Before you sign a lease

Look beyond the rent. Utilities, parking, recurring fees, and the cash due before moving can change which apartment fits your budget. Enter estimates from each listing and verify the final figures with the lease.

1. Compare recurring costs

Enter rent, utilities, parking, and recurring fees for each property. The comparison adds those four amounts for a monthly total.

2. Separate monthly and upfront costs

The upfront estimate adds first month’s rent, the deposit, and moving/setup costs. If fees or utility deposits are due before moving, include them in moving/setup. A refundable deposit is still cash you need upfront.

3. Agree on the rent split

The calculator allocates half the rent equally among rooms and half by bedroom area. This is a discussion starting point; bathrooms, light, parking, and other differences may matter to your roommates.

4. Keep a record

Check the lease, document the condition of your apartment, and export your checklist. Estimates do not replace the amounts or obligations in a signed lease.

Created by Jackson Smith, founder of FirstKey.