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Renting your first apartment might not be easy, but definitely will be a good learning experience. To make it easier and to give you an overview on what are you trying to do, here is first a brief overview of the renting process, then we will look at the details by breaking down each step some more.

Define your needs : what size of apartment are you looking for (studio, 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom or more), what extra services etc.

Search : look and find the right apartment for you. This might not be easy especially in big cities. It might take even weeks. But keep searching and you will succeed.

Submit your application : once found a good prospect apartment, fill out an application and apply for it.

Move in : if your application is approved and you agree and accept their terms, sign the lease contract and move in.

1. Defining your needs

This is probably easy in most of the cases, as most people know what they want. This is probably easy in most of the cases, as most people lived somewhere before so they know what they want. Additional aspects on picking up the right apartment might be related to how far the complaex is from your job, from main shopping centers, if you have kids how far is from schools

2. Searching for the right apartment

There are several ways to start looking for an apartment.

Personal references : friends might now apartments which are suitable for you.

Newspaper : this is still the most widely used advertesing medium. The Sunday edition of your local paper has a thick real estate and renting section. Browse for it. Most ads are fresh. You can get good deals from small complexes or physical persons who have a house to rent.

Supermarkets , grocey stores very often have at the exits free newsletters and classified ads publications which can be a good source to find an apartment.

Driving around in the neighborhood: if you are moving in a relatively small town you can drive around in the neighborhood in a few miles area and look around. You will find apartment complexes. You can go in, ask about vacancies, prices and even you can get an application. If the office is closed write down the phone number and call them next day and ask your questions.

Internet : I think the easiest and fastest way is online by the use of the internet. Usually I start this way. There are several big sites specialized in apartment renting.

Some of the obvious advantages of searching online is that is fast, and in just a matter of minutes you can find a wealth of information. You can find adresses, phone numbers, price information, size and square footage of apartments, services offered by complexes etc. Many times you can view photos or videos about the complex and about the interior appearance of the apartments. This way you can pre-screen the available complexes, and form in advance a pretty good idea on the local market and its prices.

Limitations of the online search is that you can only do this if you have a computer and online connection, which many people don't have. And you can still miss good deals which you can find inthe newspaper and are not listed online. Many small complexes or ordinary persons who have just an apartment house for rent don't advertise on the web.

Which sites I recommend to start looking at for apartments? Well, I use most of the times http://www.forrent.com/search/ It is one of the few websites which allows you to make searches based not only a wide variety of search criterias (location, but you can search based on zip codes only. This is very convenient if you want to find an apartment in a limited neighborhood. In the US the zip codes (postal codes) define a quite small area, usually not more than a few blocks. Thus searching based on a zip codes only is the easiest way to find something in a few blocks ditance. Plus the site offers a wide variety of information about each selected complex, you can specify the number of rooms, number of bathrooms, maximum price level and other parameters. With the usage of this site alone I rented apartment at least 3 times.

Another good site is http://www.apartments.com/ This a good place to look for short term lease. If you are moving temporarily in a location and looking for complexes with montly leases, this is a good place to look for

 
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Landlords must keep the home or apartment you rent safe and in good condition. If you have a problem:

• First, talk to your landlord. Tell him or her what is wrong and that you want it fixed.

• Next, write a letter to your landlord telling him or her what is wrong. Keep a copy for yourself.

• Finally, call your local Housing Office. Most city or local governments have people who inspect houses for problems. Ask the inspector to visit and show him or her all the problems.

If your landlord does not fix the problems, you may be able to make a legal charge against him.
 

TIP: If you move, you should tell the U.S. Postal Service so it can forward your mail to your new address. You can change your address online at http://www.usps.com or visit your local post office and request a “Moving Guide.” Don't forget to also file Form AR-11 with DHS. See "Give Your New Address to DHS" in the Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Permanent Resident section for instructions.
 

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BUYING OR RENTING A HOME

Visit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website at http://www.hud.gov or call 1-800-569-4287 for information in English and Spanish. For information about buying a home and getting a mortgage, visit the Federal Citizen Information Center at http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov . See also the “For Homeowners and Home Buyers” section of http://www.fanniemae.com .
 

If you feel you have been refused housing for any of these reasons, you can contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by phone at 1-800-669-9777. Information
 

 
Finding a Place to Live in the USA
When you first come to the United States , you will probably begin very quickly to look for a place to live, unless your business has already made those arrangements for you. Many people stay with friends or family members when they first arrive. After they find jobs, they move into their own housing. Sometimes Senegalese Associations or community organizations also help with temporary housing. In certain cases, private organizations may also provide temporary housing while you make more permanent arrangements. And as you search for a place to live, questions may come up, including: How do I find an apartment? Will I ever own my own home, and if so, how? Here we will address a few of these :
questions. Keep in mind that, In the United States, most people spend about 25 percent of their income on housing. Here are some of your housing choices

Renting
One of the first considerations when renting an apartment or a house in the United States is safety . The least expensive (and affordable) apartments and houses are often located in areas that may not always be the safest. This is where you will need to talk to others Such as Senegalese Associations around the U.S. , and find out which areas of your town or city are considered low crime areas. You can research this by talking to neighbors near apartment buildings you are interested in. Drive through the area. Are the houses and apartments neat and clean, or are there gang graffiti and bars on every window? The local police and community groups including the Senegalese Associations may also have information about different neighborhoods as well.  
How close the apartment or house is to your work is another factor to look at. You won't want to spend two hours driving to work and another two driving home each day if you can help it, since the extra gas may add up to more than the savings in a "cheap" rental. Often finding the right apartment means looking at different things, including which schools are nearby, what services are available (is there public transportation? Good healthcare? Shopping?) and then weighing all of these factors together. If you have family or friends who are renting, they may be able to give you advice as well based on their experience.  

What to Expect When You Rent a Home
Applying to Rent. People who rent out apartments or homes are called “landlords.” A landlord may ask you to fill out a rental application form. This is so the landlord can check to see if you have the money to pay the rent.

The application form may ask for a Social Security number and proof that you are working. You can use your Permanent Resident Card if you do not yet have a Social Security number. You can also show a pay stub from your job to prove you are working. You may also be asked to pay a small application fee.
If you are not yet working, you may need someone to sign the rental agreement with you. This person is called a “co-signer.” If you cannot pay the rent, the co-signer will have to pay the rent for you.

Submitting your application:Things you will need in order to submit an application:

Application form : every person above the age 18 who intends to live in the apartment must fill out an application form. Every apartment complex has its own dedicated set of forms, but the information you fill out on these are mostly the same. These include most or all of the information below.

Personal information: your name, phone number, drivers licence number, SSN


Rental history: in America most management companies will check your previous rental references. If you rented before, give that information. If you didn't give the address of your friend where you lived before and ask him to serve you as reference if the management company will call him.

Employment information and history: in order to ensure proper quality tenants, and to insure you can afford the apartment, the management company might check the prospective tenants employment background. If you attach enough employment and income evidences to your application in form of a few recent paystubs, it will be enough.


Financial information: can include the name of the bank you have accounts, the type of the accounts you have, credit cards you have, major loans and obligations etc. This helps the management company to have a clearer picture of your financial background. Usually they don't call your bank and check your financial information.

Credit check fee : when you apply for an apartment they will run a credit check on you. The credit check fee varies, itis usually about $25 per person or $40 for a couple. All the persons who intend to live in the apartment will have to have their credit checked. Usually they won't accept cash just money orders.


Proof of income : usually your last few pacheck stubs. As a rule of thumb, your monthly income must be at least 3 times higher than your monthly rent to qualify.

Sometimes a holding deposit . Some companies in order to process your application might request a deposit. Now if you don't qualify and your application is not approved you will get your deposit back in full. However if you qualify and change your mind and decide still not to move in, you will lose your holding deposit. If you decide to move in the holding deposit will go toward the first month's rent.


Signing a Lease. You sign a rental agreement or “lease” if the landlord agrees to rent to you. When you sign a lease, you agree to pay your rent on time and stay for a specific length of time. Most leases are for 1 year. You can also find housing for shorter periods of time, such as 1 month. You may have to pay more money for a short lease than for a longer one.

When you sign a lease, you agree to keep the home clean and in good shape. You may be charged extra if you damage the place you are renting. The lease may also list the number of people who can live in the home.

A lease is a legal document. You must keep up your part of the agreement. Landlords must
also do their part. They must keep the property safe and in good condition

Paying a Security Deposit. Renters usually pay a security deposit when they move in. This deposit is usually equal to one month's rent. You will get this deposit back if the home is clean and in good condition when you move out. If not, the landlord may keep some or all of your deposit to pay for cleaning or repairs.

Inspect the house or apartment before you move in. Tell the landlord about any problems you find. Talk to your landlord before you move out to find out what you need to fix to get all of your security deposit back.

Moving in - Once accepted (approved), you should find out:

What your new address is?

What your total move in amount will be. Usually you pay the first month's rent in adavance plus a security deposit. The security Most properties charge security deposits of $75-$300. Security deposits are refundable upon move out. Check with the apartment deposit usually is about another month worth of rent, depending from complex to complex and your credit history. The first months rent plus the security deposit together total your move-in cost.

Get familiar with the rules of the house, including:

rent payment. Usually the rent is due between the 1st and 5th of the month. For late payments you will be charged a fee, a certain percentage of your monthly rent. If the rent is not paid by the 10th of the month the management company will make the necessary steps to evict you.

parking rules and regulations, lost key replacement fees, or lockout charges after business hours, pet policy and pet deposits, emergency maintenance services, whom to call if you need them.

 
Utilities.
Utilities such as electricity, water, and cable TV may or may not be included with your monthly rental fee. If not, then you will need to obtain these services for your apartment or house. You can ask your landlord for the number of the local utility companies, or check the front pages of your local phone book. You will need to call these companies, and let them know the day that you need the hookup, and where you will be living. They will then send you a bill that may also include a set up fee or security deposit, depending on the area.
Moving? Need to order utilities and other services for your home?
Ending Lease.
Ending a rental agreement is called “terminating your lease.” Your landlord may agree to terminate your lease early if he or she can find someone else to rent your home. If not, you may have to pay monthly rent until the end of the lease, even if you are not living there. You may also lose your security deposit if you leave before the end of the lease. Give your landlord a written notice that you want to move out. Most landlords require notice at least 30 days before you want to leave.

 

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