3 Tips Every First Time Renter Should Know

1. Plan Your Budget

The first thing you should do is pick a budget and stick to it. Choose an apartment where rent costs a third of your monthly income, at most. Resist the temptation to splurge on new accessories and appliances while you're getting settled in. Take what you can from your previous home, and let the rest come slowly. Keep an eye on your monthly spending, and always be sure to live within your means. 

2. Be Courteous

Sharing your apartment building with other renters is nothing like sharing a room with your younger sibling. The people in your building may live very different lifestyles than you do, so cranking up the volume on your music after midnight may be disturbing the person next door who has to wake up for work in a few hours. Be respectful of your neighbours, and you'll see the same level of respect being sent back to you!

3. Get Renters Insurance

Renters insurance protects you from life's unexpected accidents. Fires or floods can do a lot of damage in a little time, and without renters insurance you may find yourself suddenly having to replace all of your belongings on your own. Plus, renters insurance helps protect you if any of these accidents happen to be started in your apartment! It's a small monthly expense that may end up saving you loads of money in the future.