First Apartment, Now What?

There’s so much that goes into renting an apartment, duplex, or home. The application process, countless forms of documentation, deposits and fees, scheduling moving crews, and selecting furniture and décor that perfectly fits your vibe. Still, somehow, there are always things that are left forgotten until the crucial moment that they are needed the most.

We’re here to remind you of the top four things to remember when moving into your first rental property!

1. All the Essentials

First thing’s first: essentials are essential. While you most definitely have your tooth brush, favorite pillow, and that one coffee mug from the city you visited two years ago, you’ll need more than that to successfully get through your first rental lease. We’ve compiled a list of items every renter should have to avoid those embarrassing moments when you can’t rely on a parent, sibling, or friend to bring you the one thing you need.

1. Toilet Paper

Whether you prefer two-ply or four, ensure that you’re always stocked.

2. Can Opener

A can of soup on a cold day is a simple pleasure. Be sure you can open that soup.

3. Trash Bags

You may think this advice is garage, but it’s better than having trash cluttering your home.

4. Lightbulbs

We don’t want you to be in the dark about residential renting. Stay stocked on lightbulbs.

5. Batteries

TV remote - batteries. Xbox controller - batteries. Decorative lights - batteries. Facial scrubber - batteries. Need we say more?

6. Dishes & Utensils

A set of four is always a good start with room to expand if you’re sharing a rental with two or more people.

7. Towels

We’ve all had that long, cold walk. To keep that from happening again, ensure you have both body AND hand towels to complete your home.

8. Cleaning Supplies

Keeping things clean is the best way to get your deposit back at the end of your lease!

9. Surge Protector

Keurig, TV, computer, lamp, sound system, gaming console - be sure that you have enough plugs so you don’t blow a fuse.

10. Paper Towels

Not only are they versatile, but paper towels are an absolute necessity when keeping your home fresh and clean.

2. Organization is Key

To make your rental experience as smooth as possible, we recommend getting organized! Start off by creating a list of what bills are due and when they’re due by. Paying bills on time will ensure no late fees are incurred and that your electricity, water, and all other services continue without a hitch. Below are a few bills that need to be handled each month.

Residential Bills

• Rent

• Electricity

• Water

• Wi-Fi & Cable

• Trash

• Renter’s Insurance

General Bills

• Streaming Services

• Car Payment

• Phone Payment

• Groceries

• Health Insurance

• Automotive Insurance

3. Oh Please, Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

Living in an apartment, duplex, or home means meeting new neighbors. There are many things you can do to practice being a good neighbor, but the first and most important is being considerate!

Here are some ways to be a considerate neighbor:

• No loud music or parties between 10:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M. on weekdays or 11:00 P.M. to 7:00 A.M. on weekends

• Don’t leave bags of trash outside your door or in hallways

• Pick up after your pet

• Don’t park in another resident’s assigned parking space

• Don’t remove another resident’s clothes from common space laundry areas to wash or dry your own

• Don’t smoke in non-smoking areas

• Don’t steal packages or mail (Fun fact: This is actually illegal.)

4. Rules are Rules

Community guidelines outline what is allowed and what is prohibited at specific properties. Following these regulations can help you avoid incurring fines, getting towed, or even having your lease terminated. Property management teams strive to create a fun, safe environment for residents, and these rules are in place to do just that. Some examples of property rules include:

• Parking in designated Resident or Guest parking spaces

• Adhering to open hours of Amenity Spaces

• Ensuring no undocumented pets are on property

• Non-residents who stay on property more than 7 consecutive days or 14 days out of the month are required to be on the lease

• Leaving your unit or home the way you found it

• Taking your trash out once a week at minimum

• Using candle warmers or wall flowers instead of open flame candles

• Making sure corridors are kept clean and open

• Ensuring all points of exit are clear and not blocked by large furniture

We’re excited to help make living in your first residential rental property an enjoyable and seamless experience! For more information about leasing a Scott Brown Properties rental property, or to inquire about residential maintenance needs, contact us today!