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Renting

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Talk to a Housing Counselor
HUD funds housing counseling agencies throughout the country that can give you advice on renting. Find the address of a housing counseling agency closest to you or call toll-free 1-888-466-3487

Looking for an apartment or house to rent? It can be both exciting - and frustrating. Read these tips before you begin. And happy hunting!

Step 1: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

When you live in an apartment, you have both rights and responsibilities. Know what's expected of you - and what you can expect in return.

 -   Fair housing rights
 -   Ten tips every tenant should know
 -   Rights of tenants displaced by government-funded projects
 -   Rights and responsibilities of tenants in federal assisted apartments
 -   Security deposits
 -   Landlord and tenant law
 -   Other legal information for landlords and tenants

Step 2: Figure Out How Much You Can Afford

Some experts recommend that you budget 25-30% of your income for housing. Here's more information about budgeting for your rent:

 -   Budgeting for your first apartment
 -   How much rent is too much rent?
 -   Buy vs. rent Think you can't afford to buy a home? You might be surprised.


Did You Know?
 -   You can apply at more than one public housing agency. Each housing agency has its own system for applications. Sometimes there are long waiting lists. If you're willing to move, you might find a housing agency that can offer you housing right away. So check around.
 -   Find out how your rent is determined by public housing agencies..

Step 3: Take Advantage of Special Services and Programs to Help You

Need financial help? HUD and other agencies fund programs that may help you rent a home.

Privately owned subsidized apartments: the government provides funds directly to apartment owners, who lower the rents they charge low-income tenants. You can find privately owned subsidized apartments for senior citizens and people with disabilities, as well as for families and individuals. To be eligible, you can earn no more than the income limit.

 -   To apply: Visit the management office for the apartment(s) that interest you.

Public Housing is apartments for low-income people, operated by local housing agencies. To be eligible, you can earn no more than the income limit.

 -   To apply: Contact a public housing agency.

Housing Choice Vouchers (formerly called "Section 8") let you find your own place to rent, using the voucher to pay for all or part of the rent To be eligible, you can earn no more than the income limit.

 -   To apply: Contact your housing authority

Local rental programs - Your state and local governments may use HUD funds to create local rental programs. You can contact your state and local governments to find out. These rental programs may have different income limits, so be sure to ask.
 -   State and local government websites

Rural Rental Assistance Programs: The Department of Agriculture has rental assistance programs, home improvement and repair loans and grants, and self-help housing loans for low income individuals and families in rural communities.

 -   To apply: Visit the Rural Housing Service website or contact your local Rural Development office (check the Federal Government section of your telephone book).

Programs and Services in Federal Rental Housing: Many of the apartments that are aided by federal funding offer additional services for residents.

 -   Neighborhood networks trains residents in computer and job-seeking skills
 -   Step Up is a construction apprenticeship program for public housing residents and other people with low incomes

Step 4: Figure Out What You Need

Think through what you need in an apartment BEFORE you begin shopping. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Do you need to be close to schools? Do you need parking? Do you need to be close to public transportation? Where is the grocery store? Make a list before you begin...that will help you narrow down your search.

Step 5: Go Shopping

Shop for an apartment or house to rent just like you shop for anything else. Look around. Compare features. Get the best deal for you.
 -   Checklist to help you compare each unit
 -   Accessible apartment clearinghouse
 -   Visit your favorite search site and search on "apartments for rent" - you'll find many websites that will help you find apartments in your area

Step 6: Get Ready to Move

OK - you've found your place. You've signed your lease. You're ready to move in. Here are a few more resources and suggestions you might consider.

 -   Renter's insurance can help you protect your belongings
 -   Moving guide
 -   10 things to pack last

 
Content updated September 28, 2004   Follow this link to go  Back to Top   
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