Tips for First-Time Renters

Renting for the first time is an exciting step, but there’s a lot to navigate. With a bit of preparation and awareness, you can avoid the common pitfalls first-time renters often face. Let’s break down the key aspects you should keep in mind before signing your first lease.

1. Set a Realistic Budget:
The first step in renting an apartment is figuring out how much you can afford. As a general rule, your rent should not exceed 30% of your monthly income. But don’t forget about other expenses! Utilities (water, electricity, gas, internet), insurance, and deposits all add up. In some cases, you may also be responsible for garbage collection or parking fees.

Take time to break down your monthly income and other financial commitments. If you have student loans, credit card payments, or other obligations, be sure to include those in your budget to avoid overextending yourself.

2. Research the Neighborhood:
Choosing the right neighborhood is crucial. Proximity to work, school, or public transportation can make or break your living experience. Walk around the area, check for essential services like grocery stores, pharmacies, and healthcare facilities, and don’t forget about safety. You can use online tools to check crime rates or talk to residents to get a feel for the area.

Think about what matters most to you. Do you need a neighborhood with lively cafes and restaurants, or do you prefer a quieter suburban feel with parks and good schools? Consider your lifestyle and long-term plans before committing.

3. Schedule Apartment Tours:
Never rely solely on online photos when choosing an apartment. Scheduling an in-person tour allows you to spot any issues that might not be visible online. Look out for things like mold, water damage, or faulty appliances. Open cupboards, turn on taps, and test light switches.

If an in-person tour is not possible, request a video tour where the landlord walks you through the space, showing every detail. Be sure to ask about maintenance and emergency repairs—how quickly are issues typically resolved?

4. Understand the Lease Terms:
Leases are legal contracts, so it’s critical to understand the fine print before signing. Pay close attention to the lease length, termination policies, and renewal options. Some landlords offer month-to-month leases, while others may require a 12-month commitment.

Make sure the lease outlines who is responsible for repairs and whether utilities are included in the rent. Additionally, review the rules for rent increases. Some states have rent control, while others may allow annual increases. Understanding these details upfront will save you from future surprises.

5. Get Renter’s Insurance:
Renter’s insurance is affordable and covers your personal belongings in case of theft, fire, or other disasters. Some policies even offer liability coverage, protecting you if someone gets injured in your apartment. Many landlords now require proof of insurance, so it’s worth factoring this into your budget from the start.

Shop Rental Finder makes it easy to find key apartment information, contact information, and details. Our website and magazine makes apartment hunting easy.

By following these tips and using the checklist, you’ll be well-prepared to find an apartment that suits your budget and lifestyle, making the renting process a positive experience.

Neighborhood Spotlight: Evansville vs. Owensboro

Choosing between Evansville, Indiana, and Owensboro, Kentucky, is no easy task, especially when both offer unique living experiences. Whether you're after the lively pace of a larger city or the charm of a smaller town, understanding the differences between these two areas will help guide your decision.

Evansville, Indiana – A Bustling City with Opportunity

Evansville is Southern Indiana’s largest city and offers a vibrant, urban atmosphere. It’s a great choice for those who want access to more amenities, career opportunities, and entertainment options. As the region’s economic hub, Evansville boasts a variety of industries, including healthcare, education, and manufacturing, making it a suitable destination for professionals and young families alike.

One of the highlights of Evansville is the cost of living, which remains moderate despite the city’s size. Rental prices range from affordable studio apartments downtown to spacious homes in suburban areas. The average rent in Evansville is slightly higher than Owensboro, but the variety of options makes it possible to find something that fits most budgets.

In terms of entertainment, Evansville doesn’t disappoint. From cultural hotspots like the Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science to the vibrant dining and nightlife scene on Franklin Street, there’s always something to do. The city’s large parks, such as Wesselman Woods and the Evansville Riverfront, offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, too.

The city is also home to several colleges, including the University of Southern Indiana and University of Evansville, creating a youthful energy that makes Evansville feel both lively and progressive.

Owensboro, Kentucky – A Small Town with Big Charm

Owensboro, on the other hand, is a smaller, more community-centered city known for its friendly atmosphere and slower pace of life. It's ideal for those who want to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle without sacrificing modern conveniences. Located just 30 miles from Evansville, Owensboro has been growing steadily, but it still retains the welcoming charm of a close-knit community.

One of Owensboro’s biggest draws is its affordability. Rent is typically lower than Evansville, with more options for single-family homes and larger apartments at reasonable rates. It’s especially appealing for families, as Owensboro’s school system is well-regarded, and the city has a strong sense of community involvement.

Owensboro is also famous for its culinary scene, particularly its world-renowned barbecue. The International Bar-B-Q Festival, held every May, is a beloved event that draws visitors from across the region. The city’s downtown area has undergone major revitalization in recent years, with the addition of the River Park Center and the Smothers Park Riverfront, which features scenic walking paths, playgrounds, and fountains along the Ohio River.

Though smaller in scale, Owensboro still offers its share of cultural attractions, such as the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art and the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Plus, for outdoor lovers, there’s Ben Hawes State Park, which provides hiking, golfing, and picnicking areas.

Which City is Right for You?

Evansville is perfect for those seeking an urban lifestyle with a wide variety of job opportunities, entertainment, and housing options. It’s a city with a faster pace of life, appealing to young professionals, students, and those who prefer a bustling environment.

Owensboro offers a more laid-back lifestyle with lower rent, tight-knit communities, and family-friendly activities. If you value a slower pace and a town where everyone knows your name, Owensboro might be the perfect match.

By: Daniel Sherwin

Rental Finder is more than a simple apartment-listing app – it’s a full-fledged guide for finding and settling into a new home in the Indiana-Kentucky-Illinois tri-state area. You can use Rental Finder to shop for apartments, learn the ins and outs of renting, get acquainted with local neighborhoods, find answers to common questions, and more.  

Below, we explain the various ways Rental Finder can help you find and settle into a new home in Illinois, Indiana, or Kentucky, courtesy of the Rental Finder team.

Finding a place to live in the IN-KY-IL tri-state area 

The Indiana-Kentucky-Illinois tri-state area comprises 30 beautiful counties and a handful of major cities that house over a million people. Rental Finder lists homes in popular neighborhoods in major cities like Evansville, Henderson, Newburgh, and Carbondale. You can use the app to filter properties by location and neighborhood. You can learn more about the neighborhood or city in question while you’re at it. 

Finding exactly the home you need

Apartments come in many shapes and sizes – single apartments, duplexes, and lofts. You can find apartments with exactly the features, amenities, and style you’re looking for. Besides apartments, Rental Finder also lists houses, townhomes, and other common property types. Some top features and amenities you can filter by include: 

• Kid-friendly or pet-friendly 
• Swimming pool or playground access
• Amenities like garages, dishwashers, and fireplaces 
• Safety features like alarms or gated access

Curated landlords or rental companies 

Rental Finder has been working with local landlords and rental companies for years. We are invested in making the community a warm, welcoming, and homely place for everyone – so we make it a point to feature listings only from reputable local companies or landlords. 

Everything can be remote if you like 

You may not have the time or opportunity to head to Illinois, Indiana, or Kentucky personally to look for a new rental – and that’s completely okay! Rental Finder was made with remote users in mind. We offer virtual tours, maps, photos, and all the other resources you need to find a rental no matter where you are. You’ll also find phone numbers and email addresses if you want the latest vacancy information. 

Jobs nearby 

Moving to Illinois, Indiana, or Kentucky likely requires a brand-new job. Rental Finder provides helpful job-related information that can help you secure employment. You can learn more about local industries (food is big in Henderson, for example), long-term career prospects, commuting options, convenient rentals near your office, and similar. 

Dining options nearby 

Rental Finder lists the most noteworthy dining options in your neighborhood or city of choice – and gives you other food-related advice too. You can learn more about the places that the locals think are best for breakfast, for example, or where to take your date for dinner in Newburgh or Evansville.

Schools and colleges nearby 

Your kids may need a new school or college. Rental Finder lists some popular local options – both public and private – and also offers helpful advice on navigating your education options locally. If you’re an adult with a job and don’t have time to go to school full-time, you may prefer to take online classes or pursue “hybrid” education to further your studies. There are many options. For example, you can earn your EdD degree with a virtual program from a reputable institute.  

Settling into your new home

Moving can be stressful, and moving to an unknown neighborhood and city is frequently anxiety-inducing. Rental Finder attempts to ease your fears by telling you what you can expect and offering helpful moving advice (from finding jobs to new roommates), and other tips to make your apartment feel like home. 

When you first move, you may find unpacking and keeping the space tidy and organized a challenge. To make your life easier, have your kids help out. If they’re reluctant, you can gamify it to pique their interest. With the right strategy, you can have them put their toys and other stuff away in under half an hour.  

Conclusion 

Rental Finder is your one-stop shop for top-tier rentals in the IN-KY-IL area. You can find exactly the home you and your family want, with all the amenities you need. You can also find helpful information on other things, from how renting apartments works to how to settle down faster.