When you enter adulthood, the first thing you want is to live on your own. However, buying a new house can be quite expensive especially if you are still in college or working a part-time job and you cannot afford to make such a large purchase. In this case, your next best option is to rent an apartment.

Generally speaking, becoming a first-time apartment renter is just as exciting because it gives you the sense of being independent while teaching you how to be responsible for a household. Even as a tenant, you can still spruce up the place to your liking and add a personal touch to it to make it feel like your own.

Luckily, renting an apartment in Texas is very easy and affordable. All you have to do is keep a few things in mind and find a living place that suits your needs. Here is how you can succeed in your apartment hunt.

Choose your neighborhood

Your first step as a new apartment renter is choosing where you want to live. This mainly refers to picking a neighborhood that is within your budget and close to your college or job.

For example, Mesquite is a great city to live in. It is close to Dallas and it is one of the cheapest communities in the state. All you need to do is look for Mesquite TX apartments for rent and pick the most suitable neighborhood. Some places even have a pool within the apartment complex, so you can easily fight off the Texan heat. 

Inspect the property

When you find any potential apartments you like, it is recommended that you check them out first before you sign a lease. This way you will have the opportunity to meet the landlords and ask them any questions you have regarding the apartment.

In addition to this, by inspecting the property you will have a chance to see if there is anything damaged or broken, whether all current appliances, including ovens and heaters, are working properly and the general condition of all of the rooms.

After all, you will be living there for a while and you want everything to be in great shape.

Consider your expenses

In addition to thinking about your rent, you should also consider the overall expenses of living as a tenant. In other words, you should put together an apartment budget that will include all monthly payments for utilities, home decor and more.

One way to do this is to follow the 50/30/20 rule which indicates that 50% of your budget goes on essential expenses such as rent, utility bills and groceries, 30% on non-essential expenses such as going out to eat or shopping and 20% to savings.

Also, be sure to make room for unexpected costs such as damages or potential water leaks.

Get renter’s insurance

Obtaining renter’s insurance is also very important for first-time apartment tenants. Such insurance doesn’t provide coverage for the structure you live in, but protection of your belongings in case of theft or fire. This includes your clothing, electronics and jewelry as well as any household items or furniture pieces you may bring in.

Also, some renter’s insurance plans may offer personal liability coverage in case you suffer bodily injury or property damage, personal property coverage for when you are away from home and additional living expenses for when you can’t stay in your rental due to a claim.

Make it feel like home

Although you may not own the apartment, that doesn’t mean you can’t spruce it up to make it feel like home. In fact, there are a few decorations you can do that will still fall within the terms of the lease you sign.

For example, you can invest in new furniture pieces to increase the comfort and functionality of the living space. Remember that whatever you buy and bring in, you get to keep it even after you move out.

Another thing you can do is add a personal touch with souvenirs or wall art decorations to make your home more welcoming and appealing to you and your guests.

Final thoughts

Becoming an adult is exciting, but it does come with its own challenges such as living on your own. Whether you are moving out of your parent’s house or leaving your dorm days behind, renting an apartment is a great way to start a new chapter in your life. This way you will finally be independent and learn the basics of what it takes to be responsible for a household.

Wherever you decide to live in Texas, be sure to follow the tips mentioned here so you can have the best experience hunting and renting your first apartment. 

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