Moving out
- Can I afford to move out?Rent plus utilities at about 30% of income or less, and move-in cash often two to three times the monthly rent.
- Apartment hunting and rental scamsNever pay a fee, deposit or rent before you've seen the place and confirmed who owns it.
- Your first leaseBefore signing, get ten terms in writing, including deposit return deadline, every fee, entry notice and the cost of leaving early.
- Move-in photos and getting your deposit backPhotograph every room before you unpack, sign the move-in checklist, give a written forwarding address, and know your state's deadline.
- Setting up utilities and internetCheck the lease for which utilities you pay, start service two weeks ahead, ask about deposits and installments, and use the FCC broadband label.
- Changing your address and forwarding mailUse USPS.com/move ($1.10) two weeks early. Then update the IRS, DMV, voter registration, bank, job and insurance.
- Your rights as a tenantYou have a right to a livable home, and only a court can evict you. Lockouts and utility shutoffs are illegal.
- Living with roommatesIn week one, agree on sleep, noise, guests, cleaning, food and money and write it down. Raise problems within 48 to 72 hours.
- Splitting bills with roommatesWrite down each share of rent and utilities, due dates and whose name each bill is in before the first bill arrives.
- Renters insuranceAbout $173 a year on average. Choose replacement cost, a deductible you could pay tomorrow and $100,000 of liability. In Money