Moving Out to Your First Memphis Apartment
Nov 22nd, 2007 by Memphis Apartments
Moving out for the first time to a Memphis apartment is one of the biggest steps you’ll take in life. It not only represents your freedom, independence and a sense of growing up, it also tests your ability to make it on your own.
The first decision you’ll make regarding moving out is usually based on your situation. Will you rent a Memphis apartment or a house? Will you purchase a home? Or will you consider buying or renting a condominium or townhouse? For the sake of time we will lump this section into two categories, renting a Memphis apartment or a house. As with purchasing your first car, budget is going to be a major factor in determining all of the bells and whistles that will be attached to your first place. How many rooms? How many square feet? Do I need underground parking or a garage? How about a view of the mountains or downtown?
Since most of us will be renting our first place, we will begin there. There are usually two ways to go. You can rent month-to-month, which means you are able to move out whenever you want, but it also means the Memphis apartment landlord can kick you out or raise your rent almost at will. The other way to go is a Memphis apartment lease. The lease locks you into a predetermined number of months. For most Memphis apartments and condos, a one-year lease is standard. Landlords will usually charge you less if you sign a lease with them. Keep in mind that if you sign a one-year-lease and decide to move out after two months, you’re still on the hook for the additional ten months. Make sure you really like living under that Memphis apartment roof and plan to stay there for the lease period or you may want to stick with a month-to-month.
Whenever you rent a Memphis apartment or a house, there will always be a deposit required. This deposit will vary based on:
1. The amount of the rent.
2. Your credit score.
3. Are you signing a lease or renting month-to-month?
4. Is the Memphis apartment landlord buying a new car that month?
5. Are you good looking …(just kidding, if this one is part of the deal, then run, don’t walk, to another rental).
You can usually expect to pay first month plus a security deposit equal to first month’s rent. If you are renting a Memphis apartment or condo, many times there is a reduction or special deal offered by the complex. For example, you may be able to pay first month’s rent plus a small deposit of say, a few hundred dollars. If you have pets, and the Memphis apartment landlord allows them, you will be required to pay a deposit for the pet. In some cases, the Memphis apartment landlord may require you to pay first month’s rent plus last month’s rent and a security deposit. The important thing to remember is to find out exactly what will be required before you sign anything.
OK, moving day. You’ve taken ten minutes and packed up all your worldly possessions. Mom is standing by the door weeping because her baby is now ready to fly the coop. Even though you needed them to give you 20 bucks to go out last week, you are ready to be an independent adult. Dad is also standing by the door, but he’s got a slight grin on his face. Why you ask? He is planning how to turn your room into his office or new entertainment center! But forget about that for now. You’ve found the Memphis apartment, signed the rental agreement, paid your fees and are moving in.