smartpennypath

First apartments, in plain English

Your first apartment, planned from the first dollar to the deposit back.

Plain-English guides to how much rent you can afford, the cash you'll need to move in, avoiding rental scams, reading your lease, and getting your security deposit back.

What can I afford? Viewing checklist

Cash to move inRent: $1,150

  • First month's rent$1,150
  • Security deposit$1,150
  • Application fee$50
  • Moving$400
  • Basics to furnish$500
  • Utility setup$150

Before you get the keys$3,400

Rent is 29% of a $48,000 income

An illustrative example. Deposits and fees vary by state and landlord.

Start with one of these

CalculatorRent and move-inWhat rent fits, and the cash to move in. ChecklistAt the viewingWhat to test and ask before you sign. ChecklistFirst ApartmentSixteen steps, from budget to deposit back.

15 renting guides

Afford it

Find a place

Sign and move in

Live on your own

Free download, no email needed

The First Apartment Planner

Set your rent budget, save for move-in costs, compare apartments side by side, plan your first month's budget and work through a moving checklist.

Get the free PDFSee the First Apartment checklist

Coming soon

Move in organized, and move out with your deposit

Renter's Starter Kit: a printable kit and spreadsheet with an apartment comparison, a move-in budget, an inspection photo log, a lease tracker and a roommate agreement template.

$12 once, for the whole kit. 30-day refund.

See what's in the kit