maleficent

1. figure out what you can afford to spend per month on rent... don't forget to include utilities (heat/hot water/electricity/water) as well as groceries and other living expenses.
2. Figure how much you have for move in costs -- (most places charge minimum of one month rent for security, plus you need to have the first months rent)
3. Figure out how long you want to live there - is the lease a full year lease, or is it a school year lease.
4. What do you have in thw way of furniture?
5. Know the area where you are moving to, especially the demographic of the building, is it mainly young people, older people, mixture, families (families and some older people might get crabby if you play your music loudly after certain hours) Figure out what's acceptable to you
6. What's your credit like? Most landlords in bigger complexes will run a credit check, and if your credit is poor or non existant, they have the right to not rent to you... they want a good risk. or they may charge more security or ask for a co-signer.
7. Moving in with someone is a big step... be sure it's somethign you really want to do - you never truly know a person until you live with them

Moving into your first apartment is a big step. and it's not an inexpensive one...

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