Looking for your first apartment can be exciting, but also slightly terrifying. Between figuring out your budget, understanding lease agreements, and looking at strange listing photos, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed.

If you’re planning to move into a new apartment, there are a few things you really need to know before you begin. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone relocating for a fresh start, here’s your guide to apartment hunting.

Know Your Budget

This might seem obvious, but it’s where most first-time renters start having trouble. Your rent shouldn’t eat up your entire paycheck. Make a budget of all your expenses and stick to it.

A general rule is to spend no more than 30% of your monthly income on rent. Also, don’t forget about other upfront costs, such as security deposits and agency fees. Even if you can afford to pay the rent, these costs can add up and exceed your savings. Always factor them in when setting your budget.

It helps to have a general idea of the costs in mind before you begin your search. You can look for the rent prices online. For instance, if you live in Tokyo or want to move there, look for apartments in Tokyo for rent online to get the basic details.

Consider the Location

Living five minutes away from your favorite cafe sounds fun, until you realize that it will take you an hour to get to work from there.

Look for areas with good transit access, safe neighborhoods, and daily life essentials like grocery stores, pharmacies, and laundromats nearby. If you have a full-time job, it’s best to find an apartment as close to your workplace as possible. Long commutes can get exhausting pretty fast.

Schedule Multiple Viewings

Never rent a place without seeing it in person. Or, at the very least, do a detailed video call if you can’t visit in person.

Photos that are listed online can be outdated or taken at angles that hide flaws. Seeing the same place multiple times also gives you leverage to negotiate the contract terms or the rent amount.

If you’re renting from a different country or looking for apartments before moving, some agencies even offer virtual tours. Use them, and don’t hesitate to ask about things like noise levels and neighbors.

Check the Details

Some things are hidden in pictures or not mentioned in the description boxes. An in-person or virtual visit, or a detailed discussion, can uncover things that you might regret later.

Here are some of the things that you don’t think about until it’s too late:

• Storage. See if the apartment has enough storage and closet space.
• Lighting. Some places don’t get enough natural light, which might be a concern for some people.
• Appliances. If you’re renting a furnished apartment, make sure the fridge, stove, and washing machine are working fine.

These tiny details can affect your living experience more than you might realize.

Understand the Contract Terms

Don’t just skim the details and terms of the contract. Look for:

• Renewal fees. Some landlords charge extra to renew the contract after one or two years.
• Moving out rules. Learn about the cleaning fees, damages, and what counts as wear and tear.

If something seems strange or shady, or if you’re unsure about a clause, ask the agent or someone you trust. It’s better to clarify early than panic later.