Start here
What Landlords Look For in a First-Time Renter
Next
Understanding Your Lease Before You Sign
Then
Security Deposits: What They Cover and What to Watch For
Before move-in
Move-In Day: Document Everything
Ongoing
Ongoing Responsibilities as a Renter
What Landlords Look For in a First-Time Renter
Before you fall in love with an apartment, understand what landlords are evaluating when they review your application. Most property owners and managers screen on four core factors: credit history, income, rental history, and references.
Credit history
A record of how reliably you've repaid debts, used by landlords to gauge financial trustworthiness. A limited history isn't the same as bad credit.
Co-signer
A person — often a parent or close relative — who agrees to be legally responsible for the rent if the primary tenant cannot pay.
Lease
A legally binding written agreement between a landlord and tenant that sets the terms of renting a property, including rent amount, duration, and rules.
Security deposit
An upfront payment held by the landlord that is returned at move-out, minus any legitimate deductions for unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Normal wear and tear
Minor, expected deterioration from everyday use — such as faded paint or small carpet impressions — that landlords generally cannot charge tenants for.
Subletting
Renting out your apartment (or part of it) to another person while you remain the primary tenant on the lease. Many leases require landlord approval.
As a first-time renter, your biggest challenge is likely the absence of rental history. Landlords compensate for this risk by looking more closely at your income — a common benchmark is that your gross monthly income equals at least three times the monthly rent. If your income falls short, a creditworthy co-signer (someone who agrees to be legally responsible if you default) may satisfy a landlord's requirements.
Bring your last two pay stubs, a recent bank statement, and a letter of employment to any serious viewing. Being organized signals reliability before a landlord even runs your credit.
Understanding Your Lease Before You Sign
A lease is a legal contract, not a formality. Every clause you skip reading is a clause you've already agreed to. Before signing, confirm you understand these key terms:
- Lease length: Most first apartments are 12-month leases. Month-to-month arrangements offer flexibility but often cost more per month.
- Rent due date and late fees: Know exactly when rent is due and what a late payment will cost you.
- Rent increases: Fixed-term leases lock in your rate for the lease period, but understand what happens at renewal.
- Pet policy: Even if you don't have a pet now, check whether one is permitted and under what conditions.
- Subletting and guests: Many leases restrict subletting or long-term guests. Violating these terms can void your lease.
- Maintenance responsibilities: Understand what you're responsible for — typically minor items like changing light bulbs — versus what the landlord must handle.
Always Get Lease Clarifications in Writing
If a landlord verbally promises something — like allowing a pet or agreeing to repaint before move-in — ask for it to be added to the lease or confirmed by email. Verbal agreements are very difficult to enforce and are often forgotten once you've moved in. Written records protect both parties.
For a comprehensive walkthrough of every renting stage, see The Renter's Complete Handbook. If you're weighing renting against buying, our first home purchase guide lays out what homeownership actually involves.
Security Deposits: What They Cover and What to Watch For
A security deposit is money you pay upfront that the landlord holds as protection against unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear. It is not a fee — it belongs to you unless the landlord has a legitimate reason to keep part or all of it.
State laws govern how deposits must be handled: how much can be charged, where the funds must be held, and how quickly they must be returned after move-out. Before you sign, ask your landlord in writing where your deposit will be held and what the return timeline is in your state.
Don't Confuse Deposit Deductions With Normal Wear
Landlords sometimes charge for repairs that legally fall under normal wear and tear. Knowing the distinction in your state prevents you from accepting deductions you don't owe. If you believe a deduction is improper, respond in writing promptly — delays can weaken your position.
Normal wear and tear — minor scuffs, faded paint, carpet compression from furniture — generally cannot be deducted from your deposit. Damage beyond that, such as large holes in walls or stained carpet from spills, typically can. Understanding this distinction protects you. For a deeper look at how disputes play out, read our guide to security deposit disputes.
Move-In Day: Document Everything
The most important thing you can do on move-in day costs nothing: photograph and video every room before you unpack a single box. Capture walls, floors, appliances, windows, closets, and any pre-existing damage. Send a copy to your landlord in writing and keep your own timestamped copies.
Most landlords provide a move-in checklist — a form listing the condition of each area of the unit. Complete it carefully and keep your signed copy. This document, paired with your photos, is your primary defense if a deposit dispute arises at move-out.
Also confirm that all appliances, locks, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order. If anything is broken or missing, report it in writing before you settle in — not weeks later. Know what red flags look like during a tour as well; our article on red flags to spot when touring a rental property can help you catch problems early.
Ongoing Responsibilities as a Renter
Signing the lease is the beginning, not the end. As a tenant, you have ongoing obligations that, if neglected, can lead to fees, lease termination, or loss of your deposit.
- Pay rent on time, every month. Even one late payment can affect your rental history and make finding your next place harder.
- Maintain the unit reasonably. Routine cleaning, basic upkeep, and reporting issues promptly are standard tenant duties in most leases.
- Communicate in writing. Any maintenance request, complaint, or notice to your landlord should be documented — email works well for this.
- Give proper notice before leaving. Most leases require 30 to 60 days' written notice before moving out, even at the end of a fixed term.
Renting responsibly builds the rental history future landlords will rely on. As your financial footing grows, you may eventually consider ownership — our Buying a Home hub is a useful starting point when you're ready to explore that path.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Rental laws vary by state and locality — consult a qualified attorney or housing counselor for guidance specific to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Requirements vary by landlord and market, but a score of 620 or above is commonly accepted by many landlords. Some private landlords are more flexible, while large property management companies may set higher thresholds. If your credit is limited or low, a co-signer or larger deposit is sometimes accepted as an alternative.
Most security deposits equal one to two months' rent, though state laws cap the maximum in many places. Always ask for a receipt and keep a copy. You're entitled to an itemized statement of any deductions when you move out.
Landlords can decline applications for many reasons — income, credit, or rental history — but they cannot legally reject you based on race, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or familial status under the federal Fair Housing Act. Some states and cities add further protected classes.
Early termination typically triggers a fee or liability for remaining rent owed, depending on your lease terms and state law. Some states require landlords to make reasonable efforts to re-rent the unit, which can limit your liability. Review your lease's early termination clause before signing.
Some landlords require renters insurance as a lease condition, while others leave it optional. Even when not required, it's generally a good idea — it covers your personal belongings against theft or damage and can provide liability protection. Premiums tend to be modest relative to the coverage provided.
Most states require landlords to return deposits within a set window — often 14 to 30 days — along with an itemized list of any deductions. If yours is withheld improperly, you can send a written demand letter and, if needed, file a claim in small claims court. Our guide on <a href="/home-real-estate/renting-smart/security-deposit-disputes-why-they-happen-and-how-to-navigate-them">security deposit disputes</a> covers this process in detail.
The content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.