Finances

Even in the best of times, changing apartments can be stressful; if the economic future looks murky, moving can be downright nervewracking. But the more information you have about your financial situation, the easier it will be to move without breaking your budget.
Here are some things you can do to feel comfortable when you sign the lease for your new apartment.
Credit Matters First, your ability to rent is going to hinge on your credit report. Most apartment complexes will access your credit report before offering you a lease (and charge you a small fee when they do). Mostly they're looking for proof that you don't walk away from debts.
To make sure that the information on your credit report is accurate, go to AnnualCreditReport.com and request a free copy. There are three bureaus that keep credit reports (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian) and what shows up on one may not be on the other two; you can get one free report from each bureau each year. You can also buy additional copies.
Closely related to your credit report is your credit score. The company that calculates credit scores, Fair Isaac, will sell you that information or allow you to calculate an estimation The three bureaus also each calculate their own scores in-house. Suffice to say that higher is better, and that credit scores are based on information accumulated over time; so ignore any offers from companies to "clean up" your credit score-they'll just cost you more money.
Debt It is highly unlikely that having debt will cost you an apartment. Paying down or avoiding debt, however, will be easier if you can keep your housing costs down to a third or less of your monthly bills. Anything more than that and you will be, as Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies puts it, "moderately cost burdened."
Deposits and Fees When you're looking at paying the rent on a new place, don't forget to estimate utilities and factor in the security deposit. While you should be able to get your security deposit back when you move out (assuming you haven't trashed the place), that's a sum that won't be in your bank account, that can be equal to a month's rent or more.
Some areas may require you to pay a broker's fee (New Yorkers, this means you, unfortunately), and if you have a pet, you may have to pay an additional fee or deposit. These fees might take an apartment from affordable to stretching your budget.
Let's Make a Deal When you've found a place you like, see if you can't negotiate a better deal. For example, could you get a lower monthly rent if you're willing to sign a longer lease? Some apartment complexes will refuse to negotiate point-blank; others might be more flexible. It will depend on the management structure of your complex.
If you can negotiate, be polite and don't take it personally if you don't make headway. Hopefully your apartment will already be well within your means, and any deals you can strike will just be icing on the cake.
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