Rental Guide
The renter's guide to finding, touring and renting your next place
From setting a budget to signing the lease and getting the keys, this guide walks you through every step of renting a home or apartment, with checklists you can use along the way.
1. Set your rental budget
A common rule of thumb is to keep rent at or below about 30% of your gross monthly income. Many landlords also look for a household income of around three times the monthly rent, so it helps to know that number before you start searching.
Rent is only part of the cost. Budget for the move-in money and monthly extras too:
Costs to plan for
- Application fees
- Security deposit and first month's rent
- Pet deposit or monthly pet rent
- Utilities, internet and trash
- Parking, storage or amenity fees
- Renter's insurance
- Movers or a moving truck
2. Decide what you need
Split your list into must-haves and nice-to-haves before you look. It keeps you focused and makes it easier to say yes quickly when the right place comes up.
Location
Commute time, schools, grocery stores, public transit and how the neighborhood feels at night.Space
Bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, storage, a yard or a dedicated place to work from home.Lifestyle
Pet policy, parking, in-unit laundry, accessibility and lease length, from month-to-month to a full year.
3. Search smarter on Rent Duck
Set your city and radius
Choose the city you're moving to and widen or narrow the search radius to see more or fewer listings.Browse the right category
Rent Duck has separate sections for homes and apartments, student housing and short-term and 30 day+ rentals, so you only see what fits.Star your favorites
Save listings you like so you can compare them side by side and act fast. Good rentals often go quickly.
4. Contact owners and ask the right questions
Message the owner or property manager from the listing page. A short, friendly message with your move-in date, who will live there and any pets gets a faster reply. Before you tour, ask:
- Is the property still available, and when can I move in?
- What is the total move-in cost, including deposits and fees?
- Which utilities are included in the rent?
- What are the requirements to apply (income, credit, references)?
- What is the pet policy?
- How are maintenance requests handled?
- How long is the lease, and what happens when it ends?
5. Tour the property
See the rental in person or on a live video tour before you pay anything. Take photos and notes so you can compare places later. Visiting at different times of day tells you a lot about noise, parking and traffic.
Tip: test the things you'll use every day. Run the faucets, flush the toilets, open the windows and check your phone signal in each room.
Tour checklist
- Water pressure and hot water
- Signs of leaks, mold or pests
- Heating and air conditioning work
- Appliances are clean and working
- Locks, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Windows open, close and lock
- Enough outlets and storage
6. Avoid rental scams
Most owners are honest, but rental scams do happen. Watch for these warning signs and walk away if something feels wrong.
Red flags
- Rent far below similar places nearby
- The "owner" can't show you the property
- Pressure to pay before you've seen it or signed a lease
- Requests for wire transfers, gift cards or cryptocurrency
Protect yourself
- Tour in person or by live video first
- Confirm who owns the property with the county records
- Get the lease in writing before paying a deposit
- Pay with a traceable method and keep receipts
See a listing that looks suspicious? Use the report option on the listing page so our team can review it.
7. Apply with everything ready
Having your documents ready lets you apply the same day you find the right place, which can make the difference in a busy market.
Identity
A government photo ID for every adult who will live there.Income
Recent pay stubs, an offer letter, tax returns or bank statements if you're self-employed.History
Past addresses, landlord references and permission for a credit and background check.
8. Review the lease before you sign
A lease is a legal contract. Read all of it, ask about anything that's unclear, and get any promises (like repairs or a new appliance) added in writing. Pay close attention to:
- Rent amount, due date, how to pay and late fees
- Lease length, renewal terms and notice needed to move out
- Security deposit amount and the conditions for getting it back
- Who pays for which utilities and repairs
- Rules on pets, guests, subletting, smoking and changes to the unit
- What happens if you need to break the lease early
Renter rights vary by state and city. If you have questions about a specific lease, check your local housing authority or speak with a qualified professional.
9. Move in the right way
Do a move-in inspection
Walk through with the owner if you can. Photograph or video every room, note any damage in writing and keep a signed copy. It protects your deposit when you move out.Set up utilities and insurance
Transfer or start electricity, gas, water and internet in your name for move-in day, and get a renter's insurance policy to cover your belongings.Update your address
Forward your mail and update your address with your bank, employer and anywhere else that sends you mail.
Renter FAQs
How much rent can I afford?
A common guideline is to spend no more than about 30% of your gross monthly income on rent. Many landlords also look for a household income of around three times the monthly rent.
What documents do I need to rent an apartment?
Most landlords ask for a photo ID, proof of income such as pay stubs or bank statements, your rental history and references, and permission to run a credit and background check.
How can I tell if a rental listing is a scam?
Be careful if the rent is far below similar places, the owner cannot show you the property, or you are asked to pay by wire transfer, gift card or cryptocurrency before seeing the home or signing a lease.
What should I check during a rental tour?
Test water pressure and hot water, look for leaks, mold or pests, make sure the heating, air conditioning and appliances work, and check that locks, windows and smoke detectors are in good shape.
Is it free to search for rentals on Rent Duck?
Yes. Searching, saving listings and contacting owners on Rent Duck is free for renters.
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