First Time Apartment Renter’s Guide

Do Your Homework

Renting your first apartment is both exciting and stressful. You want to make sure that you make the right decision because you’ll not only be making a big investment, you’ll be choosing a place to call home. The best way to get started is to do some homework. Determine how much you can afford, what kind of community you want to live in, and how far of a commute you’re comfortable with when it comes to your job. Doing some research ahead of time can go a long way in making sure you’re prepared to confidently make your decision when you find the right apartment.

Should You Have a Roommate?

If you’re moving away from home or school for the first time, you might want to think about whether or not you should have a roommate. Housing is expensive in Colorado, and having a roommate can put you in a much more stable financial situation. It’s also nice to have someone to share your time and household chores with. However, it can also be difficult to live with someone in such close quarters — especially if you don’t currently have a close friend or family member that you could imagine living with. Sharing your home with another person can be difficult and cause a lot of stress. In the end, there’s no one right answer — whether you decide to have a roommate or live alone is entirely your choice and dependent on what you decide is best for you.

Determine Your Budget

It can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of renting your first apartment and before you know it you’re locked into a lease and paying far more than you can afford. Before you even start your apartment search, take a good hard look at your finances and establish a budget. A good rule of thumb is to keep housing expenses to 30% or less of monthly gross income. And don’t forget that housing expenses are much more than just monthly rent. Make sure you include things such as utilities, pet fees, parking fees, and any other monthly charges related to housing.

Pick a Location

Next to staying within budget, location is perhaps the most important factor in choosing an apartment. You might be tempted to go for the beautiful new apartment close to your favorite ski resort, but if it means a two-hour commute to work each day, you should reconsider. Take into account how long of a commute you’re comfortable with, or if you don’t plan to drive, whether or not your new apartment will be close to public transportation. These factors plus taking into account whether you prefer to be in a quiet town or in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city can help you decide the right location for you.

Make a List of Needs & Wants

First-time renters may be overwhelmed with all of the amenities available at some apartment complexes, but before you decide that you need that apartment with a bowling alley and a lazy river, take some time to think about if it really meets your needs. First, consider how much space you need. Do you need a place with three bedrooms or will a one-bedroom do just fine? On the other hand, you want to make sure that you’re getting the most for your money so a place that offers included extras such as a pool or workout room while still being within budget can be a great value.

Take a Tour

Most apartments post pictures online of their units and amenities, but don’t make a decision just based on what you see on a website. Some photos may be enhanced and will make a place look much better than it is. On the contrary, some photos may look dark or unflattering when in reality the apartment looks much better in person. If you find an apartment that fits within your budget and has all of your basic requirements with regard to size and location, it’s probably worth taking a closer look. Simply call or make an appointment with the rental agent to take a tour. If they hesitate or say they don’t offer tours it’s a red flag that you should steer clear of that property.

Don’t Forget Your Pet!

If you have a dog or cat, don’t just assume that you’ll be able to take them with you. Did you know that many apartments don’t allow pets? If you can’t imagine life without your furry friend, we invite you to take a look at The Elements at Prairie Center. Our pet-friendly apartments in Brighton feature a fully-fenced onsite dog park, pet washing station, and community “yappy hour” events. We’re sure that you and your furry companion will find the perfect place to call home in our pet-loving community!

Fill Out An Application

Some first-time renters may not realize that they have to do more than just hand over their rent money to get an apartment. Potential renters have to first fill out an application and be screened before they are accepted and can sign a lease. Since most landlords or property management companies require specific information to be submitted with an application, it makes sense to gather these things ahead of time. While you may not need all of them, it will help if you have the following items handy when you start looking for an apartment:

Pay Stubs
W-2 Tax Form
Credit Score
Bank Statements
Rental History
Work History

Ask Questions About the Lease

Whether you do it online, over the phone, or during a tour, it’s a good idea to make a list of questions to ask a potential landlord. You don’t want to wait until you’re signing the lease to find out that they don’t accept pets or that you have to sign a year-long lease when you’ll be graduating and potentially moving again in the spring. While you might not remember to ask everything, making a list and taking the time to review it before making a decision will help make your renting experience that much easier.

Get Renter’s Insurance

Sometimes landlords will require renters to have insurance in order to live on their property. Renter’s insurance helps cover your belongings if they’re stolen or damaged but it can also help protect you financially if someone else gets injured on your property. When you’re researching potential apartments for rent, you may be told that you need renter’s insurance. Even if it's not required, it’s still a good idea to have. Fire, natural disasters, and other emergencies happen all the time and in the unfortunate event that it happens to you, you’ll want to make sure that you’re protected.

Looking For Apartments in Brighton?

If you’re looking for an apartment and want to be in a community that offers a small-town feel but is still close to all of the action, there’s no better place to be than at The Elements at Prairie Center in Brighton. We are ideally located just a short drive to downtown Denver, the Rocky Mountains and ski towns, and Denver International Airport. We have several spacious 1-, 2-, or and 3-bedroom apartments to choose from and a generous list of amenities.

Finding the right apartment doesn’t have to be difficult. By doing your homework and being realistic about your needs and budget, you can find a place that feels right at home.

See for yourself all that we have to offer. Contact The Elements at Prairie Center today to schedule a tour.

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First Time Apartment Renter’s Guide

Do Your Homework

Questions To Ask When Researching a New Apartment

Budget

Location

Number Of Bedrooms

Amenities

Lease Terms

Pet Policy