Whether you are a novice or a pro, renting an apartment can lead to questions...lots of them. Some common questions are - _What is needed to apply? What happens if I need to break my lease? What happens during my stay? How much can I afford? -_and so forth. The list is long, but those questions are also extremely important. Why is it so important you ask? Educating yourself is key to making sure the one you end up moving into is the one for you. These days people are renting longer which means that if you end up being a long-term renter yourself, your peace of mind should not be overlooked. 

Consider this your Renters Guide to the Renting Galaxy. 

1. The Apartment Hunt

Whether it is a job relocation, break-up or wanting a change of scenery, you now realize you need an apartment and it's time to hunt. When renting, just as in-home purchasing, it's good to get an idea of where you would like to be, first and foremost, and what is important to you. Some common things you should take into consideration during your Internet hunt are:

• Price within budget

• Commute time

• The neighborhood

• Proximity to your life (i.e. doctor, schools/daycare, family, friends, etc)

• Whether you need pet friendly

• Amenities on which you feel you cannot waiver

Once you have narrowed it down based on these things, the physical hunt can begin. Make sure you don't overwhelm yourself by visiting more than five. It's the magic number. Beyond that, apartments can start to run together, and it can cause you to make a hasty decision. Also, it is a good idea to document things. It is perfectly ok, and even highly suggested, to take notes on the good and the bad, create a spreadsheet, or do whatever you need to do to make sure you make the best choice for you and your situation. A pros and cons list would work very well during an apartment hunt.

This is the time to ask a lot of questions. The office staff is there to answer any you may have and remember there are no dumb questions. 

2. The Application Process

Once you have found the one, it's time to begin the application process. There are typically fees to apply which, hopefully, were discussed in your community visit. Always ask if there are any specials just in case the answer is yes. Most communities, like Camden, offer online applications, but there are still those that require a paper application all the way. If that is the case, be prepared to be asked for pay stubs or a salary letter from a new job, your driver's license and possibly even your social security card. You may be asked for these things even with an online application. Also, consider the fact that a rental verification/rental history check will be done, so if you have a rental collection or an eviction on your record, this may halt the application process entirely. If this is the case, inquire as to if there is something you can do to still be approved.

There are normally three application results when renting:

• Approved - meaning no deposit is required.

• Approved with Conditions - meaning you either owe a deposit (varies from community to community) and/or need to submit identification for verification purposes.

• Denied - meaning your application could not be approved and you will be given a formal letter outlining the reason(s).

If you are denied, don't be discouraged as you still may be able to be approved.  Ask if a co-signer is an option in your case. Some common reasons someone may be denied are rental history, criminal background, credit history, and rent/debt-to-income ratios.

If you are approved, however, expect to be contacted by the leasing office with your next steps and all that is required by your move-in day. Here are the most common items that may be asked of you:

• Your rent payment and deposit, if required, as well as any pet fees

• Your renter's insurance declaration page

• Utility account numbers (those that are required to be set up by you personally)

• Drivers license or government I.D.

• Your signed lease (do read this over - it contains very important information for you)

• Pet info such as vet records and photo 

3. Your Move-In

Your U-haul is loaded to the max and its move-in day. Make sure to check your community office hours ahead of time to know how early you are able to pick up your keys. When you arrive, you'll be given a packet with important information such as alarm codes, a property map, a sample utility bill, etc. This will all be specific to your community so these items can vary. One of the most important things you can expect to receive is your Move-in Condition Form. This form is for you to document any damages or issues with the apartment prior to your moving in and it is typically required to be completed and returned within 24-48 hours. Be thorough because, in the renting world, you don't want to be held responsible for something done by the previous tenant. 

I will say that Camden has a pretty spectacular and streamlined move-in process. Before you move in, we send you checklists at multiple points so you can stay on track and get everything taken care of ahead of time. This way, on move-in day, all that is left is for you to pick up are your keys. We will also accompany you to your new apartment, along with a maintenance team member, to make sure we answer any questions you have as well as give you some tips and tricks to living in your apartment...not to mention you get a pretty cool Camden reusable grocery bag full of coupons, goodies and necessities. We want you to feel at home because this is your home, and we are genuinely grateful to have you here. 

4. Your Residency

Congratulations! You are officially a Camden resident! Keep in mind that your residency begins the same day your lease starts, even if you are not physically moving in until later. This is just something that is a good mental note to take with you.

Here are good things to know:

• Most communication during your tenancy will be via email so make sure they always have your current email on file. Also, make sure to keep them up-to-date on your phone number and vehicle tags.

• Each community has its own set of policies so make sure you are in the know on those. This will help you avoid getting lease violations by navigating your community within the realm of what is permitted. 

• If it behooves you, find your go-to person in the office for your questions and concerns.

• Know that things like maintenance requests, emergency situations, and complaints may happen but also know that is why there is an office staff. We are here to handle whatever issues may arise keeping you in mind.

• Familiarize yourself with the most critical points of the lease like late payment penalties, notice to vacate requirements and occupant stipulations. 

Choosing a Camden apartment means you can expect fun things like Resident Appreciation Day, sweet treats on your door, awesome resident events, food truck nights, etc. We also have an awesome site called MyCamden which is basically what would happen if Facebook and your more normal, run-of-the-mill resident portal had a baby. It functions not only as a payment portal but also as a way to submit service requests, interact with neighbors and send messages to the staff. 

Another part of your tenancy is the renewal process. You may go through several leases because you decide to renew each time your lease is expiring. When your lease is coming up, expect to be sent communication from the office via phone call, letter and/or email regarding your new rental rate and lease term. If you have questions, the leasing staff will be able to help you. 

5. Your Move-Out

You have now decided you will no longer be renting. As much as we love the idea of everyone staying forever, we do realize move-outs will happen. It's always important to know how much notice is required at your community. Most places operate under a 60-day notice requirement, however some still follow a 30-day. If you do not remember, refer to your lease or just ask a member of the leasing office. In the event you are having to break your lease, make sure to refer to your lease for this as well for details on how to do so.  If you intend to move out at your current lease-end date, you should have received communications from your leasing office about the time frame in which you need to do so.  Make sure your notice is in writing stating that you are planning on vacating on a specific date. There will be formal paperwork for you to sign as well as possible fees such as your break lease fees, cleaning fees and rent. On your move-out day, make sure you know the return key policy. If you need extra time, the sooner you let the office know, the better. 

Now that you know the ins and outs of renting, get your apartment hunt started by visiting one of our awesome Camden communities online or in person today.