[ashleyscott22sc]

I was wanting to ask some of you what all do you have to do to move out and rent a house or something? I live in North Carolina. I've been wanting to get out on my own sometime. But not even sure where to start. How much do you think it will cost to rent a house? I am also getting a disability check as well each month. If I can't find a job, could I still make it on my check? I know I getting around $448 each month or around that. And maybe if that is not enough, I guess I can get sign up for food stamps to help me out if I don't find a job. If I do get a job I can only work part-time. I also have to stay under $800 so they can not mess with my check.
I am actively looking for a job, but the problem is I have never been employed but do have 2 years experience in clerical and medical office type work. I have volunteered at a medical place. And I am taking an online course as well. But I am just not sure if they can consider me for a job if I haven't even worked a paying job. Could anyone tell me what I should do or how much I need to save probably?

[Rose3]

Of course you can be employed. All the best with your online course.
About renting - start looking in the newspaper and making phone calls
to ask about the rents. Remember that there will be the cost of
utilities too.

[Shangrala]

Hi, Ashley~

I'm not certain about the processes of that in NC as I reside in California, (the regulations here are quite restrictive and demanding).

I can let you know how it is here...Upon renting, the applicant (proposed tenant) must earn 3 times as much as the cost of the monthly rent is. So, let's say the rent is (California standard rates), for a 1 bedroom, 1 bath @ $1 thousand a month, then one must earn 3 times that a month, ($3 thousand/mo. gross income), be employed with current employer for at least 6 months, (have proof of previous employment), and be a resident at current residence for no less than a year, (otherwise include residence previous with all information pertaining).

IF lucky enough to have application accepted, then first and last month's rent is required, plus cleaning deposit in the amount of 1 month's rent (so would need at least $3 thousand dollars to JUST move into place). Then, have necessary utilities turned on, which require a deposit, (depending if you've not had in name previously. If you have, then transfer of service will be made without required deposit). If deposit is required, then that should cost another few hundred dollars (for electricity and water service). Then another fee for fone (if necessary) will be added on top of that.
And heaven help you if you have a bad mark on your credit report...OMG. Then....you'd definately need to have a co-signer for application.

So, here in California...JUST to move into a place costs basically $4 thousand dollars (at minimum for a 1 bedroom apt..Single family homes are a completely different price bracket)..JUST FOR THE FIRST MONTH.....LOL.

Fortunately for you...You live in North Carolina and the cost of living there is FAR more reasonable and much more realistic for anyone TO begin for themselves for the first time.
I can only bet that your odds are far greater for success in your new venture than anyone's could be here.
(When I resided in Nevada, the same applied there as I'm assuming it will be for you in NC....far more easier and realistic).

My suggestion to you would be to get yourself a newspaper, look in the "rentals" (apartment would more than likely be best move to start out with), and call the #'s.
Have a list of questions written down to ask them.
~Do you accept section 8? (Government rental assistance) If so, this may be a benefit to you. You may qualify for that assistance.
~How much is monthly rent?
~Do you require first and last/deposit OR first and cleaning/deposit (it will be either one or the other...shouldn't be all 3 (first, last and cleaning)...and if it is, hang up...call ur next #...lol
~Do you accept pets? (Is there a pet deposit?) If you have a pet.
~Can I decorate the inside to my liking? (painting or any superficial changes).
~Are utilities included in the montly rental fee? (most apartments include those).
~Is there a cable line connected? (can be an optional feature, depending on area, I suppose).

(In case you didn't know: The first/last/cleaning deposit works as such:
Landlord requires the first month's rent.
And, depending on the landlord, they may require last months rent.
(last months rent means that upon planning to move out, you will not be required to pay that final month to reside there. This fee is non-refundable).
OR..they may require cleaning deposit.
(cleaning deposit is refundable upon final inspection of landlord AND you leave the place EXACTLY as it was when you moved in. If the landlord decides that any cleaning is required to bring it to the state upon which you moved into it, then whatever that expense is to the landord he will take that expense out of the cleaning deposit, (must provide you a receipt for such fees) and any differences remaining is refunded to you).
Does that make sense?

Also~ Always always always ALWAYS do a walk-through upon renting a place. (A walk-through is to the benefit of BOTH you and the landlord). It means that you both inspect the condition of said dwelling BEFORE you move in so that way if there is anything wrong, or any repairs needed, YOU will not be held accountable for them...otherwise, I can almost guarantee you that landlord will hold you financiall responsible, whether or not the landlord is aware of said pre-existing repairs, or if they are caused by you).
A list is made of any pre-existing needed repairs, both sign it, (each receiving a copy), and that is taken care of. One less worry you will have to be concerned of.

I hope this helps you, and it hasn't scared you off, or discouraged you in any way. It's best to be aware of these realities before hand.

Keep in mind, too that it's quite possible that I am speaking in the worst case scenerio, as well, as I live in a state with the highest competitive residencial requirements.

My best wishes to you, Ashley. I sincerely hope all works for you.
Yay! How exciting!. The first move out. It was for me, as well.

Take care~

Shangrala