Renting your first apartment online: everything you need to know

A guide for tenants by Spacest.com

Renting your first apartment online is an important stage in a person’s life.

Whether you are a student, a young professional, or someone who wants to live more independently, this step represents a huge achievement.

However, without proper preparation, it can turn into a real challenge. Here’s our rental guide to help you make an informed choice and make the process as simple as possible.

Rent online: establish your budget

The first thing to do when you decide to look for your first apartment is to define your budget.

Remember that rent isn’t the only expense: there are utilities, internet, and potential condo fees.

A general rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30-35% of your monthly income on rent. Be sure to also consider extra costs, such as security deposit and moving costs.

Choose the right area for your online rental

The location of your apartment is crucial. Consider proximity to work, schools, or public transportation.

If possible, explore online maps, reviews and photographs to evaluate the safety and convenience of the area.

With the rent online, it is essential to do in-depth research to choose an area that suits your needs without being able to make a physical visit.

Renting online: understand the rental agreement

Renting your first apartment online requires understanding different types of contracts.

Here are the main types of contracts you may encounter:

• Free-fee contract (4+4): it is the most common type of contract. It has an initial duration of 4 years, automatically renewable for another 4, unless there are specific reasons to terminate it. This contract guarantees stability for both the tenant and the owner;
• Contract with agreed fee (3+2): has a duration of 3 years, renewable for another 2, and often provides a lower rent, established on the basis of local agreements. This formula is ideal if you are looking for greater flexibility and lower fees;
• Transitional contract: this contract has a duration ranging from 1 to 18 months and is ideal for those with temporary needs, such as an internship or a short-term work project. It does not provide automatic renewals, but can be renegotiated;
• Contract for university students: a type of contract specifically dedicated to off-site students.

When online rentals, it is essential to ask for a copy of the contract in advance to read it carefully.

Take time to fully understand all the clauses, especially those relating to termination and possible rent increases.

If possible, ask the owner for clarification via video call or email.

Documents required for online rental

Renting an apartment online involves a series of documents that you will have to prepare and send digitally.

Here is a list of the main documents required:

• Identity document: a scan or photo of your identity document, valid and legible, is mandatory to verify your identity;
• Tax code: it is required to identify you for tax purposes;
• Pay slips or tax returns: These documents are used by the landlord to verify your ability to pay the rent. In the absence of pay slips (for example for students), you may need a guarantor to provide your financial information;
• References: Landlords sometimes ask for references from previous tenants or employers to get an idea of ​​your reliability as a tenant.

Since the rental takes place completely online, it is important to be prepared to provide these documents in digital format, preferably in PDF.

Make sure all documents are clear and up to date to avoid delays in contract verification and approval.

Online rentals: know your rights and obligations

As a tenant, it is important to be aware of your rights, but also your responsibilities.

The owner is required to keep the apartment in good condition, while the tenant must respect the property and pay the rent on time.

Being informed about your rights and duties is essential, above all when renting online, where it is necessary to trust the parties involved without a physical meeting.

Be sure to document every communication and save it securely for future reference.

Online rentals: view the apartment virtually

Since it is not possible to visit the apartment in person, many online rental platforms offer detailed photos in HD and the ability to take virtual tours.

Use these resources to look at every detail of the apartment.

Check if there are available high resolution video or images of all the rooms and, if possible, ask the owner to make a real-time video call to show you the apartment.

This way, you can ask specific questions and make sure everything matches what is described in the ad.

Establish a good relationship with the owner when renting online

Also when you rent online, it is essential to build a good relationship with the owner.

A good way to do this is to maintain open and respectful communication.

Always communicate via secure platforms or official emails, and keep all correspondence to be ready in case of future problems.

Online rental: management of utilities

When renting your first apartment online, information regarding utilities may vary: check if the owner has already activated electricity, gas and internet or if you have to manage new activations.

Remote utility management often requires longer wait times, so start the process immediately after signing the contract.

How organize the move in online rental

Even if you can’t visit the apartment in advance, plan your move carefully.

Use the measurements provided by the owner or the rental portal to understand which furniture to bring.

Trust movers who offer safe delivery services, and consider purchasing any new furniture online, having them delivered directly to your new home.

Online rentals: personalize your space

Once you move in, make the apartment as welcoming as possible.

Decorating your space with personal objects, plants and textiles will help you feel at home straight away, especially if you chose the apartment based only on online images.

In conclusion

Renting your first apartment online can be an exciting and, at the same time, somewhat complicated experience.

With this rental guide, we hope to have provided you with the best advice for tenants to tackle this important step in a safe and informed way.

Remember to establish a realistic budget, understand the rental contract well, and do all the checks you can on the area and the apartment.

By following these suggestions, you will be ready to start your new housing adventure with complete peace of mind, even from a distance: start now, rent now with Spacest.com!