Finding a rental home is an important decision. Understanding the leasing process can help you feel prepared and confident from your initial search through move-in.

Whether you're renting for the first time or looking for your next home, here's what you can expect.

THE LEASING PROCESS

01. DEFINE YOUR NEEDS

Before beginning your search, think about what you need in your next home.

Consider:

• Preferred neighborhoods and location
• Monthly rental budget
• Desired move-in date
• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
• Parking needs
• Pet requirements
• Home features and amenities
• Commute and proximity to work, school, or other destinations

Having a clear idea of your priorities can help make your search more focused and efficient.

02. FIND THE RIGHT HOME

Once you know what you're looking for, begin exploring available rental properties.

Your Realtor can help you identify properties that fit your criteria, provide information about available homes, and coordinate property showings.

As you compare properties, consider more than just the monthly rent. Think about the location, property condition, included amenities, parking, utilities, and other costs that may affect your overall budget.

UNDERSTANDING THE FULL COST OF RENTING

When budgeting for a rental home, it's important to look beyond the advertised monthly rent. Your total housing costs can include upfront expenses, recurring monthly costs, and costs associated with moving into and eventually leaving the property.

Understanding these expenses ahead of time can help you choose a home that fits comfortably within your budget.

• MONTHLY RENT

Your monthly rent is usually the largest recurring expense.

Before signing a lease, confirm:

• Monthly rental amount
• Date rent is due
• Accepted payment methods
• Late-payment policies
• Any scheduled rent increases or renewal terms

Make sure the monthly rent works within your overall budget, not just for the first few months.

• SECURITY DEPOSIT

A security deposit is typically collected before you move in and is held according to the terms of the lease and applicable law.

The amount can vary depending on the property and applicable requirements.

Before signing, make sure you understand:

• How much the deposit is
• When it must be paid
• How it may be used
• Conditions for its return
• Move-out requirements that may affect its return

Keep a copy of your lease and any documentation related to the deposit.

• APPLICATION & SCREENING FEES

Some rental applications may involve fees associated with processing or screening an applicant.

Depending on the property and applicable law, these may cover services such as:

• Credit screening
• Background screening
• Rental-history verification
• Application processing

Ask about any application or screening fees before submitting an application and confirm whether they are refundable or nonrefundable.

• FIRST MONTH'S RENT & OTHER UPFRONT COSTS

Your initial move-in payment may be more than one month's rent.

Depending on the property and lease terms, you may need funds for:

• First month's rent
• Security deposit
• Prorated rent
• Other permitted deposits or fees
• Pet-related deposits or fees, if applicable
• Parking fees, if applicable

Ask for a clear breakdown of the amount due before your move-in date.

• UTILITIES

Rent does not always include utilities.

Depending on the property, you may be responsible for some or all of the following:

• Electricity
• Gas
• Water
• Sewer
• Trash
• Internet
• Cable or streaming services

Ask which utilities are included in the rent and which ones you'll need to establish or pay separately.

When possible, ask about typical utility costs so you can estimate your total monthly housing expenses.

• RENTERS INSURANCE

Some landlords require tenants to maintain renters insurance during the lease.

Even when it isn't required, renters insurance may provide coverage for certain personal property losses and liability, depending on the policy.

Ask about the property's insurance requirements before moving in and confirm any required coverage limits.

• PET-RELATED COSTS

If you have a pet, additional costs may apply depending on the property and applicable requirements.

These can include:

• Pet deposits
• Pet rent
• Other permitted pet-related charges

Always confirm the property's pet policy before applying.

• PARKING & OTHER PROPERTY FEES

Some rentals may have additional costs for services or amenities.

Examples can include:

• Reserved parking
• Storage
• Community amenities
• Access devices or replacement keys
• Other property-specific charges

Ask about recurring and one-time fees so they don't come as a surprise after you move in.

• MOVE-IN EXPENSES

Getting the keys is only part of the cost of moving.

You may also need to budget for:

• Movers or moving truck rental
• Packing supplies
• Utility connection or setup costs
• Internet installation
• Furniture
• Household supplies
• Cleaning supplies
• New locks or other permitted security-related expenses
• Transportation or storage

These costs can add up quickly, especially when you're moving into your first home.

• ONGOING HOUSEHOLD EXPENSES

Once you've moved in, remember that your monthly housing budget may include more than rent and utilities.

You may also have recurring expenses such as:

• Internet
• Renter's insurance
• Parking
• Pet expenses
• Household supplies
• Maintenance-related expenses that are your responsibility under the lease

Review the lease carefully so you understand which expenses belong to you and which are the owner's responsibility.

BEFORE YOU APPLY

Before submitting an application, create a realistic estimate of your total cost.

✓ UPFRONT COSTS

☐ Application/screening fees, if applicable
☐ Security deposit
☐ First month's rent
☐ Prorated rent, if applicable
☐ Pet-related costs, if applicable
☐ Parking or other permitted fees
☐ Moving expenses

✓ MONTHLY COSTS

☐ Rent
☐ Electricity
☐ Gas
☐ Water/sewer
☐ Trash
☐ Internet
☐ Renters insurance
☐ Parking
☐ Pet rent, if applicable

✓ OTHER COSTS

☐ Furniture
☐ Household supplies
☐ Moving supplies
☐ Storage
☐ Utility setup or installation

ASK BEFORE YOU SIGN

Don't be afraid to ask for a complete breakdown of your expected move-in costs.

Useful questions include:

“How much will I need to pay before move-in?”

“Which utilities are included in the rent?”

“Are there any additional monthly fees?”

“Are there any one-time fees?”

“Is renters insurance required?”

“What are the move-out requirements for receiving my security deposit back?”

Knowing your full cost upfront can help you make a more informed rental decision and avoid unexpected expenses.

03. TOUR THE PROPERTY

When you find a property that interests you, schedule a showing and take time to evaluate the home.

During your visit, consider:

• Overall condition of the property
• Layout and available space
• Appliances and included features
• Storage
• Parking
• Outdoor areas
• Neighborhood and surrounding area
• Noise and traffic
• Accessibility needs

This is also a good time to ask questions about the property, lease terms, utilities, maintenance, and other requirements.

04. SUBMIT AN APPLICATION

Found the right home? The next step is generally submitting a rental application.

You may be asked to provide:

• Government-issued identification
• Proof of income
• Employment information
• Rental history
• References
• Other supporting documentation

You may also be asked to authorize credit, background, or rental-history screening.

Tip: Having your documents ready can help keep the application process moving.

05. APPLICATION & SCREENING

The property owner or property manager reviews the application and supporting information.

Depending on the property and screening process, this may include verification of:

• Income and employment
• Credit history
• Rental history
• References
• Other application information

Application requirements and screening criteria can vary by property.

If additional information is requested, respond promptly and provide complete documentation.

06. APPROVAL & LEASE REVIEW

If your application is approved, you'll move on to the lease.

Before signing, carefully review the agreement and make sure you understand your responsibilities.

Pay attention to:

• Monthly rent
• Security deposit
• Lease term
• Rent due date
• Utilities
• Maintenance responsibilities
• Pet policies
• Parking
• Late fees
• Renewal terms
• Move-in and move-out requirements

If you have questions about a provision, ask before signing.

07. SIGN & PREPARE FOR MOVE-IN

Once all parties have signed the lease and required funds and documents have been completed, you can begin preparing for move-in.

Depending on the property, you may need to:

• Set up utilities
• Obtain renters insurance
• Schedule your move
• Confirm key or access arrangements
• Review move-in instructions
• Confirm your move-in date

Keep a copy of your signed lease and other important documents for your records.

08. MOVE IN

Before moving your belongings into the home, document its condition.

Take photos or video of the property and note any existing damage or issues. Follow any move-in inspection procedures provided by the owner or property manager.

Once you've completed your move-in, keep the property in good condition and follow the terms of your lease.

If maintenance issues arise, report them through the appropriate channel and keep records of important communications.

TENANT TIPS

MAKE THE PROCESS EASIER

BE PREPARED

Have your identification, income documentation, employment information, and rental history ready.

BE RESPONSIVE

Respond promptly when additional information or documents are requested.

READ BEFORE SIGNING

Take time to understand the lease and your responsibilities.

ASK QUESTIONS

If you're unsure about a term, fee, utility, maintenance responsibility, or move-out requirement, ask before signing.

DOCUMENT THE PROPERTY

Take photos or video when you move in and keep records of any existing issues.

KEEP YOUR RECORDS

Save your lease, receipts, inspection documentation, insurance information, and important communications.

QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE SIGNING

Before signing a lease, consider asking:

• What is included in the monthly rent?
• Which utilities am I responsible for?
• How much is the security deposit?
• Are there additional fees?
• Are pets allowed?
• Is parking included?
• Who handles maintenance requests?
• How should maintenance issues be reported?
• What are the renewal terms?
• What are the move-out requirements?
• What happens if I need to end the lease early?

FROM SEARCH TO MOVE-IN

Leasing a home involves several steps, but you don't have to navigate the process alone.

Meghan can help you understand the leasing process, identify rental opportunities, coordinate showings, and guide you through the transaction from your initial search through the lease.

READY TO FIND YOUR NEXT HOME?

MEGHAN NYBACK
Broker Associate | Realtor®
Equity Union

(818) 317-9146
[email protected]