Renting a home should be an exciting step forward, whether you’re moving into your first apartment, upgrading for more space, or relocating to a new city. But many renters — especially first-timers — fall into the same traps. These mistakes can cost you money, strain your relationship with your landlord, or even put your housing at risk.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 44 million households rent their homes. With so many renters in the U.S., it’s no surprise that the same issues come up again and again. A 2023 Zillow study also found that renters spend an average of 29.5% of their income on housing, meaning even small mistakes can have big financial consequences.
The good news? Every mistake is avoidable with the right knowledge.
If you’re searching for common renter mistakes or want practical tips for renters, this guide breaks down the 20 most frequent renting mistakes to avoid — plus real-life examples, solutions, and bonus tips.
- Mistake #1: Not Reading the Lease Agreement Carefully
- Mistake #2: Skipping the Property Inspection
- Mistake #3: Forgetting About Hidden Costs
- Mistake #4: Not Knowing Your Rights as a Tenant
- Mistake #5: Not Communicating with Your Landlord
- Mistake #6: Paying Rent Late or Inconsistently
- Mistake #7: Overstretching Your Budget
- Mistake #8: Not Getting Renter’s Insurance
- Mistake #9: Ignoring Lease Renewal Terms
- Mistake #10: Not Planning for the Move-Out Process
- Mistake #11: Not Negotiating Rent or Lease Terms
- Mistake #12: Overlooking the Neighborhood
- Mistake #13: Not Checking for Safety Features
- Mistake #14: Misunderstanding Subletting Rules
- Mistake #15: Renting Without a Written Lease
- Mistake #16: Not Reviewing Move-In/Move-Out Procedures
- Mistake #17: Failing to Budget for Rent Increases
- Mistake #18: Assuming the Landlord Covers Everything
- Mistake #19: Not Asking About Maintenance Response Times
- Mistake #20: Forgetting to Change Address and Utilities at Move-Out
- Bonus Mistakes Renters Make
- FAQs: Common Renter Mistakes
- Final Thoughts: Renting Smarter Starts with Awareness
Mistake #1: Not Reading the Lease Agreement Carefully
Your lease is the foundation of your rental experience. It spells out your rights, responsibilities, and limitations. Skimming it (or skipping it altogether) is one of the most common renter mistakes, especially for first-time renters.
How to Avoid It:
- Read every section before signing — yes, even the fine print.
- Pay attention to rent increases, late fees, subletting, and pet policies.
- If you don’t understand something, ask for clarification.
Example: A renter signed without realizing there was a strict “no-pet” policy. After adopting a cat, they were forced to pay hundreds in fees and faced eviction threats.
Related: Tips for First-Time Renters
Mistake #2: Skipping the Property Inspection
Failing to check the property thoroughly before move-in is a huge mistake. Landlords may charge you for pre-existing damage when you move out.
How to Avoid It:
- Walk through every room with a checklist.
- Take photos and videos of existing scratches, stains, or damage.
- Submit a signed inspection report to your landlord.
Example: A tenant didn’t note a cracked window on move-in. At move-out, the landlord deducted $300 from their deposit to replace it.
Mistake #3: Forgetting About Hidden Costs
Many renters only budget for rent, forgetting about utilities, parking, renter’s insurance, and move-in fees. These can add hundreds to your monthly expenses.
How to Avoid It:
- Ask which utilities are included in the rent.
- Budget for internet, trash, parking, and insurance.
- Don’t forget one-time costs like application fees, deposits, and movers.
Example: A tenant thought their $1,100 rent was manageable. After adding $200 in utilities, $50 for parking, and $20 for insurance, the real cost was $1,370.
Related: How to Budget for Renting
Mistake #4: Not Knowing Your Rights as a Tenant
Every state has different tenant laws, but many renters don’t take time to learn them. This leaves them vulnerable to unfair practices.
How to Avoid It:
- Research tenant rights in your state.
- Keep copies of your lease, receipts, and communications.
- Report unsafe conditions or harassment to housing authorities.
Example: A tenant didn’t know they were legally entitled to 30 days’ notice before eviction. They were forced to move in less than a week.
Mistake #5: Not Communicating with Your Landlord
Poor communication can escalate small issues into big problems. Some tenants don’t report maintenance issues or fail to inform landlords about changes like new roommates.
How to Avoid It:
- Report maintenance problems early, even if they seem minor.
- Communicate in writing (email or text) to keep records.
- Be upfront about pets, roommates, or changes in circumstances.
Example: A tenant ignored a slow leak under the sink. Months later, the cabinet was ruined — and the landlord billed them $600 for damage.
Mistake #6: Paying Rent Late or Inconsistently
Late rent payments can lead to late fees, damaged credit, and even eviction.
How to Avoid It:
- Set up auto-pay or reminders.
- Budget so rent is the first bill you cover.
- If you can’t pay on time, notify your landlord in advance.
Example: A tenant who frequently paid late was denied a renewal, forcing them to find a new place on short notice.
Mistake #7: Overstretching Your Budget
Choosing a rental above your means leads to financial stress.
How to Avoid It:
- Follow the 30% rule: keep rent under 30% of your income.
- Factor in utilities, parking, and commuting costs.
- Consider roommates if you need more space.
Example: A renter spent 45% of their income on rent. When their car broke down, they had no savings left to cover repairs.
Related: Is It Better to Rent or Rent-to-Own?
Mistake #8: Not Getting Renter’s Insurance
Many renters assume they don’t need insurance. Without it, you risk losing everything in a fire, theft, or disaster.
How to Avoid It:
- Get renter’s insurance (typically $15–$25/month).
- Ensure it covers theft, liability, and natural disasters.
- Bundle with auto insurance to save money.
Example: A kitchen fire damaged a tenant’s belongings. Without renter’s insurance, they had to replace everything out of pocket.
Mistake #9: Ignoring Lease Renewal Terms
Tenants often assume they can renew under the same terms, but rents and rules can change.
How to Avoid It:
- Check your lease for renewal timelines.
- Ask about rent increases well before the lease ends.
- Give proper notice if you plan to move out.
Example: A renter didn’t provide 30 days’ notice and was charged an additional month’s rent.
Mistake #10: Not Planning for the Move-Out Process
Failing to plan for move-out often results in lost deposits.
How to Avoid It:
- Clean thoroughly, repair minor damage, and document the condition.
- Return keys on time.
- Ask about the deposit refund timeline.
Example: A tenant left furniture behind. The landlord billed $200 for disposal and deducted it from their deposit.
Mistake #11: Not Negotiating Rent or Lease Terms
Many renters assume everything is non-negotiable. In reality, some landlords are open to adjustments.
How to Avoid It:
- Ask about discounts for longer leases or paying rent early.
- See if utilities, parking, or fees can be bundled.
Example: A tenant lowered their rent by $75/month by agreeing to a 24-month lease instead of 12.
Mistake #12: Overlooking the Neighborhood
Renters often focus on the unit itself, forgetting the location matters just as much.
How to Avoid It:
- Visit at different times of day.
- Check noise, traffic, and safety levels.
- Research schools, shops, and commute times.
Example: A tenant loved the apartment but realized later it added 2 hours to their daily commute.
Mistake #13: Not Checking for Safety Features
Basic safety is sometimes overlooked during the excitement of move-in.
How to Avoid It:
- Confirm smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work.
- Ensure windows and doors lock properly.
- Ask about building security measures.
Example: A renter moved in without checking detectors. When a small kitchen fire started, there was no alarm.
Mistake #14: Misunderstanding Subletting Rules
Subletting without permission is a lease violation.
How to Avoid It:
- Always check your lease for subletting rules.
- Get landlord approval in writing.
Example: A tenant sublet while abroad. When the landlord found out, they faced eviction.
Mistake #15: Renting Without a Written Lease
Some renters rely on verbal agreements, which leave them unprotected.
How to Avoid It:
- Always sign a written lease with clear terms.
- Avoid renting “handshake style” even if you trust the landlord.
Mistake #16: Not Reviewing Move-In/Move-Out Procedures
Every landlord has their own requirements. Ignoring them leads to charges.
How to Avoid It:
- Ask about required cleaning, carpet treatments, or paint.
- Document that you’ve followed instructions.
Example: A tenant didn’t steam-clean carpets as required. $180 was deducted from their deposit.
Mistake #17: Failing to Budget for Rent Increases
Renewals often come with higher rent.
How to Avoid It:
- Research average rent increases in your area.
- Budget an extra 3–5% per year.
- Negotiate early if you want to stay.
Mistake #18: Assuming the Landlord Covers Everything
Not all leases include lawn care, pest control, or minor repairs.
How to Avoid It:
- Clarify responsibilities before signing.
- Get agreements in writing.
Mistake #19: Not Asking About Maintenance Response Times
Renters assume problems will be fixed quickly — but that’s not always true.
How to Avoid It:
- Ask how long typical repairs take.
- Find out if there’s 24/7 emergency support.
Example: A tenant’s heater broke during winter. It took 2 weeks to repair because they hadn’t asked about emergency coverage.
Mistake #20: Forgetting to Change Address and Utilities at Move-Out
Overlooked bills can damage your credit.
How to Avoid It:
- Forward your mail with USPS.
- Cancel or transfer utilities.
- Double-check all final bills are paid.
Bonus Mistakes Renters Make
Even beyond the top 20, there are a few smaller but still important mistakes to avoid:
- Not setting up utilities before move-in: Can leave you without power or internet the first week.
- Not asking about payment methods: Some landlords don’t accept credit cards or require online portals.
- Ignoring parking rules: Street permits, guest parking, or towing policies can be costly if you’re not prepared.
FAQs: Common Renter Mistakes
What are the most common mistakes renters make?
Not reading the lease, skipping inspections, underestimating costs, and failing to communicate with landlords are among the most frequent mistakes.
How can I protect my security deposit?
Document property condition with photos, clean thoroughly at move-out, and follow all lease requirements.
Do I need renter’s insurance?
Yes. It’s inexpensive (around $15–$25/month) and protects your belongings from theft, fire, or damage.
What should I do before signing a lease?
Read the lease carefully, confirm costs, inspect the property, and research tenant rights in your state.
Final Thoughts: Renting Smarter Starts with Awareness
Avoiding these 20 common renter mistakes (plus a few bonus ones) will save you money, protect your deposit, and give you peace of mind. The keys are simple: read your lease carefully, document everything, budget wisely, communicate openly, and know your rights.
Before you sign your next lease, revisit this checklist of renting mistakes to avoid. Being proactive today can save you thousands tomorrow.
Looking for your next rental? Explore our available homes and duplexes — designed to fit every budget and lifestyle.
