Checklist — TVACU Financial Wellness

First Apartment Budget Checklist

Every expense to plan for before signing your lease. Work through each section before you commit.

TVACU
Financial Wellness
tvacu.com

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Section 1: Before You Sign

Total monthly rent confirmed in writingGet the exact number including any required fees (trash, parking, pet fee)
Lease term understoodMonth-to-month vs. 12-month vs. longer — and what happens if you break it early
Security deposit amount and refund conditionsWhat must be documented to get it back? Take photos of everything at move-in
Utilities responsibility clarifiedWhich utilities are tenant responsibility? (Electric, gas, water/sewer, trash, internet)
Renters insurance requirement checkedMany landlords require it. Cost is typically $10–$20/month — always worth having regardless
Parking situation understoodIncluded? Extra fee? Where exactly?
Pet policy confirmed (if applicable)Pet deposit, pet rent per month, breed/weight restrictions
Move-in date and any free-rent period documented
Move-out notice requirement notedUsually 30–60 days written notice required to avoid automatic renewal

Section 2: Move-In Costs (One-Time)

Cost Item	Typical Range	Your Estimate
Security deposit (usually 1 month's rent)	$700–$1,400
First month's rent	Full month
Last month's rent (if required)	Full month
Application fee (non-refundable)	$25–$75
Moving truck / rental or movers	$150–$600
Initial furniture / essentials (bed, kitchen basics)	$300–$1,200
Utility setup fees / deposits	$50–$200
Pet deposit (if applicable)	$200–$600
Total Move-In Cash Needed

Tuscaloosa Context For a typical Tuscaloosa apartment at $850/month, expect to need $1,700–$2,200 in move-in cash (first month + security deposit) before any furniture or moving costs. Budget at least $2,500–$3,000 total to cover all move-in expenses comfortably.

Section 3: Monthly Budget Planner

Monthly Expense	Typical Range (Tuscaloosa)	Your Budget
Rent	$700–$1,200
Electric (Alabama Power)	$60–$100 / $120–$180 summer
Gas (if applicable)	$20–$60
Internet	$50–$80
Renters insurance	$10–$20
Groceries	$200–$350
Dining out / delivery	$100–$300
Transportation (gas, insurance, payment)	$200–$450
Phone	$40–$80
Personal care / household supplies	$50–$100
Entertainment / subscriptions	$50–$150
Student loan payment (if applicable)	Varies
Savings (emergency fund / goals)	Aim for 10–20% of income
Total Monthly Expenses

Income Check		Amount
Monthly take-home income (after taxes)
Minus total monthly expenses
Monthly Surplus / Deficit

Section 4: First Apartment Essentials

Section 5: Administrative & Account Setup

Update address with USPS (mail forwarding)usps.com — do this 2 weeks before your move date
Update address with employer, bank, credit cards
Update Alabama driver's license within 30 days of address change
Set up utility accounts (Alabama Power, gas, water)Do this 1 week before move-in — some require deposits
Purchase renters insurance before move-inCoverage starts same-day at most insurers; required by many Tuscaloosa landlords
Document unit condition with photos/video at move-inEmail photos to yourself immediately — creates a timestamped record for your security deposit
Save landlord contact info and building emergency contacts
Locate electrical panel, water shutoff, smoke/CO detectors

Notes

Use this space for anything specific to your apartment or situation: