Renting your first apartment

Confirm rent is under ~30% of take-home pay

If it's higher, you're setting up cash-flow problems every month.

Read the entire lease — every page

Pay attention to break-lease fees, guest policies, and who pays for what utilities.

Do a move-in walkthrough with photos

Document every existing scratch, stain, and defect in dated photos. Send them to the landlord in writing.

Get renters insurance

Typically $10–20/month. Covers theft, fire, water damage, and liability. Most leases require it.

Budget for first month + last month + security deposit

Plus application fees, movers, and any pet fees. Have this cash before you commit.

Set up utilities in your name

Electricity, gas, internet. Some require deposits if you have no credit history.

Update your address everywhere

USPS mail forwarding, driver's license, bank, employer, subscriptions, voter registration.

Furnish only the essentials for the first month

Wait to buy the rest. Once you live there, you'll know what you actually need.

Meet at least one neighbor

A single friendly neighbor is more useful in an emergency than any app.