Renting a House for the First Time as a Young Person

There comes a time in our lives as young guys or ladies when we wish to move out of our parent’s house or where we live with other people.

That feeling of independence is so exciting and comforting, it gives us the vibe that we are ready to take on more responsibilities for ourselves and by ourselves.

However, it is not an easy task to find an apartment especially when you are not financially balanced. It comes with a lot of struggle as one is starting from scratch and you may not have anyone to give you a hand. 

Nevertheless, it is a journey that we need to embark on as we are not going to stay entirely in our parent’s house forever. Getting ready to move out is one thing but finding an apartment to rent is another big task.

Also, check out How to Start an Online Business.

In this post, we will consider the two big tasks – getting ready to move out and things to look out for when renting a house for the first time. However, I will place much emphasis on the latter in this article. 

Tips to consider when renting a house for the first time as a young person

The following tips will help you with the adventure of renting a house for the first time as a young person:

Request and review the Utility Bill

When you are checking out the apartments, please put in mind as part of your task to research or ask questions about the cost of the utility bill in the apartment. Ask how much you pay for water, electricity, and other utilities.

The importance of this is that you get to know whether the bills will take a negative toll on your income or not. Secondly, you get to understand whether the bill is fixed or varies.

If it is fixed, you help your budget plans as you do have a clear overview of what you will be spending over a couple of periods. On the other hand, if the prices vary, it is best to know the highest and lowest price possible to give you an idea of the range of prices for your utility bill.

Evaluate the contract of agreement

This action is for everyone wishing to rent an apartment whether it is the first time or not. Take time to review the dos and don’ts mentioned in the contract. Afterward, draw up the pros and cons for each of the conditions outlined in the agreement.

If you have more cons than pros, then you need to be honest with yourself to know that the contract of agreement is not in your favor. The chances of you fulfilling the agreement are low and may in turn cause a breach of the agreement with consequences that can affect you.

Therefore, I advise you to ensure that you are confident that you will fulfill the terms of the agreement before renting the apartment.

Evaluate the location of the apartment and its environs

Check out whether the navigation to the location of the apartment is easily accessible or manageable. Research to know how scenarios of different conditions affect the roads. Check for alternative routes and how easy it is to find that location. 

Pay attention to reviews

There’s a lot of information you can get from reviews from people who are living in the environment and including those living in the apartment. If you are searching for an apartment online, check out the reviews and comments on the apartment.

You need to understand that reviews help reveal some key insights that can help your search and decision on finding an apartment for yourself. 

Use your budget to make a list

There is no problem when you have a high taste when it comes to finding an apartment. However, it is a problem when you feel the need to outstretch your finances to get that high taste. It is counterproductive and not wise economically when you do not have the money.

Therefore, it is prudent to have a budget and then tailor your list of expectations according to your budget. Check out houses that meet the budget, you can check up to 5 to 7 houses to make your comparison.

Check for ease of commuting 

It is better to rent a place where you can easily find transportation. In addition, the hours of commute and cost should be minimal.

This tip is essential for you when you have a job that is not remote and you are not a boss of your own. However, if you think you can afford the cost, you might not give this area much thought.

Also, check out High-Income Skills to Make Money in Nigeria.

Visit and Assess the Space

The best way you can give an assessment is for you to be present to check it yourself. Schedule your time and visit the space to check the conditions of the apartment.

You need to be ready to scrutinize everything. When you spot damages, ask the landlord or agent how those damages will get fixed.

Also, whether the problem can be fixed before you sign the agreement. In a nutshell, you need to get the necessary details concerning what needs to happen to make the place conducive for you before you move in. 

Align your choice with your personality/lifestyle

Some may play this down as something that doesn’t matter but that is not true. There is no way your judgment about renting an apartment will not influence your decision.

Therefore, take a close look at your personality and your preferences. Draw a list of what I call non-negotiables – those things that you feel are in tune with your lifestyle.

For example, renting a space where you can not have pets will not be okay for you if you are so much of a pet lover. Living in that kind of space makes you feel incomplete and you might not feel comfortable.

Check the Security awareness and level

The safety of life and property is a non-negotiable factor to consider when you are trying to get an apartment. You need to feel safe around your neighbors, surrounding,  and your space 

Check the level of convenience

Convenience is how much struggle you have to go through if you want to get basic things such as groceries, food, money, and drugs. If you find it hard to navigate and get those things easily then the place is not entirely a good fit for you.

Things to consider before you start living on your own

I feel this is important and relevant to our discussion. However, I will not be making so much emphasis on this area as I stated earlier that it is not our main discussion. However, let me quickly chip in with some things. 

If you want to start to live on your own, consider the following before finally making the decision. 

• Be Financially Stable
• Ensure you are mentally ready to live on your own
• Create a budget and a plan for how you will get money for the rent
• Discuss with your parents/guardians: Because they have walked down that road before you and they may have one or two tips and links to help you ease your transition.
• Carefully plan for the expected and the unexpected 

Final Notes on Renting a House for the First Time as a Young Person

Like I said earlier, we all are going to someday have that thought of finding our space following the path of independence. However, the process may be our first time but not entirely the first time such will happen in the world.

In our luck, we have a couple of tips to use as a guide to help with the transition. In this post, you will find a couple of pieces of advice that will help you make the right choice in renting a house for the first time as a young person.

Before you go, check out The Qualities of a Good Teacher.