1. Read your lease.

Before you sign your lease READ IT. It may take a while but trust me; you don’t want to sign something that you’re legally obliged for because you didn’t read it. Your lease will list the rights that you have as a tenant and the rights that your landlord has as well. Look for evictions process, what you can/cannot have and fees if you pay your rent late.

2. Paying rent.

Ask your landlord on how you can pay your rent. Most will not take cash for security reasons, but will offer different ways to pay it. Ask if you can mail it, write a check, or pay online. Many offer the convenience to pay online since it’s quick and more secure. Never depend on your landlord to remind you that rent is due.

3. Utilities bills.

Remember when your mom used to yell at you for leaving the light on or telling you to hurry up in the shower? I feel her pain when I see my water and electricity bill at the end of month. If your rent does not cover utilities then you might want to be careful of what you turn on and how much water you’re using. Try to replace as many items as you can with energy efficient ones, but ask your landlord if it’s okay to do so first.

4. Noisy neighbors.

Living on campus, if your neighbors were loud you could tell them to lower their noise and if that didn’t work you could go to your RA. Unfortunately it’s not like that anymore. If you ever have a problem with them just knock on their and tell them to lower it. If that doesn’t work simply write down the times they were loud and report it to your landlord. The last option you don’t want to do is call the police for a noise problem.

5. Roommates.

Before receiving your key, you and your roommate(s) should have a talk about what you agree upon and what you don’t. Inform them of what they can use with your permission and what they cannot use. Don’t be afraid to label your food and items. If any problems occur, try to compromise with them because the worst thing that can happen is one roommate leaving without notice and you’re stuck with the rent.

6. Problems with your landlord.

Not everyone is going to like their landlord. If a problem arises because of a lost rent, issues with neighbors, or fees being charged try to talk it out. The worst thing that can happen is your landlord evicting you because you came in and starting yelling at them. Remember, you’re not the only one that they have to deal with.

7. Budgeting

Create a budget so you know how much money you’re going to spend a month. Remember, rent, food, and utilities should always come first before other things that you don’t need. It may be hard to resist from shopping at H&M during a sale, but remember that your landlord is not going to care that you used your rent money for a pair of jeans.