Renting checklist

First apartment checklist

Use this checklist before you sign a lease, schedule movers, or spend your move-in cash.

Before applying

• Set a rent ceiling with your income, debt, savings, and utility costs.
• Check commute time during the hours you will actually travel.
• Ask what is included: water, trash, parking, internet, laundry, pet fees.
• Prepare ID, proof of income, references, and application fee budget.

Before signing

• Read lease dates, rent due date, late fees, renewal terms, and notice rules.
• Confirm deposit amount and conditions for return.
• Photograph move-in condition before bringing furniture.
• Do not rely on verbal promises unless they are written into the lease or addendum.

Setup tasks

• Schedule electricity, gas, internet, renters insurance, and mail forwarding.
• Keep an emergency fund separate from furniture and decoration spending.
• Save lease, inspection photos, receipts, and utility account numbers.