (in other cases, the landlord covers these).

As soon as you have your move-in date, call the utility companies to start service in your name on that date. Some utilities can also be started online. Be prepared: some providers charge a small activation fee or require a deposit if you've never had service before. For the internet, research providers in your area ahead of time, as installation appointments may take a week or two to schedule. Compare plans and prices to find the best deal for your needs.

 

Get Renters Insurance

Even if it’s not required by your rental agreement, renters insurance is a smart idea. Usually about $15-$30 per month, it covers your personal belongings against theft, fire, or damage, and it provides liability coverage if someone gets injured in your apartment. Get quotes from multiple providers. You can often bundle renters insurance with car insurance for a discount. Ensure your policy covers the full replacement value of your belongings by adding up the value of your electronics, furniture, clothing, and other possessions.

 

Do a Move-In Inspection

On move-in day, do a thorough inspection before bringing in any of your stuff. Take photos and videos of every room, focusing on any existing damage that might exist, such as scuffs on walls, stains on the carpet, scratches on the floors, or broken fixtures. Document everything, even minor issues. This protects you when you move out since you can prove the damage existed before you arrived.

Some landlords provide a move-in checklist. Fill it out carefully and keep a copy. If they don't provide one, create your own, noting the condition of each room and any problems. Email this to your landlord within a few days of moving in, along with your photos.

 

First Apartment Essentials

When moving into your first apartment, start with the basics. You can accumulate the rest over time.

Living Space and Bedroom

• Mattress and bedding: Your most important purchase since you'll use it every night. You'll need a mattress, sheets (get at least two sets so you can wash one and use the other), pillows, and a comforter or blanket.
• Seating: For the living area, consider a small couch, a futon, or comfortable chairs. A futon works as both seating and a guest bed.
• Table: A coffee table is handy for holding drinks and food. If space is limited, consider multipurpose furniture, such as a coffee table with storage or a collapsible dining table.
• Lighting: You'll want a couple of lamps since overhead lighting isn't always sufficient. A bedside lamp and a floor or table lamp in the living room make a huge difference in creating a comfortable atmosphere.
• Window coverings: If your apartment doesn't come with curtains or blinds, install some immediately for privacy.

 

Kitchen

• Dinnerware and utensils: Start with several plates, bowls, cups, mugs, and a basic silverware set.
• Cookware: One medium frying pan and one saucepan cover the most basic cooking needs. Add a stirring spoon or spatula, a sharp knife, a cutting board, a can opener, and a bottle opener.
• Appliances: Your apartment likely has a stove and refrigerator. Consider a microwave if not provided (essential for quick meals), a toaster or toaster oven, and a coffee maker if you drink coffee daily.
• Basics: Kitchen trash can and bags, dish soap and sponge, paper towels or kitchen towels, food storage containers or zip-top bags.

 

Bathroom

• Toiletries: Your everyday essentials, like your toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, and hand soap. Stock up on toilet paper from day one.
• Shower setup: If your bathroom has a shower with no door, you'll need a shower curtain, a waterproof liner, and curtain rings. Set this up before your first shower to avoid flooding the floor.
• Towels: Have at least one bath towel and hand towel ready, ideally two of each, so you have one while the other is in the wash. Add a bath mat for the floor to prevent slipping.
• Essentials: A plunger (buy it before you need it), a toilet brush for cleaning, and a small bathroom trash can.

 

Cleaning Supplies

• Floor cleaning: Broom and dustpan for hard floors, or vacuum for carpet. A Swiffer-type mop can handle both sweeping and mopping hard floors.
• Cleaners: All-purpose spray for most surfaces, bathroom cleaner for toilet/tub/sink, and toilet bowl cleaner.
• Tools: Sponges or rags, paper towels, rubber gloves, trash bags.
• Laundry: Detergent, and quarters or a laundry card if your building's laundry requires them.

 

Safety and Tools

• Safety items: Verify that your apartment has working smoke detectors and test them regularly. Add a carbon monoxide detector if your apartment uses gas and doesn't have one. Consider a small fire extinguisher for the kitchen.
• First aid: Put together a kit with band-aids, antiseptics, pain relievers, tweezers, a thermometer, and personal medications.
• Basic tools: Screwdriver (flathead and Phillips), hammer, tape measure, pliers, nails, screws, adhesive hooks, and a stool for reaching high places safely.
• Other items: Spare light bulbs and batteries, scissors, duct tape, command strips for hanging decor, and a laundry basket.

 

Finding Your Perfect Place

Stepping into your first apartment is an exciting chapter of independence. With proper preparation and the right mindset, you can avoid common headaches and truly make the space your own. Take it one step at a time: Find an apartment that fits your budget and needs, organize your documents and finances, plan your move carefully, stock up on essentials gradually, and learn to manage your money effectively.

If you're still searching for that perfect place, check out Fairfield's communities to explore apartment options across various locations. Fairfield offers apartments in various markets, backed by professional management with decades of experience, making it easier to find quality housing that fits your needs as a first-time renter.

Good luck with your first apartment. May it be filled with great memories, personal growth, and the comfort of a space that's truly yours.