How Does Renting an Apartment Work?
May 15, 2021 / by Hignell Rentals Team
Whether you’ve just graduated college, are moving out of your parent’s house for the first time, or have decided to take the plunge on your own, it’s time to start looking for an apartment to move into. But if you’ve never rented before... where do you even start?
Follow the steps below and you’ll be you on your way to living in your very first apartment!
Where to Look for an Apartment
When it comes to looking for an apartment there are a few things you need to figure out before you start your search.
First things first, you need to determine how much of your monthly budget can go towards rent. If you’ve never sat down and looked at the money coming into your bank account and the money going out, now is the time. Here are 4 simple steps to creating a budget that will help you figure out how much money you can afford to spend on rent.
How to Budget Renting an Apartment
April 21, 2021 / by Hignell Rentals Team
Whether you are moving out of your parent’s place, leaving student housing, or just moving out on your own for the first time - learning how to budget before you sign the lease is key.
One of the biggest mistakes people have when it comes to renting is not thinking about how much they currently make and the expenses they have month to month. When those aren't factored in along with any trips you are planning on taking in the future you could end up choosing the wrong apartment. While the apartment may technically be in your budget, it could make doing extra activities and trips a no-go.
That’s why it’s important to know how much you currently make and what your average monthly expenses are. If you don’t know those numbers, start keeping track with an excel spreadsheet or by keeping all your receipts!
How To Soundproof Your Apartment Without Damaging It
February 18, 2021 / by Hignell Rentals Team
There are so many perks to apartment living, but sharing a wall with your neighbors usually doesn't make the list (unless you are best friends with them).
It's a silent understanding that you won't always find peace and quiet within your apartment, but you will find it at certain times of the day. Yet with everyone working from home nowadays those moments of peace and quiet can be found few and far between. While thinking of how to solve this noise level, you've probably began searching how to soundproof your apartment, but we can almost guarantee they aren't all damage proof.
Renting an apartment requires you to think extra hard about any changes you want to make throughout the place as you'll have to undo it when you move out. If they can't easily be removed or evidence is left behind you'll get charge for the amount it costs to get the apartment back to it's former look. Essentially you're waving goodbye to the security deposit you were hoping to get back one day.
Tips On Furnishing Your Apartment
February 9, 2021 / by Hignell Rentals Team
Furnishing your apartment can be a bit overwhelming, especially when it’s your first apartment!
It can be easy to let the idea of furnishing and decorating your apartment stress you out, but don't let it. We all want to get it right straight out of the gate, but good furniture and décor can take time and thought. But don't forget to make the process fun and enjoyable! You are slowly transitioning your little home into something that expresses how you live and love life.
To help you figure out the best way to furnish and decorate your apartment we found several articles that will help you get a plan and then decide which pieces to start with!
Can You Rent With Bad Credit?
January 27, 2021 / by Hignell Rentals Team
We see this question a lot in our Contact Us forms,
“Can I rent from you with bad credit?”
Ideally, when you're on the lookout for a new place to call home do all you can to raise your credit score, bettering your chance at getting a rental. Yet sometimes circumstances don’t line up and you require a new place before you can improve your credit. When that happens, what can you do?
We found a great resource on Business Insider that outlines the nine things you can try when you are looking to rent an apartment, but have bad credit. You’ll also find (at the end) what credit score you need to have to be eligible to rent from Hignell Rentals as well as a way to rent from us if you don’t meet the credit requirement!
Simple Holiday Decor for Your Small Apartment
December 3, 2020 / by Hignell Rentals Team
Living in a small space during the holiday season can be a struggle, especially if there's not much room to move or rearrange your furniture. So how do you add a festive touch to your living space without over-cluttering?
We found this article that gives you 12 simple yet festive ways to dress up your small apartment without feeling overwhelmed! Whether it’s a simple garland, a plaid blanket, etc.
12 Easy Holiday Decorating Ideas for a Small Apartment
My First Apartment: What to Pay Attention to During the Walk-Through
May 14, 2020 / by Hignell Rentals Team
When you are moving into your first apartment you are probably really excited about it. You're thinking "This is my first apartment, I just want to get moved in now!" However, you need to take things slow on signing the lease and moving in, to make sure and protect yourself in the long run. Here's a checklist to make sure you pay attention to all the right stuff on your walk-through before you move in.
Rental Living Tips: What to Consider Before Signing the Lease
March 12, 2020 / by Hignell Rentals Team
Finding a great apartment is not easy, but once you do your anxious to move in right away. That's why it's natural to want to sign the lease and get into your new rental living quarters as soon as possible. But before you go signing the lease there are some important things to consider about the agreement. Signing the lease without reading it can potentially have you coming face-to-face with some unpleasant surprises.
Don't put yourself in that situation. Take some time to study the rental documents. Rental living means you are living in a housing unit that someone else owns. You have to play by their rules. A few of the things you need to consider before signing a lease are:
What To Look Out For When Signing Apartment Leases
September 24, 2019 / by Hignell Rentals Team
It's an exciting moment when you get the call saying that your apartment application has been approved and you get to start the process of moving in.
You'll head over to the apartment complex and meet with the manager and then begin to go over the lease and other paperwork that's required for review and/or signature.
My First Apartment Checklist: Deciding on a Roommate
February 26, 2019 / by Hignell Rentals Team
Odds are a roommate will be part of your first apartment experience because it will help you pay for your monthly apartment living expenses. While having a roommate can be an arduous task, it can also be a really fun experience. The key is finding the right roommate.