Let’s not beat around the bush here. There is no better feeling in the world than finally getting out from the wings of your parents and living on your own. I’m not saying that you don’t get along with your family, but seeing Dad walk around in his underwear while friends are over for the umpteenth time gets to be a little too much to handle. Since the Taj Mahal is a bit out of your price rage, your first home away from home could be a tad less extravagant (although the Taj Mahal does have really nice bathrooms).

And so we come to one precious facet of life: renting. It is the beautiful arrangement between the tenant (you) and the landlord (the person who owns the property). Together, you both delicately negotiate a contract that allows you to pay the landlord for the privilege of staying in the abode. And so, you and your landlord dance harmoniously into the…

Alright, time to cut the crap. A lot of you who have rented before know that it can either be a dream scenario or a nightmare. Most of the horror stories come from people who didn’t research enough before getting a place to stay and ended up in some hellhole located in the only decrepit part of an otherwise clean city.

Fortunately, financialfootprint is here to help you understand the process of renting. Are you renting for the first time? You may be fresh out of college and need some living space next to your new job or grad school. Maybe you’re still in college and want to get away from the zoo, technically called the dormitory. Or maybe you just need to get away from the folks for awhile. In that case, we’ve set up an overview so you know what to expect.

First, you’ll need to know your rights and your landlord’s rights. Then you’ll dive into the intricacies of the lease and why it’s so important. We’ve also got some things for you to think about while getting ready to move into your new crib, including renter’s insurance.

Do you already rent? Look at our roommates section to see if you want a buddy to share breathing space. You will also want to know what to do when you’re moving out of your apartment or house.

If you understand everything and want to start finding your rented home, we’ve got some hints on how to get the apartment or house that’s right for you.

Remember, the world is a big, scary place. Fortunately your personal finance guide is NOT scary and will be happy to help you understand the process of renting. So let’s get you into your new personal space!