Being a renter (or a former renter) is a lifestyle that most non-renters wouldn’t understand. From the good to the bad, we’ve put together this A-Z list of what it’s like to be renting your place of residence.
A - Amenities.
For example, a community pool, building groups and activities, dog run, parking or snow-shoveling services. Just some of the perks of living in an apartment community!
B - Budgeting.
Without it, you’d be broke. Admit it. Need help creating a budget? Here are a few helpful tips for you.
C - Credit.
Important for taking out loans, getting a new apartment or house, and many other things. Luckily, we can help you build credit history! Here’s how.
D - Decorating
Important to make your cozy little rental feel like home. Here are some tips for decorating that won’t violate your lease.
E - Eviction.
Reasons include: not paying rent, punching holes in your walls, harboring illegal pets, growing/using drugs, etc. Don’t let it happen to you!
F - First apartment.
Ah, there’s nothing quite like your first, however small/dark/smelly/poorly located it may be. Check out some first apartment moving tips.
G - Grubhub.
Your emergency food lifeline when you haven’t hit the grocery store in a while.
H - Heat.
Why finding an affordable place with central air can feel like winning the lottery! Inversely, also a bill that can steal a good chunk of your paycheck each winter.
I - Insurance.
As in, renter’s. Stay protected, both inside and outside your unit. Click here for more information about renters insurance.
J - Joint liability.
Pick a responsible roommate, or you might be stuck footing the bill! When both you and your roommate have signed the lease, you are jointly responsible for paying the bills, even if one of you wants to move out before the lease terms comes to an end.
K - Keys.
There’s nothing quite like getting the keys to a new place. Which one of these opens up the front door, again?
L - Landlord.
Your gatekeeper to the rental world. It’s important to keep the peace with your landlord, or you could get fined, lose your security deposit, or even get evicted. Also, next time you try to rent, they may want a reference from your current landlord.
M - Moving.
That time where you bribe your friends with beer and pizza to help you. Work around the frustration of the process with hacks and tips to make it go quickly and smoothly.
N - Negotiations.
Never sign a lease without looking through it first! It’s perfectly acceptable to negotiate the terms of the lease - here’s how.
O - Odor.
What IS that weird smell that won’t go away? Why won’t my neighbor stop cooking fish every night for dinner? Do you think it’s time to clean the litterbox? A more common problem than you’d think.
P - Pet policy.
If you want to bring home that adorable little ball of fluff, make sure that your landlord will allow it. There may be extra fees involved, such as an added monthly cost or a down payment.
Q - Quiet hours
For all you partiers out there, your building may have built-in quiet hours, or restrictions on how many guests you can have over. Before you throw the party of the year, make sure that it won’t result in noise complaints or fines.
R - Rent.
What else? We’re all about the rent here. Online rent payments make it easier for you, and everyone involved. That way, it won’t get lost in the mail, and you won’t have to do the last-minute scramble to get it in on time.
S - Security Deposits.
Your main motivator for treating the place with kid gloves. Get your deposit back by not trashing the place, or violating any of the rules of your lease (i.e. don’t paint or stick things up on the walls). It’s as easy as that!
T - Thermostat.
Aka the ongoing battle of hot vs. cold between you and your roommate. When picking someone to live with, it’s a good idea to discuss temperature compatibility!
U - Upstairs neighbors.
You know the ones, they walk around in their high heels at 6 AM. If you’re the upstairs neighbor, a good way to minimize the noise is by putting rugs on top of the hardwood floor.
V - View.
Gorgeous cityscape, rural background, or brick wall. It’s your call. Let’s just hope your view doesn’t include a straight shot into your neighbor’s bedroom.
W - Water Heater
There’s nothing worse than running out of hot water in the middle of a shower! Especially during a polar vortex. Make sure that your water heater is working before you move in.
X - Xtra mile.
Want your landlord to love you (and maybe give you extra perks)? Make sure to go that extra mile - for example, don’t call them to change lightbulbs or other small repairs. Landlords like tenants who do not overwhelm them with demands - they’ll be more likely to comply when you need them to.
Y - Year lease
Most rental leases are for the duration of a year. However, some landlords offer lower rent if you sign on to live there for a longer period of time.
Z - Zero.
The number of times you hope to have late rent payments. Never pay rent late again - our Autopay service will ensure that the rent goes out on time, every time.
