You want the best deal for the best home in the best place for you. Talk to people already living in the area and use online guides written by military families to help you make a good choice when looking for a place to rent.
Do your research. Determine how much you can spend on rent.
- Talk to your PFM. Get a realistic sense of how far your money will go.
- Factor in expenses like commuting costs, utilities, and security deposits.
- A landlord will look into your creditworthiness. Here are some things to know about renting an apartment if you don’t have much of a credit history.
- A landlord also may ask a tenant background check company to put together a report on you and the people you live with. You want your tenant background check report to be accurate because it can affect whether you get rental housing, the terms of your lease, and how much you pay for rent or a security deposit. Your report may include mistakes like information that's outdated, misleading, or that belongs to someone else. Learn more about your rights when it comes to tenant background checks and how to dispute any mistakes.
Considering a roommate?
- Talk about finances with potential roommates. What will each person pay? How will you handle utilities? What happens if a roommate moves out unexpectedly — do you have a plan to handle ongoing costs?
- Consider asking for check stubs for proof of employment, along with a copy of their credit report, before you sign a lease together. They can get a free copy of their credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Get references from more than one past landlord and previous roommates.
When you find a place:
- Make sure you understand everything in your lease or rental agreement.
- What does it say about the use and refund of your security deposit?
- Does it allow for an early termination if you have to PCS or have an extended temporary duty assignment?
- On move-in day, walk through with your landlord. Make sure they write down any existing damages to the property. Keep a copy of that document.
When dealing with your landlord:
- Keep communications open.
- Get your landlord’s promises in writing.
- Keep copies of all receipts, notes of conversations, and emails.
Good rules of thumb:
- Buy renters insurance to cover losses from theft or damage — it’s required by most landlords.
- Always pay your rent on time and remind your roommates about their payments. That way, you ensure the rent due is fully paid. Missed payments can hurt your credit. If your payments are late, your landlord could also notify your commanding officer.
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) gives you additional protections:
- The SCRA requires your landlord to let you out of your lease in specific situations.
- Before signing, make sure your lease has a military clause, which gives you added protections in case you’re ordered to relocate.
