One of the most exciting experiences one can have is moving from one country to another, but it is also the most confusing. People who have emigrated to the United States from another country will love to tell you about their adventures when they moved to America. They know to expect to experience trepidation and insecurity as they pursue the promise of freedom and opportunity, and as they try to blend into a foreign land. But to have to find a suitable place to live is a problem. Something like this may come easily to the rest of us, but not for new arrivals.

Whether you plan to move here shortly, or have just moved to the United States, there are procedures you should be familiar with when you attempt to lease an apartment. The owner of a property is known as the landlord. You will be paying him or her "rent", a monthly fee to live there. You should immediately report them to your landlord, if you have any problems or concerns. You will have to sign a lease, the document that spells out the terms of your rental. Any questions you have regarding your lease, or anything related to your living conditions or the property itself should be reported to the landlord.

Most leasing applications will ask for a social security number and proof of employment. If you don't already possess these items, your visa can be used in lieu of the social security number, and you can supply a pay stub to prove that you're currently working. If you're currently unemployed, you'll need to provide a co-signer (someone who is working and is willing to accept responsibility for payment of the rent each month if you're unable to do so). In many cases, an application fee will need to be paid, but the prices will vary from property to property.

Depending on the property and the landlord's rules, leases are offered for set periods of time. The majority of leases are for one year. Landlords don't want to go through all the trouble of renting out every couple of months. But six month lease periods do exist. A lease requires you to stay in the apartment for the term of the lease. Understand all of the fees that are related to the lease and be sure
you are clear on the terms of your lease. Remember that a landlord is not obligated to renew your lease. If you find a nice, reasonable place, try to have as long a lease as possible. First find out if there are any penalties for breaking your lease. If you are transferred out of the area, or change your marital status, for instance, you may be stuck if you signed a long lease. Unless the apartmentn is rented again, you may have to pay part of the balance of the lease or the rent.

Sometimes, utilities are included in the cost of the lease, but not always, since each lease is different. Be sure you calculate the cost of utilities into your living expenses, if this is not the case. Utilities are gas, electricity, phone service, cable TV service, hot water, heat, air conditioning and other such services outside the actual apartment lease. Before they will connect you to the utility, most utility companies will require a deposit. The deposit can be seized if you do not make your monthly payment for the service, and if these monthly payments are not made they will cut off service. Make sure you calculate your total living expenses, including utilities to make sure you are able to pay for each of these items. You might consider the option of a roommate, if you cannot. This is another person who lives with you and shares expenses.

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Author:

Toulas Scorpento is the webmaster of Firma Leasing, inc. which is a premium Internet resource for Leasing information. For more details please visit http://www.firmaleasing.com

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Article Posted: April 1, 2008