Moving out at 18 years old (lease, deposits, house, fees)

[MaryleeII]

Originally Posted by snowdaytoday

I can not figure out why you all seem to be under the impression that $1000-$2000 a month is not enough for a single person to live on. I know several people who do this and live quite happily.

You sound like my kids----


Have you figured in the real cost of living? Such as--

medical insurance---I don't care how healthy you are right now, one must always be prepared for the unexpected. Figure at least $100/month just for the insurance, then, there's deductibles, copays, etc that's the cost YOU pay everytime you see a doctor or get a prescription

Car insurance---again, more expensive than you probably realize

What about----the air you breathe? I told my kids the very air they breathe costs someone money---usually the parents---that is, to heat and air condition. Yes, you may think oh, you're gone most of the day, and can tough it out at night, but think again! Depending on where you live, you can be mighty miserable without climate control. Also, AC is a security measure. Do you really want to sleep with your windows open all night?


Food----have you been grocery shopping---lately? Or do you plan to eat at MCD every meal? Even that is waaaaay more expensive than one at first realizes




Just depends on how truly awful your current home and parents are. I know, I was 18 once, you get that "itch" to be on your own, its natural. Have you thought of moving out for a short while? I advised my kids to take out an apt just for the summer, with the full understanding they are welcome to return home when the school semester begins in the Fall. Get it out of your system-----good luck

[snowdaytoday]

As many of you have said, it would be easier with a roommate, which is not something I am against. I would just have to find someone that I don't mind living with and that is fairly responsible. There are several apartments that I have found online in BR that are two bedrooms in the $700. That'd leave me only spending about 35% on rent which isn't bad.

[annie_himself]

Are your parents going to co-sign?

[snowdaytoday]

If I'm 18 and legally an adult why would I need them to co-sign?

[hey teach]

Do you have a credit history? Most lenders, apartment managers, will not even consider you without credit /rental history or a co-signor. One of my relatives had been living in his grandmothers house (she was in the nursing home) rent free for several years. When he had to move out, he had difficulty finding something to rent because he had no rental or credit history. He was in his thirties, had a good job, and basically no debt. Still had problems.

[annie_himself]

You won't be able to live anywhere making $1000 a month. Most places require you to make 3-4 times the rent in a month.

[mhounit]

I once had someone tell me that there are two kinds of people . There is the guy that when you tell him the stove is hot , he says thank you very much . The other kind need to smell burning flesh . I think we know which type we are dealing with here . Good luck , you'll need it .

[Sam I Am]

Folks, we need to keep this to the OP's original question of what can be rented within the budget that is nice in BR? We need to keep this one local.

OP, if you'd like for me to move this to the Renting forum for further rental advice, please DM me.

[stoppeddown]

OP, I'll tell you from experience that what you are looking for is not something you truly want. I'll tell you from experience, and numbers. I moved out for the first time at 24 and could barely make it on my own, then I lost my job and had to move back home at 26. That is real life. Anyways, for numbers...

Apartment Rent - $700/month
Power (Avg. Monthly) - $110/month
Internet (Homework) - $25/month
Gas @ $3.40/15 gal - $51/week $204/month
Groceries (bare min.) - $40/week $160/month

Total Bills/Responsibilities - $1199/month

That doesn't include grabbing dinner with a friend on the weekend, needing a few extra gallons of gas to go see your girlfriend, taking her to prom/on a date, or any form of medical care or insurance. Also, car insurance/tag/tickets. I lived on ~1800 a month and scraped by with just a few bucks higher bills than above (my rent was 800/month) and I only had to cover 20% of my insurance cost. Also...what about your cell phone?

[snowdaytoday]

Originally Posted by stoppeddown

OP, I'll tell you from experience that what you are looking for is not something you truly want. I'll tell you from experience, and numbers. I moved out for the first time at 24 and could barely make it on my own, then I lost my job and had to move back home at 26. That is real life. Anyways, for numbers...

Apartment Rent - $700/month
Power (Avg. Monthly) - $110/month
Internet (Homework) - $25/month
Gas @ $3.40/15 gal - $51/week $204/month
Groceries (bare min.) - $40/week $160/month

Total Bills/Responsibilities - $1199/month

That doesn't include grabbing dinner with a friend on the weekend, needing a few extra gallons of gas to go see your girlfriend, taking her to prom/on a date, or any form of medical care or insurance. Also, car insurance/tag/tickets. I lived on ~1800 a month and scraped by with just a few bucks higher bills than above (my rent was 800/month) and I only had to cover 20% of my insurance cost. Also...what about your cell phone?

There are guys like this telling me that they were able to live making about what I will make, but at the same time you have some others being surprisingly rude and telling me what a stupid idea this is. I am pretty confused at the moment. Don't know why so many of these people are being rude. And please don't say "That's reality for you son". Because you and I both damn well know that there are many single individuals out there that could and DO survive on $1000-$1500/month. Many just not up to your luxurious idea of living.