Renting Your First Apartment: What Every New Renter Should Know

Your first apartment is a big step. A little preparation makes the whole process smoother, from your first tour to your first month's rent.

Before you tour

• Set your budget (a common guideline is about 30% of your gross income for rent).
• Decide on must-haves versus nice-to-haves: number of bedrooms, commute, laundry, parking, pets.
• Gather documents you'll likely need to apply: photo ID, recent pay stubs or an offer letter, and references.

When you tour

• Check water pressure, outlets, windows, and locks.
• Look inside closets and cabinets for storage space.
• Ask how maintenance requests are handled and how quickly.
• Ask what utilities are included and the average monthly cost of the rest.

When you apply

• Fill out the application completely and honestly to avoid delays.
• Ask about application fees, the security deposit, and when rent is due.
• If your credit history is short, ask what options are available, such as a co-signer.

Before you sign the lease

Read the whole lease. Pay attention to:

• Lease length and renewal terms
• Rules on pets, guests, and noise
• Who handles which repairs
• Fees for late rent or breaking the lease early

Ask questions about anything that isn't clear. A good leasing office is happy to explain.

Once you move in

• Complete your move-in inspection and take photos.
• Set up renter's insurance.
• Set a reminder or automatic payment so rent is never late. On-time payments help build your rental history.

Start your search at Eagle Trace

Eagle Trace Apartments at 925 W 29th St S in Wichita offers affordable one- and two-bedroom homes. Call us or apply online. We're happy to walk first-time renters through every step.