One for the parents: To co-sign or not to co-sign, that is the question!

Has your child asked you to co-sign an apartment lease for him or her?

It's not uncommon for a landlord to require a co-signer for young tenants who don't have much of a rental history. And usually parents are the most apt to sign on. But before you co-sign the lease, make sure to read "Should I Co-Sign an Apartment Lease for My Child?"

The article lets you know what your obligations will be as an apartment lease co-signer and what pitfalls you'll have to avoid.

How to view an apartment -- one room at a time

We're going back to the basics for this blog post, and it's aimed squarely at newbie apartment hunters or those of you who haven't looked for a new apartment in a long time.

Here are some tips on what to look for when you're looking for an apartment. Check out the article's room-by-room apartment-viewing tips written especially for first-time apartment hunters.

"How to View an Apartment: A Guide for New Apartment Hunters" also links to a printable apartment-hunting checklist for your convenience. I think you'll find it useful if you're searching for a new apartment -- Good luck, and happy hunting!



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Tips for filling out your apartment inventory checklist when you move into a new place

When you first take possession of a new apartment, your landlord will likely give you an apartment inventory checklist to fill out. It'll look something like this or like this.

You'll want to fill out the inventory checklist -- noting the condition of each item listed -- as thoroughly as possible. Taking the time now, when you first move in, to note all pre-existing damages in your apartment will save you money later, when your landlord adds up your security deposit deductions for damages as you move out.

For more tips, read "How to Fill Out Your Apartment Inventory Checklist," published today alongside all my previously published landlord-tenant articles at Associated Content.

Congrats on your new apartment!



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Your first apartment -- can you afford it?

Are you financially ready to leave home and rent your very first apartment?

You'll need a good job, good credit and some cash on hand in order to be able to prove to a prospective landlord that you can afford to pay rent. To find out what else you need, and what questions you should ask yourself before taking this big step, read Can I Afford My First Apartment? Self Assessment.

For other good advice related to your first apartment, visit http://www.myfirstapartment.com/.




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