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Moving Into Your First Apartment – Pt 1

March 31, 2015

Moving Into Your First ApartmentMoving into your own place and being on your own is a huge milestone. Your parents are no longer there to hold your hand and you’re financially responsible for yourself. It can be an intimidating process so you need to be more than prepared! Keep the following in mind when signing the lease to your apartment and after moving in.

Signing the Lease

Read the lease agreement carefully and know exactly what’s included. Where is the parking, guest parking and laundry? For how many months is your lease agreement – month to month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year? Are utilities included in your monthly rent payment? Is there a discount if you sign on for a longer lease? Make sure to ask about the security deposit – they can range from a few hundred dollars to the equivalent of 2 month’s rent. If a landlord or management company says “first and last +1 month” that means you need to provide THREE months rent in order to have the privilege of signing the lease! Make sure you know the precise amount of your security deposit and what you need to when you move out to receive your security deposit back at the end of your lease. Understand all this before signing on the dotted line and you will be off in the right direction!

Find Responsible Roommates

If you need financial assistance, then you’ll need to find some roommates to share the rental cost. Make sure your lease allows you to have roommates and choose carefully. Make certain you select roommates that have the ability to pay their rent on time, every month! If they don’t YOU may still be responsible for the entire monthly rental fee. Since this will be a joint lease, you will each be liable for any damage to the apartment that the other makes. Choose wisely!

Hidden Fees

Find out if there are any additional charges. Don’t assume that everything is covered with your monthly payment. There is usually a parking garage fee or extra charges if you have a pet. Some apartment complexes even charge to pick up your garbage and recycling. Be aware of such fees so that you can factor them into your budget.

Understanding Your Rights

When you rent an apartment, you are entitled to certain things. Each state has a handbook that explains what your rights are as a tenant. Find out what those rights are and be ready to exercise them if necessary.

Breaking Your Lease

Life happens! Sometimes you might have to break the lease. Maybe you and your roommate get into a disagreement or you can no longer afford to make payments. Find out how to get out of the lease if the need arises. Be nice to the landlord and try to keep the landlord or management company on your side. In breaking your lease, you have broken a contract and it could show up on your credit report. Remember that and be professional and courteous with folks who could make life difficult down the road. You could always offer to help them find a new renter!

Be Informed

Ask questions! When in doubt, ask. When you think there is a slight chance that you don’t understand, ask. If you have the ability to sign a longer lease than what they require, ask… For a discount! Just ask! A lease is a legal contract holding you responsible for its terms so before you sign is the time to voice any concerns that you may have.

 

Cummings Moving Company | Residential & Small Business Moving & Storage | San Francisco Movers

Cummings Moving Company is a family owned and operated moving & storage company proud of its well-established reputation in San Francisco and throughout the region – reflected in their extended residential, small business and Realtor referrals. The company is a female, minority, and veteran-owned and operated moving company with over 45 years of exceptional client service – spanning the entire country and beyond. For more information about quality, stress-free moving, in San Francisco please call 415-387-4000 or from the Peninsula call 650-629-3000. Request a Free Moving Quote HERE or continue to explore our website and San Francisco Blog.

The advice on our website and blog is provided as a courtesy and is intended for informational purposes only. It is offered as-is with no warranty expressed or implied. We hope it provides you with helpful information that you can use.

 

Filed Under: Planning a Move, San Carlos Movers

Moving checklist. Valuable Timeline of oving Tips. CUMMINGS MOVING Co.
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What an awesome team. I can’t say enough about this company. They have great customer service and support. I have used them twice. The second move was quite complicated. It  involved multiple locations, donations, packing and crating valuables. From star… Read more
Anne D - San Francisco, CA
Your crew was great and our overall moving experience was as easy and stress-free as one could hope. The guys were quick, efficient, professional, and courteous. If/When we ever move again, we will definitely call Cummings. Thank you!
Kate G - San Francisco & Pleasanton
Amy, your movers were excellent.  There were a couple of very heavy furniture pieces that they successfully negotiated into my new home.  Thank you for your professionalism.
Therese B
Just wanted to let you know that the move went so well today, thanks to your crew. The three men (sorry, I didn’t get each of their names) worked so efficiently and it was a difficult move out of an old SF apartment with two long flights of steep stairs. They … Read more
Barbara - San Francisco
Your moving crew was great — Polite, helpful, and not a wasted moment, coming in $300 under estimate for time.  I would certainly recommend you to anyone planning a move.  Thanks to them for their good work.
Elizabeth C
Amy and Enrique, I want to thank you for your professionalism and courtesy and for making our move a lot easier. Everything you said you’d do went smoothly. The guys where exactly on time in Crockett. They are very courteous and, most importantly, very profe… Read more
Arthur C
Thank you so much for the follow up, everything went so well and I’m very happy with the service, it’s A+ all around from the estimated to the ladies that answered the phone when I had questions and all the hard working movers that came to my house. I hope… Read more
Tiffany
We we’re really impressed with your crew. First class all the way!!
Amelia S - San Mateo & San Francisco
We used Cummings Moving Company for our last move.  They were superb from beginning to end.  We had an expert foreman and crew who were professional, trustworthy and efficient.  Our property was difficult to access and the actual move a bit complicated and … Read more
Tracy F
Hello Amy & Enrique, The moving crew was excellent. They were thoughtful, handled my things very carefully and made moving so much easier. I would also like to say that Megan at the office is great. I was terribly disorganized before and after my last-minute m… Read more
Jenny C - Daly City & South San Francisco
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FROM OWNERS AMY & ENRIQUE

“As owners, we are hands-on. Our ability to deliver excellent service as San Francisco movers comes from our commitment to both customer and employee. Through regular training, supervision, competitive compensation, daily attention to excellence, and deep care for our customers and their belongings, we create an environment where top-level service is second nature."

San Francisco is our home. Moving residents and businesses is our passion. Your great experience with us as San Francisco movers is our aim - Every Day.
-Amy Messinger & Enrique Palos

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