Five Common Security Deposit Deductions Your Landlord Can Take

September 29, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Security deposits are among the more significant finances involved with renting your first apartment. These deposits cover any damage you cause to your apartment, and even the most careful tenants can easily cause minor damage to their first apartments. After you move out, your landlord will subtract the monetary equivalent of any damage you cause…

5 Tips to Save Money for Moving Out

March 2, 2017 | By Sarah AuthorMy First Apartment

When you’re on the hunt for your first place, a HUGE thing to remember is that you need to have about 3 TIMES your expected rent ready to go. This money goes towards paying a security deposit equal to (at least) one month’s rent, your first month’s rent due on signing of the lease, plus…

My Pet Wrecked My Apartment…Now What?

October 22, 2016 | By Sarah AuthorMy First Apartment

Deciding to bring a pet into your first place is a big decision, but it can be a great one if you’re ready for it! But, what happens when you get the pet (thinking dog or cat in particular here, since they can cause the most damage) and they become more destructive than you anticipated?!…

How To SAVE Your Security Deposit

September 26, 2015 | By Sarah AuthorMy First Apartment

We have all heard the horror stories about sleazy landlords who will not release the security deposit on some trumped-up damage claims. This little infographic shows the steps you should take on moving in and moving out to guarantee that the deposit ends back where it belongs — in your pocket! If you are looking…

Cost of Having a Pet In Your Apartment

September 15, 2015 | By Sarah AuthorMy First Apartment

We’ve talked about what you should consider before adopting a dog or cat and bringing it into your apartment, but what about the costs? Once you’re sure your landlord allows pets (and allows the kind of pet you want to adopt), how much should you plan to spend? For many people, the excitement of having a…

How Much Does It Cost To Move To Your Next Apartment?

September 1, 2015 | By Sarah AuthorMy First Apartment

I’m in the process of moving to a new apartment, and I couldn’t be more excited about it! I am moving from a tiny place to a more spacious townhouse with a yard for our dog and a great location for both work and play. But, how much is all of this going to cost?…

Getting Your First Apartment: How Much Money Do You Need to Save to Move Out?

September 11, 2013 | By Alex AuthorMy First Apartment

2017 Update: You can download our new Printable Apartment Budgeting Worksheet and use it to estimate your rent and budget for all your expenses. 2016 Update: Also check out our recent posts that help you calculate the maximum affordable rent on your salary: How Much Rent Can I Afford on My Hourly Pay and Affordable…

How to Take Your Landlord to Court

June 3, 2013 | By doug AuthorMy First Apartment

Note: We’re not lawyers, and this story should not be considered legal advice in any way. Laws and legal proceedings vary by city and circumstance and may be very different for your case. Please consult your own local laws and your own lawyer or legal adviser for guidance relating to your own situation. A while…

Countdown to Your First Apartment: 3 Steps to Get Ready

January 4, 2013 | By Alex AuthorMy First Apartment

If you’ve never lived in an apartment of your own, there’s actually a lot to prepare for – it’s not simply a question of moving in. In this three-part series, we’ll give you the tips and insight you need from start to finish. First, we’ll tell you how to get ready for your search. Second,…

What To Do If You Don’t Get Your Security Deposit Back

November 13, 2012 | By doug AuthorMy First Apartment

It’s supposed to work like this: you give your landlord your notice (“So long, I’m moving, it’s been swell!”), clean the place till it literally sparkles, pack your belongings Tetris-tight into a truck, and head out to your new abode. A few days later, your security deposit refund appears in your new mailbox. You congratulate…