Pros and Cons: Electric vs. Gas

October 21, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

In our Pros and Cons series, we weigh the advantages and disadvantages of important decisions that apartment dwellers are making every day. When you’re looking to move into your first apartment, it’s common to see some apartment listings with gas heating and stoves. You might also see electric heating and stoves (and many gas appliances…

What Is a Prewar Apartment Building?

August 28, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

If you’re looking for an apartment, especially in New York City, you’re likely to stumble upon the term “prewar apartment.” You’ll often see it in the section of an apartment listing describing the property’s features. Some people actively seek out prewar apartments, and finding one — especially in a competitive rental market — can be…

Long-Distance Apartment Hunting

June 24, 2018 | By Sarah AuthorMy First Apartment

It may sound tricky, but long-distance apartment hunting is completely possible! You may have to invest a little extra time and effort into your hunt, but you can still find the perfect place within your budget. Having to find a place long distance is actually pretty common as people move between cities, following jobs or…

Three More Things to Check Before Choosing Your Apartment

June 5, 2018 | By Taylor AuthorMy First Apartment

Between my friends and myself, we’ve lived in quite a few different apartments. Overall, we’re usually pretty happy with our choices, but it seems like every time we move somewhere new, there’s always at least one thing we didn’t think to check before signing the lease. And of course, we never realize that it’s an…

Little Apartment Perks That Make a Difference

May 31, 2018 | By Taylor AuthorMy First Apartment

At this point, I’m sure you already know what your main must-haves are in your first apartment. Maybe you absolutely need a dishwasher. Maybe street-parking is a deal-breaker for you. Maybe you’re down to pay extra each month for onsite laundry machines. But there are a few little things that I know never occurred to…

Should You Get an Apartment Before You Have a Job?

April 18, 2018 | By Alex AuthorMy First Apartment

As May is fast approaching, many new grads have a burning question in mind, “Do I get the job first or the apartment first?” Of course, often there is no choice – you usually need to have a job before a landlord will rent to you. On the other hand, job hunting long distance can…

How to Help a Friend Find Their Perfect Place

March 27, 2018 | By Sarah AuthorMy First Apartment

Congratulations, you must be an awesome friend! You’ve been asked to help your friend find an apartment. This is a huge honor and means they must appreciate your input, so look at it that way! Maybe you’ve been living in your own place for a while, maybe you live in a location they’re interested in,…

Signs You Found A Good Landlord

June 27, 2017 | By Sarah AuthorMy First Apartment

When you are looking for your first apartment, you may not realize how important a good landlord will be to your well-being and happiness during that first year on your own. But how do you tell a good one from a bad one before it’s too late? Don’t worry, there are plenty of signs that…

50 Questions to Ask Your Potential Landlord

May 21, 2017 | By Kalee AuthorMy First Apartment

You’ve made a list of amenities you need, you’ve determined what neighborhood you want, and you’ve set your rental budget. Now it’s time to tour apartments and meet potential landlords. Before you choose an apartment, however, you need answers to a long list of questions. Don’t be afraid to ask your potential landlord or current…

How to Rent Your First Apartment

May 14, 2017 | By Kalee AuthorMy First Apartment

Whether you’re moving out of your parents’ house for college or you’re starting a new job in a new city, searching for you first apartment is exciting. Your first apartment is one you’ll never forget. Help make your first experience of living on your own a fond memory by following these eight steps of how…