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.