How to Get Your First Apartment

When you’re searching for your first apartment, you want to choose a place that’s within your budget, where you feel comfortable, and in an area that you like. The hunt for a rental can seem intimidating. But when you’re well informed, you can find your perfect place with confidence. We’ve broken the preparation process down into the eight steps you’ll want to follow to get your first apartment.

1. Set your rental budget

Before you start your search for an apartment, it’s important to establish a budget so you don’t waste time focusing on rentals you can’t afford. You can use Zillow’s Rent Affordability Calculator to help determine a reasonable monthly rent. Just enter your income, your monthly debts, monthly expenses, and your monthly savings contributions. Then we suggest how much rent you can afford to pay. Quick and easy.

Exploring budget-friendly neighborhoods is another essential part of choosing an affordable space. While it’s tempting to focus on the areas with all the newest cafes and shops, it’s important to find a neighborhood that offers good value for your money. We get more into exploring neighborhoods below.

2. Check your credit score

Landlords and property managers will check your credit report to assess your financial reliability. A credit score of 600 or higher is ideal when renting. Although, some private landlords may be more lenient — especially if you're renting an apartment for the first time.

Since this is your first rental, your credit score may be low or non-existent, especially if you don’t have any loans or credit cards you’ve been paying off. There are various ways you can improve your credit, like having different lines of credit open or checking your credit report for any errors. Paying your rent on time can help you build your credit as well. 

If you’re worried that a low score will keep you from getting approved for an apartment, you could ask  somebody with a higher credit score to co-sign your lease, like a, relative, partner, or close friend.

3. Decide if you want or need a roommate

One of the most significant advantages of having a roommate is the financial benefit it provides. By splitting the rent and utilities, you can significantly reduce your monthly expenses. Plus, having a roommate can help you afford a nicer or larger apartment than you might be able to on your own. 

Still, there are upsides and downsides to living with someone else, and one person’s pro can be another’s con. Figure out if you should get a roommate by asking yourself questions like whether you can compromise on things like home decor, and how much you value your own personal space. 

Once you’ve decided to get a roommate, there are many ways to find the right roommate for you, including browsing Zillow listings specifically for rooms that are up for rent.

4. Shop around for apartments

The search for the perfect home is a treasure hunt, and it all starts with a thorough exploration of the market. Zillow lets you explore all kinds of rentals in any city you like, and you can get detailed information about each property, like square footage and any amenities that are included. You can filter your search to focus on the features you want, like a pet-friendly rental or on-site parking. 

Some apartments even offer a virtual tour so you can get a feel for the space without leaving your couch. All these tools can help you narrow down your options faster.

5. Tour apartments in person

Once you’ve shortlisted a few potential apartments, you could drop in on some open houses if they’re available, or request a tour of the rental. This is your chance to see the space in person, ask questions, and get a feel for the building and community. Meeting potential landlords in person can give you insights into their management style and responsiveness.

You should also walk through the rental to make sure it’s up to your standards. Test any appliances to make sure they’re in working order, and look for signs of wear and tear. Also check the condition of the countertops, cabinets, and plumbing. This can help you gauge the overall maintenance and care of the property.

If the apartment complex offers any amenities, check them out. Having on-site parking, storage, and a laundry room can really boost your living experience — if everything is actually clean and functional.

6. Ask any and all questions

Curiosity is your best friend during your apartment search, so don’t hesitate to ask the landlord or property manager every question that comes to mind. For example, if you have a pet, ask about their pet policies. Landlords and property managers have varying rules regarding pets, so it’s crucial to get the details upfront. Ask about any pet fees, restrictions on breed or size, and whether there are any additional requirements like pet insurance. Information on things like this could significantly impact your final decision on where to live, so clarity is essential.

Looking over a copy of the apartment’s rental agreement can help answer a lot of questions as well.

7. Visit various neighborhoods

Maybe your heart is set on a specific part of town because it’s close to your friend’s place, or your favorite bookstore is nearby. But there is more to consider.

You should make time to explore multiple neighborhoods to find the best fit for your lifestyle and budget. Each neighborhood has its unique vibe, amenities, and costs, so you want to understand what each area has to offer. 

Research different neighborhoods to understand their cost of living. Look for areas that are safe, have good public transportation (if you plan to use it), and are close to amenities you’ll need, like grocery stores.

8. Gather some references

You’ll be asked to submit various documents when you apply for an apartment, like your most recent pay stubs and your ID. You might also be asked to submit some references, so your landlord can have extra assurance that you’ll be a good tenant. Landlords are looking for renters who are reliable, responsible, and likely to take good care of their property, so find people who can help you make your case.

Start by reaching out to your current or former employers. Choose those who can speak positively about your work ethic, punctuality, and reliability. 

In addition to employment references, consider including a character reference from a mentor or a friend. This can add a personal touch to your application and provide insight into your character and reliability outside of a professional setting.

Of course, make sure all your references are willing to help. Reach out to them in advance to ask if they want to provide a reference for your first apartment.

At the end of all this, you should have a couple of places that you want to apply to. We’ve got a guide on how to go through the rental application process as well. Our top tip? Make the application process fast and easy through Zillow.