What do I need to do before I move in new apartment?

Joey: What do I need to do before I move in new apartment?
I want to know everything about what I should do before moving in new apartment and renting out that apartment. I have no idea what…my mom said that I need someone to co-sign for me? That’s all she can tell me, because whenever I say that I want to move out, she gets really angry and refuses to talk with me.

Information about myself – I am 20 years old, full-time student, and deaf living in Ohio.

The reason I said deaf is because my mom said, besides the co-signing, that deaf people are more likely to be robbed or have their apartments/houses broken in than hearing people. So that adds another question, what should I do to be careful?

Thanks a lot.

Answers and Views:

Answer by ☼AstrologerJuliAnne☼
Sounds like you have a protective mom who doesn’t want you to move out.

Deaf people are just as likely to get robbed as a person with perfect hearing. Think of this logically: If someone was casing your apartment, how on earth would they know you are deaf? LOL I think her logic is a bit faulty here.

When you find a place that you like, do a search for reviews on it on the net. You can learn if it is a dangerous place or a place with bugs etc! Try to find a place that is in a decent neighborhood, and also, I believe that Ohio has on online resource with Crimereports.com ( I am not sure..but check and see ) if not there, maybe there is another information site that will list the crimes that have occured in the areas you want to move.

Expect your mom to balk at your moving out. She is sad that her *baby* is leaving the nest..and probably since she feels you have an impairment, you can’t take care of yourself. It is always hard when a kid leaves home, I have had 2 go off to college and it was the toughest thing to drive them to school and leave them there! But, it’s part of growing up, and the best indication that you did a good job as a parent is that your kids WANT to get on their own, and be independent! It is the ones who never leave home I would worry about!

Also, if she is balking at your moving out, she may give you a hard time about being a co signer. Since you have never rented an apartment before, you may need someone else to sign the lease with you who has good credit. I hope you have someone else who can do this if you cannot qualify for the place alone. If you have had credit cards and used them wisely or an auto loan for a couple years, you may be able to do this alone.

Good luck and your mom isn’t mad at you, her *anger* is more hurt/sadness that she feels because she will miss seeing your smiling face everyday! It’s perfectly normal! Just tell her she did a good job being a mom and that’s why she has raised a man who wants to take care of himself!

Good luck :0)

Answer by johnjanetl
You could try contacting any of the resources at Ohio legal rights services.

I am sure there will be plently of people ready to help you find a place that will ensure you that you are able to maintain the independence you are used to now, in decently priced, safe neighborhoods.

Answer by bastaet
Be thorough in your search for a new apartment! There are a lot of things to consider. First figure out what’s most important to YOU in a new apartment. Ask yourself the following .. Do you want a place with a pool or work out facility? Does it need to be near shopping, buslines, interstates, etc? How much do you want to spend on rent and utilities each month?

When you find a few places that may be what you are looking for, take a look at them on the internet. Many places have websites for their specific community or advertise on rental websites. Also, take a look at apartment rating websites and see what other renter’s have to say. Have any friends or classmates that are already renting? Ask them about their place and experience.

Interested in what you see? Initiate contact with the landlord! Be sure to ask lots of questions — such as — are utilities included? How does the application process work and what do they require? What is the deposit and application fee? What are the income guidelines? Are there any move in specials (i.e. free rent?) Do they offer a discount to students? Is there a time you can view an apartment?

A landlord may require a co-signer from you because you have never rented before and because you are a full time student (assuming you don’t have income). Some places may not, they will just ask for an increased deposit.

Unfortunately, crime happens everywhere. Although it has not been my experience that certain people are targeted more than others. Make sure you check crime reports for the area in which you are planning to move to (many police departments have websites you can check) and make a visit to the area in the late evening hours. Look at cars and the people you see around. Is the area well lit? Another trickier question to ask is if any of the employees live at the property. These can be strong indicators of what a place is really like.

Landlords aren’t technically allowed to answer questions on the demographic of their community or issues related to “security”. In addition, they are not allowed to discriminate against you because you are deaf.

Always always always ask to see the actual apartment you will be living in before you sign the lease.

As far as mom goes, that’s typical 🙂 She’s worried about you

Im in Ohio too .. If we are close, I would love to help you!