PLEASE answer apartment renters?!??!?!?!?

Question

I am currently seventeen years old, almost eighteen and I am looking into renting an apartment in the next three to six months. I would rent a one bedroom apartment, and I was wondering if yall could answer some questions!

-how much is your electric, gas, and water bill on average?

-can seventeen year olds move in to complexes?

-what is the average move in cost?

-what should i look out for or be cautioned by when purchasing an apartment?

-what other bills have to be paid for apartments?

thank you so much!

Answer 1

Utilities are cheaper for an apartment than a house.  I have lived several types.

I would expect to pay 100-200 dollars for gas, electric.  Most apartments, water is included in the rent.  If not, add 20 a month.  Trash pickup is usually included in the rent too.

Most places will not rent to someone under 18.  In some cases, 21.  You have to be of legal age to enter into a lease unless someone "co-signs" the lease with you.

Average move in cost, expect first and last month rent or first month rent with a deposit.  varies across the nation.  400-600 for a deposit is what I would expect.

Look our for...the neighborhood.  Is it nice, safe, clean.  Is the apartment well kept.  Everything in working order.  Who covers maintenance, you or the landlord.

I would get renters insurance.  It is relatively cheap.  A couple of hundred a year based on location.  It could be more in most locations.  Of course, you have to pay for phone, cable (??), etc.

Answer 2

Lola, I wasn't going to answer this, was going to bed, but I was impressed at how responsible you sounded.

So much depends on where you live.

Not likely one would rent to a seventeen-year-old, and if so, watch out for the lechers.  

Don't get an all-electric place, meaning washer, dryer, oven range, it's the most expensive to pay in utilities.  Gas is cheaper.  Regarding the water bill, many times the owner will pay that, or it's negeotible.  In an apartment it isn't a big thing with one person renting.  In a house rental you want the owner to pay for that and a gardner, it's in his own interest.

Make sure the place is clean, bug free, no dirty floors or carpets, drapes, etc.  Fresh paint and all the plumbing works.

  Some prefer a month to month lease, some a six month to one year lease, depends on what you feel?  Being your first place maybe you'll decide to move back home?  If so, a long lease sets you up with a costly liability.  On the other hand, if you want the security of a year lease so the owner can't all of a sudden decide to sell and boot you out.....???  

Dress well when you look for a place, appropriate to your age, and don't giggle, lol.  

Normally they'll want the first and last months rent up front to move in.  In some states it's illegal to require a 'deposit' as well.  In a lease agreement be sure it does not say they can raise the rent whenever....  usually it's yearly, but he'd better keep the place up, as should you.  If pets are an issue have that discussed up front.  

Be ready to show proof of a job and that you are able to pay and are dependable.  Most importantly, be very thoughtful if you consider taking on a room mate; male or female, to help w/rent.  Some times that can be the biggest problem of them all.  Truly.  

Best of luck, young lady, and remember, this is how you establish your credit, your an adult now, you want a good reference.  God bless, Mary & Mike.

Answer 3

I'll answer as best as I can, but remember, everything depends on your location and what the apartment complex offers per rental agreement.

Gas:  Around $30-$60 a month.  It varies depending on the time of year.

Electric:  Around $60-$90, depending on the time of year.

Water:  $0.  It's covered by our rental company.

Sewage and waste:  $0.  It's covered by our rental company.

Age?  It all depends on the state and the rental company.  That's something you have to ask each seperate apartment complex.  

Move in costs:  We had to pay a deposit of $300 when we moved in, plus first month's rent.  Some places require deposit plus first AND last month's rent.  Some won't make you pay a deposit.  Again, ask.

Options:  Know what you want and don't want.  Know where you want to live (ghetto areas usually have cheaper apartments than 'nicer' areas).  Know how many bedrooms and bathrooms you are looking for.  Know what price range you are looking for, and avoid apartments too far out of your price range.  Also, do you want a washer and dryer in your apartment, or can you deal with a community laundry room?  Same goes for a dishwasher.  Do you want one or no?  And don't forget about pets.  Some apartments don't allow any pets, some limit you to just small animals like fish and rodents, while others may have a weight limit to pets, like 25 lbs, which is the more popular weight, up to 100 lbs (less common).  Some will even allow cats, but not dogs.  Ask questions about pets when you're looking around.  Do you want an apartment with a pool and clubhouse or gym?  

When doing a walkthrough of an apartment, check for leaks, mold, cleanliness of the walk through facilities and office areas.  Our apartment complex has it's own maintenance department, so getting repairs done is quick.  

Other bills:  Think about phone, cable, internet, groceries, clothes, renter's insurance (if you want it).

Answer 4

-I have a one bed one bath and my electric and gas totals no more that $90 / month (has been as high as $120 in the winter).

-I believe you have to be at least 18 years old to sign a lease agreement because at 17 you are not of legal age.

-Move in costs - u-haul rental, paying movers or helpers, food, or any other housing essentials - dishes, towels, personal products, broom, vacuum etc.

- Look at the neighborhood of the development, look thoroughly through the lease and see what you are getting into. Make sure you can afford it.

-Other bills - cable, phone, food, cc bills or loans, rent and maybe saving up to purchase furniture. Try to buy it when you have all of the money rather than financing things. You will get over your Head.

Also another tip is to take it easy in the beginning and save and learn to be on your own. Do not rush trying to furnish the place and get high priced items. Put away a certain amount per month or week for furniture and when you have enough buy it outright. When you have the money purchase your dishes and other things but in the beginning if you have to use plastic and paper plates.