7 Mistakes Renters Should Avoid Making

By Brittany Loeffler on January 12, 2019

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Renting an apartment gives renters the flexibility to have a home without buying one and committing to staying in one place. Renters can live in one city for a year and then move across the country without needing to sell a home first. However, renting an apartment also means that you are living in someone else’s property. While you may live in the apartment and consider it your home, there are some things you should avoid doing once you move in.

renters

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Nesting

Many people have a natural instinct to nest in their homes. This means buying furniture and nice kitchen dishes while imagining yourself living in your apartment for a long time. Unfortunately, renters should never get too comfortable when renting an apartment.

There are instances where you may be forced to move out of your apartment, such as a rent increase, life change, or the landlord decides to sell the property. So, before you buy something for the apartment, just think about how difficult or tedious it will be to move it to your next home.

Not Getting Renters Insurance

While renters insurance may not be required by your landlord, it’s definitely a good idea to get. Renters insurance is very affordable and can often be bundled with your car insurance. It will protect you and your belongings in case there is a fire or a break in. This protection isn’t only limited to items in your apartment, though. If your car is broken into and your computer is stolen, then that is covered under your insurance also.

It’s always important to think ahead and plan for the worst. That’s exactly what insurance is there for. So, for just a few dollars a month, why not have the peace of mind knowing that you and your items are protected?

Damaging the Property

If done right, you can really make your apartment feel like your home. However, you always have to remember that you do not own the property and someone else does. That means you have to take care of the property and try your very best not to damage it. Take care of the appliances included and try not to scratch up the floors.

If there are damages that must be repaired when you move out for the next renters, then the landlord will most likely take the cost of repairs out of your security deposit.

Not Communicating with Your Landlord

Don’t be afraid to talk to your landlord or property management company and build a relationship with them. When something is damaged in the apartment, it’s okay to ask them to fix it. That is what they are there for. It can be beneficial to be friendly with your landlord, especially if you find that appliances don’t hold up as they are supposed to.

Just before you move into the apartment, do a walk through with your landlord and identify damages that were already there so they do not blame you when you move out.

Making Permanent Changes without Permission

You may want to paint a room a certain color or hang up a picture in the living room or maybe even replace a shower head in your new apartment. As a renter, though, you should always run these ideas by your landlord. Making permanent changes can lead to damage when trying to remove then after your lease is up, which will then be taken from your security deposit. So, before making any permanent changes, ask your landlord if it is okay.

Keeping a Messy Home

Now that you live on your own, it’s important to work cleaning into your routine. Remember growing up and doing chores on Saturday mornings with your parents? Now it’s time for you to do it on your own. When you keep a messy home, it can attract rodents and bugs, which you may be responsible to exterminate.

Once a week sweep the floors and do your laundry. Do your dishes daily and wipe down your kitchen counters. Don’t let trash sit in the apartment for too long either. With this simple cleaning regimen, you’ll be sure to have a clean apartment.

Not Making It Feel Like Your Home

Renters can sometimes have a difficult time making their apartment feel like a home. It may have a strange layout or something odd about it that you will have to get creative and overcome. Don’t be afraid to decorate the way you want and personalize your space. You may not own the apartment, but it is still your home!

Renters Should Avoid These Mistakes

When you avoid these common mistakes that renters make, not only will you be a great tenant, but you will have a more enjoyable time in your apartment. Don’t buy too many items that you will just end up throwing out or have trouble moving. Sign up for a renters insurance policy. Respect the property and communicate with your landlord. And last of all, make your apartment feel like a home.

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