So you have finally made the decision to move out of your family house? Congratulations! One of the first things you’ll likely do as an adult is to rent your own apartment. As a first-time renter, you might feel intimidated about renting your first apartment. Not to worry though, the steps below will help you in securing your first apartment.

Step 1 – Set a Budget



Have a look at your annual income to determine how much you can afford. It is recommended that you only spend between 25% - 35% of your net income on rent. You also need to consider all the utility bills you would be required to pay like Power, Gas, Cable, etc. and make sure that you can afford the extra bills. If you can’t find a place within your budget, consider getting a roommate.

Step 2 – Create a Criteria to Identify Potential Apartments



Make a list of what you are looking for in an ideal apartment. How many bedrooms do you want? Any preference on location? Do you prefer a furnished or unfurnished apartment? After you have listed your criteria, go online and search for apartments that fit this criteria. Sites like Private Property, ToLet & Lamudi are good places to start your search.

Step 3 – Top Up Your Phone



Looking for a new apartment requires constantly calling agents and chasing leads for prospective apartments. Before you start searching, ensure that you have enough airtime to stay connected to these agents so that you are able to get the best place for your budget. The Zoto recharge app is recommended for recharging your phone on the go. The app also gives cashback on every recharge so you never run out of airtime.

Step 4 – Set Aside A Day To Visit Your Potentials



After you have identified some potential apartments, it is advisable to physically visit these apartments to see their condition. Make this process as efficient as possible by visiting as many of your potentials as you can in a single day. Saturdays are the busiest days for landlords & agents showing apartments, so try to go sometime during the week. Before you commit to any apartment, make sure you have properly inspected it to make sure that everything works and there are no damages. If something doesn’t, get a commitment from the landlord about fixing it.

Step 5 – Make A Good First Impression



When visiting a potential apartment, try to look and act your best. Landlords are always on the lookout for tenants that are reliable, courteous, and easy to get along with. Your first impression starts with the phone call to set up the appointment. Be polite and speak clearly. Also make sure you are on time! If you show up late to your appointment, the agent or landlord could take that as a sign you may be late in paying rent.

Step 6 – Ask Current Tenants About Their Experience



Never take the word of the landlord or agent about how great an apartment is. Their job is to sell so they will do their best to convince you to commit. Visit the apartment at a later date after you have viewed it to speak to the tenants about the experience living there.

Above all else, always try to be on the lookout for dubious agents. Before you part with your money, ensure that you have met with the landlord of the building and have verified this from other tenants.

Have you had any experience renting apartments before? Do you have any tips to share? Let us know in the comments!

Read more here: http://zoto.com.ng/6-steps-to-help-you-rent-your-first-apartment/