The Apartment Now

: Be wary of weird smells, signs of pests (like droppings along baseboards), water damage on ceilings, or peeling paint.

: A common benchmark is to keep your gross monthly rent at or below 30% of your gross monthly income. For example, if you earn $60,000 annually, your maximum monthly rent should be approximately $1,500. The Apartment

Before looking at listings, establish what you can realistically afford. : Be wary of weird smells, signs of

: On your first day, perform a walkthrough and take photos of any existing damage (scuffs, stains, or broken fixtures). Send these to your landlord immediately to protect your security deposit later. : Be wary of weird smells