{"id":3089,"date":"2026-07-14T10:10:18","date_gmt":"2026-07-14T16:10:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fourwalls.rentler.com\/?p=3089"},"modified":"2026-07-14T10:11:54","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T16:11:54","slug":"rent-first-apartment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/rent-first-apartment\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Rent an Apartment: Total Step-by-Step Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Figuring out how to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/tenant\/find-your-home\">rent an apartment<\/a> or house for the first time can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. To make the process as easy as possible, it\u2019s important to be prepared and to know what to expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting Started: Renting an Apartment for the First Time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Renting your first place is a major financial and lifestyle commitment, and a mistake can end up costing thousands over a 12-month lease. For first-time renters, it\u2019s easy to underestimate total monthly costs on top of rent, like utilities and fees. Ultimately, not taking these things into account can lead to budget strain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, rental arrangements are a risk for both the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/tenant\">tenant and landlord<\/a>. Particularly in competitive rental markets like urban areas and college towns, faster, more prepared applicants have the advantage. An organized approach to renting can help you steer clear of common pitfalls like scams, bad leases, or unsafe neighborhoods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide from Rentler is your complete checklist for how to rent an apartment. We\u2019ve put it together specifically for first-time apartment renter scenarios. We\u2019ll cover the full lifecycle: budgeting, searching, applying, signing, and moving in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1 \u2013 Set a Budget Before You Start Apartment Hunting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1350\" height=\"551\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Budgeting_for_Your_First_Month__Upfront_Costs-1-1350x551.jpg\" alt=\"Budgeting for Your First Month Upfront Costs\" class=\"wp-image-4059\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Budgeting_for_Your_First_Month__Upfront_Costs-1-1350x551.jpg 1350w, https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Budgeting_for_Your_First_Month__Upfront_Costs-1-500x204.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Budgeting_for_Your_First_Month__Upfront_Costs-1-768x314.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Budgeting_for_Your_First_Month__Upfront_Costs-1-1536x627.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Budgeting_for_Your_First_Month__Upfront_Costs-1-2048x837.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Budgeting_for_Your_First_Month__Upfront_Costs-1-1028x420.jpg 1028w, https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Budgeting_for_Your_First_Month__Upfront_Costs-1-696x284.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Budgeting_for_Your_First_Month__Upfront_Costs-1-1068x436.jpg 1068w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1350px) 100vw, 1350px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Use the 30% rule: your rent should be no more than 30% of your gross monthly income. For example, if your income is $4,000\/month your rent should be around $1,200.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Calculate your net income and subtract fixed expenses like loan payments, subscriptions, and insurance. Once you know your net income, factor in monthly costs beyond rent, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Utilities: <\/strong>$150\u2013$350\/month, depending on location<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Internet: <\/strong>$50\u2013$100\/month<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Groceries: <\/strong>$300\u2013$500\/month<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Then, add a 10\u201315% buffer for unanticipated expenses like repairs, medical emergencies, and travel. Another pitfall to avoid is \u201cbudget creep.\u201d Don\u2019t tour apartments above your price range and then start straining your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll also need to determine the max upfront cash needed, or the \u201cmove-in cost.\u201d This usually includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Security deposit, typically 1\u20132 months\u2019 rent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First month\u2019s rent (sometimes last month too)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Application\/admin fees: $25\u2013$100<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, compare the cost of living alone vs. with roommates, which can reduce rent by 30\u201350%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2 \u2013 Understand What You Need to Rent an Apartment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1350\" height=\"594\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/The_Renter_s_Speed-Apply_Checklist-1-1350x594.jpg\" alt=\"Renter s Speed-Apply Checklist\" class=\"wp-image-4060\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/The_Renter_s_Speed-Apply_Checklist-1-1350x594.jpg 1350w, https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/The_Renter_s_Speed-Apply_Checklist-1-500x220.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/The_Renter_s_Speed-Apply_Checklist-1-768x338.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/The_Renter_s_Speed-Apply_Checklist-1-1536x676.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/The_Renter_s_Speed-Apply_Checklist-1-2048x901.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/The_Renter_s_Speed-Apply_Checklist-1-955x420.jpg 955w, https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/The_Renter_s_Speed-Apply_Checklist-1-696x306.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/The_Renter_s_Speed-Apply_Checklist-1-1068x470.jpg 1068w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1350px) 100vw, 1350px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/how-to-rent-an-apartment-with-bad-credit\/\">credit score<\/a>, income, and rental history each play a big role in determining whether or not you will be approved for an apartment or house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On applications, landlords typically require:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Proof of income (2\u20133x monthly rent)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Credit score (usually 600\u2013700+)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Photo ID<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rental history or references<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re a first-time renter with no rental history, knowing how to get an apartment is a challenge. A co-signer or guarantor (usually required to earn 3\u20135x rent) can sign your lease with you. You might also offer a larger security deposit or provide bank statements or a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/apartment-hunting-when-youre-unemployed-what-you-need-to-know\/\">job offer letter<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep in mind that hard credit checks may drop your credit score slightly, so don\u2019t just \u201cspam\u201d applications. Keep your documents prepared in advance to apply quickly in competitive markets. Popular units, for example, may receive 5-10 applications within 48 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3 \u2013 Choose the Right Location and Apartment Type<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Research the crime rates of the neighborhood, as well as walkability, transit access, and nearby grocery stores. Your commute is also an important factor. Is saving $200\/month on rent worth an extra 10+ hours\/week in travel?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most rentals are either apartments or private rentals. Apartment complexes usually offer more amenities, but have a higher cost. Private rentals are often cheaper, but have fewer amenities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider how to rent an apartment that fits your lifestyle. Do you prefer a quiet space or nightlife-heavy areas? What\u2019s the proximity to work, school, gyms, and your social life? Remote workers might value space over location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a benchmark, national average rent is around $1,700, but this varies widely by city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4 \u2013 Define Your Needs vs. Wants (Avoid Overpaying)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Create a \u201cmust-have vs. nice-to-have\u201d list. Must-haves might include budget, location, safety, and laundry access. Nice-to-haves could be a gym, pool, balcony, or upgraded finishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You should also consider hidden costs like parking fees and pet rent, which can add hundreds to your expenses. Luxury amenities can also add $100\u2013$500\/month in rent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Apartment shopping is exciting, but don\u2019t get \u201cdream apartment\u201d syndrome. Compare price to size, and stay practical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 5 \u2013 Decide If You Need a Roommate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Having a roommate means less privacy and shared responsibilities. However, it can also save you 30-50% on rent and utilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not everyone is compatible for living together, though, so have a conversation about cleanliness habits, schedule, guests, pets, and noise before moving in together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep in mind that if your roommate doesn\u2019t pay, you may still be liable. Even with a friend, consider a separate roommate agreement that covers rent split, chores, and house rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Having a roommate is best for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Students<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Early career professionals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High-cost cities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 6 \u2013 Search for Apartments Strategically<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Use multiple platforms in your search, like listing sites, local Facebook groups, and property websites. Be sure to set alerts for new listings, and respond within hours in competitive markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most sites let you filter by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Price<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Location<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Amenities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lease terms<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Try to compare at least 3-5 options before deciding. Watch for signs of scams, like prices far below market, and never send a payment before viewing a rental.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Time of year is another factor in the housing landscape. Summer usually means higher prices, but more inventory, while winter offers fewer options and lower prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 7 \u2013 Tour Apartments and Spot Red Flags<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you tour a property, bring a checklist and take photos\/videos for comparison later. Test essentials like water pressure, appliances, locks, and outlets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure to ask about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Total monthly cost (rent + fees)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maintenance response time<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lease terms and renewal increases<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Red flags to look for include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mold, pests, and bad odors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Poor maintenance or damage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unresponsive or evasive landlords<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Visit at different times of day as well to compare noise levels, and check cell service and internet options. The right property will balance price, condition, and location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 8 \u2013 Apply for the Apartment and Get Approved<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Submit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/what-to-expect-during-the-rental-application-process\/\">rental applications<\/a> quickly and pay any application fees (usually $25-$100 per applicant). Be prepared for background and credit checks. The approval timeline is typically 24-72 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can improve your approval odds by providing complete documentation upfront or paying a higher deposit if needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If there are multiple applicants, the landlord may simply choose the applicant with the highest income and credit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 9 \u2013 Read and Sign the Lease Carefully<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before signing a lease, make sure to read it carefully and understand all of the terms and conditions. Pay attention to details such as the length of the lease, the amount of the security deposit, and any restrictions on things like pets or guests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Key lease terms to verify include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Monthly rent + total cost (including fees)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lease length (usually 12 months)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Late fees and grace periods<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Penalties for breaking a lease early (often 1\u20132 months\u2019 rent)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pet\/guest policy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Subletting rules<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maintenance responsibilities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a legally binding document, so make sure to read all the \u201cfine print.\u201d In some cases, you may be able to negotiate rent, upgrades, parking, and the move-in date. Hidden fees in a lease can add $100-$300\/month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 10 \u2013 Prepare for Move-In and First Month<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Understand the process for moving in and moving out of the property. This includes knowing when you can move in, when rent is due, and the procedures for returning the keys and getting your security deposit back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Set up utilities like electric, water, and internet before you move in, and purchase renters insurance ($10\u2013$25\/month, often required). Before you get settled, complete a move-in inspection checklist and document damage with photos\/videos so you aren\u2019t liable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Submit change of address to USPS, banks, and subscriptions. Then, plan for moving logistics. DIY is less expensive, but much more work. Movers may charge anywhere from $300-$2,000, depending on distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Budget for essentials like furniture, kitchen items, and cleaning supplies, and expect higher expenses than usual in your first month<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common Mistakes First-Time Renters Make (and How to Avoid Them)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>These are some of the biggest mistakes to avoid as a first-time renter:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Apartments above budget<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ignoring total cost (fees + utilities) and underestimating monthly spend<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not checking the lease for unexpected rules or penalties<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Skipping inspection and losing the security deposit later<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Falling for scams (always check listings and tours in person)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Waiting too long to apply and losing desirable units<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not documenting communication with the landlord<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs About How to Rent an Apartment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much money should I save before renting my first apartment?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Try to have at least 3x your monthly rent saved up to cover security deposit, fees, and first month\u2019s rent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I rent an apartment with no credit history?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, it is possible to rent with no credit history. You can improve your odds of approval by having a cosigner or paying a higher deposit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What documents do I need to rent an apartment?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For a rental application, you\u2019ll need proof of income, photo ID, and rental history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long does it take to get approved for an apartment?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most rental applications get a response within 24-72 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is it better to rent alone or with roommates?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Renting with roommates can be a great way to save on rent and utilities (up to 30-50%), but it also means less space and privacy. Determine your budget and how much you value control over your space to help decide if you want roommates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I look for when touring an apartment?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Check faucets, appliances, and power outlets, and look for red flags like mold, damage, or maintenance issues.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Figuring out how to rent an apartment or house for the first time can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. To make the process as easy as possible, it\u2019s important to be prepared and to know what to expect. Getting Started: Renting an Apartment for the First Time Renting your first place is a major [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":63,"featured_media":4058,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3089","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tenants"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Rent Your First Apartment | Rentler<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Want to know how to rent your first apartment? Get expert tips, tricks, and know-how to get you started on the right foot.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/rent-first-apartment\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Rent Your First Apartment | Rentler\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Want to know how to rent your first apartment? Get expert tips, tricks, and know-how to get you started on the right foot.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/rent-first-apartment\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Four Walls by Rentler\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/rentler\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-07-14T16:10:18+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-07-14T16:11:54+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rentler_How_to_Rent_an_Apartment-1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2360\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1248\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Anna L.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@rentler\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@rentler\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Anna L.\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/rent-first-apartment\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/rent-first-apartment\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Anna L.\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/de303bf78d7cb52a1f626735439c3353\"},\"headline\":\"How to Rent an Apartment: Total Step-by-Step Guide\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-07-14T16:10:18+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-07-14T16:11:54+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/rent-first-apartment\/\"},\"wordCount\":1603,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/rent-first-apartment\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rentler_How_to_Rent_an_Apartment-1.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Articles for Tenants\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/rent-first-apartment\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/rent-first-apartment\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/rent-first-apartment\/\",\"name\":\"How to Rent Your First Apartment | Rentler\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/rent-first-apartment\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/rent-first-apartment\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rentler_How_to_Rent_an_Apartment-1.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-07-14T16:10:18+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-07-14T16:11:54+00:00\",\"description\":\"Want to know how to rent your first apartment? Get expert tips, tricks, and know-how to get you started on the right foot.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/rent-first-apartment\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/rent-first-apartment\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/rent-first-apartment\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rentler_How_to_Rent_an_Apartment-1.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rentler_How_to_Rent_an_Apartment-1.jpg\",\"width\":2360,\"height\":1248,\"caption\":\"How to Rent an Apartment\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/rent-first-apartment\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Articles for Tenants\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"How to Rent an Apartment: Total Step-by-Step Guide\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"Four Walls by Rentler\",\"description\":\"Smart landlords and savvy tenants love the places they are renting.\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Rentler\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/four-walls-logo@2x.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/four-walls-logo@2x.png\",\"width\":544,\"height\":180,\"caption\":\"Rentler\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/rentler\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/rentler\",\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/rentler\/\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/rentler\",\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/rentler\/\",\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/rentler\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/de303bf78d7cb52a1f626735439c3353\",\"name\":\"Anna L.\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-16-at-11.05.42-120x120.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-16-at-11.05.42-120x120.png\",\"caption\":\"Anna L.\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/author\/anna-los\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How to Rent Your First Apartment | Rentler","description":"Want to know how to rent your first apartment? Get expert tips, tricks, and know-how to get you started on the right foot.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/rent-first-apartment\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How to Rent Your First Apartment | Rentler","og_description":"Want to know how to rent your first apartment? Get expert tips, tricks, and know-how to get you started on the right foot.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/rent-first-apartment\/","og_site_name":"Four Walls by Rentler","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/rentler","article_published_time":"2026-07-14T16:10:18+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-07-14T16:11:54+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2360,"height":1248,"url":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rentler_How_to_Rent_an_Apartment-1.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Anna L.","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@rentler","twitter_site":"@rentler","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Anna L.","Est. reading time":"8 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/rent-first-apartment\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/rent-first-apartment\/"},"author":{"name":"Anna L.","@id":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/de303bf78d7cb52a1f626735439c3353"},"headline":"How to Rent an Apartment: Total Step-by-Step Guide","datePublished":"2026-07-14T16:10:18+00:00","dateModified":"2026-07-14T16:11:54+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/rent-first-apartment\/"},"wordCount":1603,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/rent-first-apartment\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rentler_How_to_Rent_an_Apartment-1.jpg","articleSection":["Articles for Tenants"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/rent-first-apartment\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/rent-first-apartment\/","url":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/rent-first-apartment\/","name":"How to Rent Your First Apartment | Rentler","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/rent-first-apartment\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/rent-first-apartment\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rentler_How_to_Rent_an_Apartment-1.jpg","datePublished":"2026-07-14T16:10:18+00:00","dateModified":"2026-07-14T16:11:54+00:00","description":"Want to know how to rent your first apartment? Get expert tips, tricks, and know-how to get you started on the right foot.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/rent-first-apartment\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/rent-first-apartment\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/rent-first-apartment\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rentler_How_to_Rent_an_Apartment-1.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Rentler_How_to_Rent_an_Apartment-1.jpg","width":2360,"height":1248,"caption":"How to Rent an Apartment"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/rent-first-apartment\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Articles for Tenants","item":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/tenants\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"How to Rent an Apartment: Total Step-by-Step Guide"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/","name":"Four Walls by Rentler","description":"Smart landlords and savvy tenants love the places they are renting.","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"Rentler","url":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/four-walls-logo@2x.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/four-walls-logo@2x.png","width":544,"height":180,"caption":"Rentler"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/rentler","https:\/\/x.com\/rentler","https:\/\/instagram.com\/rentler\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/rentler","https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/rentler\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/rentler"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/de303bf78d7cb52a1f626735439c3353","name":"Anna L.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-16-at-11.05.42-120x120.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-16-at-11.05.42-120x120.png","caption":"Anna L."},"url":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/author\/anna-los\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3089","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/63"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3089"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3089\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4063,"href":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3089\/revisions\/4063"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4058"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3089"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3089"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rentler.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3089"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}