Girl, cable was a luxury when I first moved in! Maybe if you can get MomDukes to cosign on your electric, they will waive the deposit, that's how they do it here, then after 1 year, they take her off of the account. It just means that she has an account with them and that she has been pretty much current on all of her bills and hasn't had any disconnections.

Tips
 

A good resource on-line is: http://www.monstermoving.com/

Also, when looking for an apartment, try to find those small apartment booklets that are free - they are usually located at the supermarket where all the free flyers, brochures, and discounts are - and grab a couple of different ones.

Sometimes they have web sites that have 3D tours and floor plans...that's how I narrowed down my current apartment.

I use the web sites to help me narrow it down to about three and then go visit these. In MY opinion, the ONLY reason I would EXCUSE a complex not having a site is if they are NEW, lol! Other than that, I would have to wonder why they are not on-line yet....at least with an order form for visitors requesting information packets!

Good Luck! :)

You might also see what utilities your complex pays for. When I moved in to my complex, I had to have the lights already connected before they gave me my keys. I pay for light,phone,and cable. My complex pays for water,trash and sewage. It comes in handy cause I have a washer and dryer in my apartment and not having to pay for water is a huge help

And the Apartment Guide will become your best friend. The version for Dallas/Ft Worth is the size of a Stephen King novel. You can also go to apartmentguide.com or order one for the area that you're wanting to move to. They cost $5 for standard delivery(about 7 - 10 business days) and it a little more for for rush delivery

Good call. The landlord may not be forthright with you, but the local police station should have some sort of a PR officer who could tell you what sorts of activities go on in your new neighbourhood.

I did this when I was new to Toronto and I'm glad that I did!

Student Housing Community Manager here....so ask away. There are alot of things you should know. Student Housing apartment living is slightly different than conventional (regular) apartments but the law is the law no matter what type of apartment you are in. Your lease is created around the law.

Upfront $$$ - Almost ever apartment requires a deposit and some money upfront for application fee, reservation fee, no hassle move out fee, security deposit, etc....there's a name for everything. When searching, make sure you have at least $400 $500.

Signing the Lease - Don't sign anything unless you read it.

Never pay anyone to locate an apartment for you...unless you are desparate.

The best apartments are those that have everything included in the market rent i.e. washer/dryer, utilities, cable, etc.

My first choice was one of those apartment communities with everything included. It was/is awesome! Unfortunately, I didn't get in :( They were really really strict on credit and I was only allowed a co-signer for financial reasons...not if I had bad credit. I'm happy with the 2nd choice, but nothing is included. About how much do utilities costs per month...gas, electric, water?

The cost of utilities depends on the size of the apartment. Our units are 4 bedrooms and the average bill in the summer is $135 and $95 in the winter.

A few tips to help control the cost of utilites:

1. Keep your A/C on 75 degrees and on Auto. If it doesn't get cool or stay cool at 75, request maintenance to check the A/C. Don't turn your A/C on and off. If you are leaving for a long time (summer break, winter or spreak break) turn your unit off. Make sure your A/C filter is changed.

2. Turn off all lights when not home.

Any other tips that people want to throw out there? I'm thinking of moving into an apartment sometime next year.

Shop around, talk to folks in the area if they are living in apartments, check out apartmentratings.com I think it is, sometimes all people have to say are bad things but it could give you some insight into potential problems, and if decide upfront if there is ANYTHING you refuse to put up with or cannot live without. Either way if you know that going in there are some you don't even have to revisit in your thought process. Oh and if possible get floor plans to take home WITH the dimensions on them because every apartment drawing looks about the same but I know I would have been paying MUCH more for a smaller place had I not peeped the dimensions of each room.

Once you move in, I would REALLY REALLY REALLY recommend getting renter's insurance. It doesn't cost much especially if you get it from the same provider as your car insurance (through what they call a multiline discount). I pay only $8 a month for mine, and I am covered for up to $20,000. That means if I totally lose my stuff to fire or flooding, break in, or freak storm, I pay the deductible and get a nice fat check. You never know what may come up, but it's nice to be prepared. My stuff is covered, and I can have ease of mind because of it.

Which is good, but renter's insurance will always depend on city. I was paying 200 a year before I relocated, now it's up to 250 I think but that's coverage up to 35K now because of my computers and clothes and what not.

I need apartment tips
 

This is a bit off the subject, but since we're on the subject of apartments, does anyone know of any website where I can get free apartment guides for New Orleans, La, Baton Rouge, La, and Houston, Texas area. All the ones that I've found have a fee. I'm not sure where I'll be going to school so I'm trying to get apartment guides for all the areas. If any one know of any nice apartments near Southern University, Texas Southern University please post.:) :)