First Apartment Logistics
What's typically due when you sign your lease, in terms of payments?
What is: First month's rent and security deposit (usually same as rent)
What's the bill you are not responsible for as a renter in NY?
What is: the water bill
(NOTE: This might differ in other cities!)
My apartment doesn't have a doorman, and I'm having a package delivered. What should I do to make sure it doesn't get stolen?
-Let your roommates know you're expecting something
-Be on friendly terms with any close neighbors, and let them know you are expecting a package. You can return the favor if you receive mail for them too.
-Contact the shipping agency and request that the package be signed for, or left in a particular hidden spot.
How do I find out when my trash collection is?
Most cities have a published schedule online. In NYC, you can download the DSNY app to see your schedule.
Appliances (Microwave, blender, etc.)
Used can land you some great deals, if you shop around! Use FB marketplace and other apps to find local deals.
Who is responsible for calling/contacting your utility companies and setting up services?
You (and/or your roomates)! Not your landlord. You will contact your utility companies to set up an account directly.
What is highly recommended if you are a renter? It protects your belongings in the case of accidents or robberies.
What is: Renter's insurance
What are some good stores to get first-time apartment essentials? Things like: towels and kitchen utensils at inexpensive prices.
Target, TJ Max & Marshalls, IKEA, etc. Avoid brand-name stores or high price tags for your first set of items.
How long does my landlord have to give me back my security deposit when I move out?
It varies from state to state, typically between 14 days to 45 days.
Couch
Depends, both are correct!
Some couches are better than others when getting second-hand. Real Leather tends to hold up better; fabric couches can have stains or be harder to clean.
New couches can run you thousands. Be careful!
If something breaks or isn't working as intended, who should you contact?
Your building management or your landlord, depending on your situation. Try to share any details you have about it, and expect a visit from someone to check out the details.
What's a helpful tool that can help you pay your bills on time?
AutoPay / Direct Debit!
Most major bill companies offer this, and some may offer small discounts on your rates if you enroll.
Oh no! I knew my apartment didn't have in-unit laundry, but I forgot to look up where the closest laundromat is. Turns out, it's 5 blocks away.
what's the best thing I can do?
A few possible answers:
-Get a laundry cart to bring your bags of clothes!
-Get ready by finding shows/books/other media to watch while you're at the laundromat
-Ask any of your friends who have cars to help you on especially large laundry days (washing comforters, blankets, towels, etc.)
Your landlord wants to check something in the apartment. Do they have the right to come in whenever they want?
No, your landlord needs to provide you with 24 hours notice for non-emergency access to your apartment unit.
Rugs or Mats
Used, if you're willing to clean them! If not, New. Both are correct though!
This is the name of what you'll need if you don't meet the qualifications of an apartment (usually if your income is lower than 40x rent)
A Guarantor
What are the bills you are responsible for in NY?
Electricity, Natural Gas (cooking, heat), Internet, Phone Bill, Renters Insurance (optional but encouraged)
While you're moving in, you notice some weird damaged spots in your apartment. You're not sure how to proceed. What's the first step you should take?
1. Take pictures of anything abnormal you notice.
2. Contact your landlord (with pictures) and let them know.
This policy, detailed in your lease, lets you know if you are able to rent out your room to others, in the case of traveling or needing to move.
The Sublease policy.
Mattress
New, please. Used mattresses can have smells, stains, or (at worst) pests from previous owners. Bed Frames, on the other hand, are great second-hand.
Moving in can take a long time. How long should you estimate it will take you to get things together?
About one week, given: Movers schedules, time it takes to build furniture, unpacking, organizing.
To help with this, when you're packing try to pack a suitcase with about a week's worth of clothes. This will help as you pack the rest of your belongings into boxes worry-free.
Name 3 additional types of fees that you may have to pay when renting an apartment.
Any 3 of the following:
Pet Fees, Pest Control, Parking, Storage/Garage, Administrative Fees, Garbage Pickup
Something's come up, and my roommate needs to move out unexpectedly in the middle of the lease. What happens next, and who's responsible for rent?
1. Let your landlord know ASAP.
2. Depending on your lease, your roommate might be required to find someone to sublet their room to cover their share of rent.
What's the difference between a rental and a co-op?
A rental is a typical apartment. A co-op is also an apartment, though they belong to a larger collection of units. If you apply for a co-op, you'll likely have a lengthy process of applying to live in, in addition to paying monthly fees.
Desk Furniture
Try Second-hand! There are a lot of great pieces out there that people can't take with them for space purposes, etc.
Like everything on this list, use apps to find deals. Especially in big cities like NYC, there's always stuff around.