Rent is one of the biggest expenses that people today have to pay. No matter where you live, that hefty rent check is due at the beginning of every month, and it’s all too easy to fall behind. If you fall too far behind, you can face court costs and even eviction, which only make it more difficult to swim your way out of debt. Fortunately, there is a better, easier way to live, one where you don’t constantly have to worry about whether or not you’re going to get that rent check in on time. You can achieve it by following our simple tips for lowering your monthly rent. 

1.       Live Within Your Means: One of the biggest reasons that people fall behind in that monthly rent payment is because they’re living in an apartment that they, quite simply, can’t afford to live in. Before you rent any apartment, it’s up to you to check your budget and honestly determine whether or not you can afford your new home. If you can’t, then it’s better to give up that big, fancy apartment for a smaller one that won’t end with you in debt or on the streets. Once you do move into a new place, stay true to your budget! If you start overspending, you won’t be able to afford your new place, even if it was originally within your means.

2.       Pet Rent: Pet rent is something that many apartment complexes will charge, each month, for pet owners. It is often paid per pet and can get as high as a few hundred additional dollars per month. Obviously, this is very steep and can lead to people lying about their pets and eventually getting evicted for it. An easier alternative is to seek out an apartment complex that charges a one time pet fee as opposed to a monthly pet rent.

3.       Paying for Extras You Don’t Use: When you sign a new lease, make sure you read through all that fine print instead of just signing your life away. All too often, complexes will charge a fee for use of the pool, the laundry facilities, for that pre-installed cable, or whatever other “amenity” is offered. If this is the case with your new place and you’re not going to use that amenity, make sure you opt out of paying the fee as well.

4.       Paying Late: Many apartment complexes and individual landlords will charge a fee for anytime that you are even a day late with your rent. To avoid this, your best bet is, of course, to always pay on time. Try and pay on the first day that rent is due if you can, and only use the grace period in extenuating circumstances. If something comes up and you’re going to be more than a little late, make sure you tell your landlord. If you’re usually a good tenant, he or she will likely cut you some slack.

5.       Living in the City: It can sound tempting to move to the city and be right near all the night life and action of downtown. However, it can also be incredibly expensive. Typically, you will pay more for a small, rundown studio apartment in the heart of a big city than you would for a nice, well furnished one bedroom in a more rural area. So, sometimes it’s better to make that commute than to have to deal with outrageous rent rates. This is definitely something to think about in your apartment search.

6.       Going Month to Month on or Not Having a Lease: You can get much lower rent if you sign a lease of six months to a year. When you don’t have a lease or you opt to go month to month on the lease, you end up paying way more for rent than you should. While breaking leases can be costly and you shouldn’t enter into one that you know you can’t satisfy the terms of, it’s a good idea to try and work out something with your landlord. Generally, if you plan on staying in an apartment for three months or more, then you need some kind of lease agreement to keep the costs down.

7.       Breaking Lease: Finally, many people are not aware of the fact that most apartment complexes will charge you rent, plus additional fees, each month when you break your lease and move out. Typically, you will be responsible for this amount until your lease term is up, even if the apartment is rented in the meantime. To avoid this disaster, make sure you carefully read and understand the conditions of your lease and that you abide by them. If an emergency comes up and you must move, try subletting to get out of the lease.