Tips for Apartment Hunting

When it comes to searching for your first apartment after Swarthmore, there are a couple of considerations to keep in mind to identify the best place for you to live.

Considerations on Finding the Perfect Fit

Budget

How much can you afford to pay?

  • What you pay to apply can include: an application fee and a credit check. If you commit to a lease, you pay a security deposit and first and last month’s rent.
  • If the place is unfurnished, you will have to pay for furniture.
  • Renters insurance (typically required): protects you in case of emergencies like fire and theft.
  • If you need to break your lease agreement for any reason, factor in what the implications are – will you have to pay the rest of the agreement? Find someone to sublet? Pay a cancellation fee?

Amenities

what are the requirements for where you want to live?

  • Space: number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage.
  • Location: Picking a less central location may mean cheaper rent and/or more space, but you may have to commute to your job.
    • Consider: The distance between your apartment and your job – could you commute by public transit or would you need a car? What is surrounding where you live (e.g. gym, bars/restaurants, grocery store, park, friends)? Compare the price of public transportation to owning and maintaining a car.
  • Parking: if you have a car, is onsite parking included? Does a parking space cost extra? If the only option is offsite parking, how easy is it to secure a space?
  • Other amenities: In-unit/in-building washer or dryer, a community gym or pool, storage space.

  • Unrealistically low prices
  • Requiring cash/wire payments
  • Not offering in-person tours
  • Not requiring a rental application or background check

Settling on a Place & Applying

Once you have found a place that meets most or all of your needs, request a showing.

  • Viewing the place in person allows you to see for yourself what pictures alone cannot AND allows you to ask important questions.
    • Asking about parking, utilities, damages, repair requests.
  • Get a feel for the place – how the lighting looks, the hallways smell, the outlet placement, thickness of the walls, etc. Make sure they answer your questions.

Here’s What You Could Need to Apply

  1. Proof of Income: pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, offer letters, etc.
  2. Credit Score: If you have a bad/no credit score, you need a co-signer or guarantor.
  3. Identification and Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
  4. Enough money to cover first and last month rent in addition to the security deposit.
  5. For parking: Vehicle registration and insurance
  6. References: multiple reliable, non familial references (sometimes).

"Adulting 101" in a hand drawn circle. On the curve of the circle reads "LIFE OUTSIDE THE BUBBLE"

This guide was put together by the University Innovation Fellows as apart of the Adulting 101 Series.

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