Finding Housing
Name one place you can look for avaible housing
Answer: Apartment Websites, property management companies, housing agencies, local listings, referrals, etc.
Your income is $2,000/month and your rent is $1,500/month. How much is left?
Answer: $500
The landlord won't let you see the apartment but wants you to send money immediately
RED FLAG!!!
What document explains the agreement between a tenant and landlord?
A lease/ rental agreement
You find your perfect apartment, but it's $400 more than you can realistically afford every month
What would you do?
Look for something cheaper, consider an affordable roommate situation, check housing resources, adjust the housing search
Before applying for an apartment, name TWO things you should know about the cost.
Answer: Rent, security deposit, application fee, utilities, move-in cost, pet fees, etc
Name THREE expenses you may have beside rent.
Answer: Food, electricity, gas, water, transportation, phone, insurance, household supplies, etc.
The landlord provides a written lease explaining the rent, deposit, and rules before you sign
GREEN FLAG!
True or False: You should take pictures of existing damage when you move into a rental.
TRUE. It can document what was already damage when you arrived
Your roommate says they're moving out and you're worried you won't be able to pay next month's rent.
What's your next move?
Review the lease, communicate with the landlord/ property manager, explore assistance/ resources, and consider an approved replacement roommate.
True Or False: If an apartment is advertised for $1,200, you only need $1,200 to move in
Answer: False. There may be deposits, fees, utilities, and other move in expenses.
Apartment A is $1,100 + $250 utilities.
Apartment B is $1,300 with utilities included.
Which is cheaper?
Apartment B by $50
You find an apartment that's way cheaper than everything else nearby, and the person says they're out of they're out of town but wants a deposit today.
RED FLAG!!!! Possible Scam
Your sink starts leaking badly. What's one of the first things you should do?
Answer: Notify the landlord/ property manager promptly and document the problem
Name THREE things you could do
Contact housing resources, establish a budget, gather identification/ documents, search listings, ask about assistance programs, contact property managers etc.
Name TWO things you may be asked to provide when applying for housing
ID, proof of income, references, rental history, application, etc.
Your rent is $900, utilities are $150, and internet is $50.
What is your total monthly housing cost ?
$1,100
The landlord tells you to read the entire lease and ask questions before signing
Green Flag!
You should understand the rules about guests, pets, and late rent before signing a lease
TRUE
Your rent is due in five days and you realize you're going to be short. What should you do instead of ignoring the problem?
Communicate early with the landlord/ property manager and look into available assistance/ resources
You find two apartments you can afford,
Name three things beside price that could help you decide which is better.
Location, safety, transportation, utilities, condition, lease terms, distance from work, amenities, etc.
You have $1,600 saved. Move-in requires $1,000 first month's rent + $1,000 security deposit.
Can you move in yet, and how much more do you need?
No. You need $400 more
Someone online asks you to pay a security deposit using gift cards before you've toured the apartment.
BIG RED FLAG! Possible scam
You don't understand part of your lease.
What should you do before signing it?
Ask questions and get clarification. Don't sign something you don't understand
You tour an apartment you really like, but notice bugs, broken window, and water damage. The landlord promises, " I'll fix everything after you move in."
What would you do?
Don't rush into signing or paying. Ask about repairs and get commitments in writing; consider another property if the conditions are concerning