Ten Things to Know Before You Rent

                                  --- Knowledge make rite-of passage a good experience ---

1. Location matters(지역 선택)

   Visit potential neighborhoods a few times, at different times of day, before settling down. It might look fine on a Wednesday afternoon, but factors like noise, parking and security can change at night or on weekends.

2. The landlord is not your buddy(집주인의 평판)

   Your landlord might be perfectly nice, but your relationship is about business, not friendship. First-time renters tend to be somewhat naive. Your need a dose of cynicism. That means checking into your potential landlord's reputation before you sign a lease. You can do that by simply crossing the hall and knocking on a neighbor's door.

   Even if the landlord passes this test, you must not let your guard down. Get everything in writing, even somethings as simple as an assurance of when a problem will be fixed and keep copies of all documentation and correspondence between you and the landlord.

3. Skimming the lease isn't enough(모든 계약은 문서로)

   First-time renters often forget that this is a binding legal document. If you have questions about something in your lease, make sure you get a good answer. If there are repairs needed before you move in, have that written into the contract. And never let anyone pressure you into signing with just a cursory once-over.

4. You're in charge of your safety(비상사태 대비)

   You need to review crime statistics about a neighborhood you are moving into before you sign a lease. However, crime shouldn't be the only safety concern. New renters also need to know where smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are, how to maintain them, and what to do in case of a fire or other emergency. Up until now, those have probably been things your parents took care of. Now it's your turn.

5. Roommates aren't perfect(동숙인과의 역할 분담)

   Before you sign a lease together, compare expectations. How will you split chores and bills? How much privacy to you want? A little communication up front will help you get along later on. Also, remember that when you sign a lease, you could be responsible for the whole bill if roommates flake out on their share.

6. Insurance is cheap, and necessary(세입자 보험)

   Costing as little as $12 a month, renters' insurance could save you thousands. If your belongings are stolen or destroyed in a fire, your landlord usually isn't responsible for replacing them. Insurance can cover against those situations, as well as theft from other places, such as the trunk of your car. Renters' insurance also can cover liability claims against you --- if your dog bites someone, for instance, or if a guest falls in your apartment. No one thinks about this stuff until it happens. But if they don't have insurance, they're going to have a rude awakening.

7. You need to go shopping(비품 구입)

   Remember to factor household costs into your budget. Some of the basics you'll need to buy: cleaning supplies: small appliances: pots and pans: and such easily forgotten items as light bulbs, shower curtains and a plunger.

8. Rent isn't the only thing you'll pay for(고려해야 할 예산)

   Utilities are another cost first-timers often forget. You should expect to spend about 31 to 35 per cent of your income on the combined cost of rent and utilities. Before you sign a lease, contact the utility companies to find out how much the bills were last year and how much you'll have to pay in setup fees and deposits. If utilities are included in your rent, find out how much control you'll have over their use.

9. Be nosy, be pushy(문제 발견 시 집주인에게 즉각 연락)

   Spend time examining utility closets and appliances during your tour. If something breaks, keep calling until it's fixed. Some landlords may not respond unless you call them frequently. And what may seem like a minor problem, say, a leaking water heater and some mould, could lead to something major, such as rotting wood.

10. You have rights(세입자 권리)

   Landlords and their staff can't enter your apartment at will. In general, remember that, while you're paying rent, the apartment is your private home first and the landlord's property second.