Renting in the US

  1. Check out the internet to get a rough idea of the budget and area you are considering of renting. For instance,http://www.craigslist.org/about/siteshttp://ww2.apartments.com/
  2. Remember to ask if there are some extras cost which you have to pay. For instance, public utility, car garage/ carpark, maintenace (eg. for condominiums)
  3. Try to find a place that includes the heater and water bills as during winter, the heater bill can go up to US$200 per month.
  4. Check out some datas about that area. eg. the crime rates, the schools nearby, the supermarket. For instance, http://www.city-data.com/
  5. Pay a visit before you sign on the dot! (Contracts usually require that you to pay for at least 2 months of rent in advance also known as security deposits).
  6. Once you get your keys, Don't move anything in the property. Take pictures of the property and make an inventory of the everything you see in there. Report immediately anything that is faulty or not working.
  7. **Personal note: When renting a place in a cold country, check out the apartment's hot water shower and if the heater is working.