By this point, it isn’t even news anymore that rent prices in major cities are through the roof. Over the last ten years, the number of young adults who live by themselves has decreased significantly to a measly 9%. Plus, almost half of millennials say that they plan to move again the upcoming year. All of this combined makes for an interesting rental market, specifically in the realm of subleasing (PS – if you’re trying to rent out a room, find a new roommate, or sub-lease your place, you can do that on PadMapper now).

Whether you’re a first time sub-leaser or trying to find your fourth place in two years, you can never be too careful when making your move. Here are a few things to remember while going through the process.

Check the over-lease

This refers to the lease that was signed by the tenant from whom you’re sub-leasing. Make sure, first and foremost, that sub-leasing is allowed under the original lease. Next, take a look at the rest of the lease to ensure your understanding of the terms. Even though your name isn’t on the least officially, when you sign a sub-lease, you become a legal occupant of the apartment and are held to the original lease terms. Finally, note the amount of time that’s remaining on the lease. If there are only a few months left, it’ll be possible for the landlord to increase the rent (unless the unit is rent stabilized) and further, the landlord is not legally obligated to issue a renewal to the original tenants.

Note the condition of your room

It’s likely that the original tenants inspected and documented the condition of the rooms when they moved in, but this can be easily forgotten when someone new takes over. Make sure to take photos of anything that could have been damaged by the previous tenant to ensure that you won’t be finding yourself responsible when the lease ends and you’re the current occupant.

Get in touch with the management company

Although you may not be required to do this in order to get set up with your sublet, it’s still a good idea to make sure they know who you are and that you’ll be living in their building. This will also serve as backup confirmation that sub-leasing is in fact allowed on the property and you won’t have any surprises in the future.

Make all payments in person

While it should go without saying, it’s easy to get excited over a great deal and feel pressure to secure it. No matter how legitimate the person you’re speaking with seems to be, make sure that you meet them “in real life” and take all of the above precautions before giving them any amount of money.

Ask for a deposit receipt

When you’ve found your place and made your deposit, it is completely acceptable – recommended, even – to ask your new roommate for a deposit receipt. This can be something as low-key as a printed piece of paper stating the date on which you paid the deposit and signed by the two of you. Since you’re likely not working directly with the landlord, your transactions may be taking place in a less-than-official way, and having a record of having spent a large sum of money can never hurt.

To the center of my universe,

Years ago, when I first laid eyes on you through my iPhone, I knew this was something special. I spent all day scrolling and swiping and couldn’t believe my eyes. Had I finally found the one? You were everything I could have imagined, and I was drawn to your every word.

We exchanged a few messages and I knew it was time to see you in person. Would you look like the pictures? Would it be love at first sight? I was so nervous. I sent some screenshots of you to my friends. They all said you would be perfect for me. I hoped they were right.

The moment I laid eyes on you, it felt too good to be true. I waited so long for this day. I could see our future together: getting to know each other, hanging out with friends, celebrating holidays, and cooking cozy dinners on Sunday nights.

I asked as many questions as I could. I had to know everything about you, and fast. I knew you were a catch and I had to lock it down quickly. But, I didn’t want to seem too eager.

When I returned home, I couldn’t stop bragging about you to my roommates. Of course, they were jealous. They knew my life was about to change and that we would be spending much of our time together. But, once they understood how perfect we were for each other, they couldn’t help but be supportive. That night, we all gushed about you and imagined our future together.

Overnight, my head filled with fear. I laid awake and worried that maybe I was blinded by love. I worried that you wouldn’t live up to my expectations and that I wouldn’t live up to yours. I worried that after a few months, one of us might get bored and look for something new.

But, it all worked out. And ever since that day, we’ve spent every night together and transformed each other into our best possible selves. You’re always there for me, offering a place to rest my head, and a space to call my own. You are my home.

I <3 you, apartment.

Looking for love? Find it here.

So, you wanna be an east coaster? Here’s what you can rent for around $1,500 along the Atlantic.

Arlington, VA

Studio – 1 bathroom – $1,499

1111 Arlington Boulevard

The urban Arlington neighborhood of Radnor is predominantly populated by young professionals and government employees. It also happens to be one of the cities in the U.S. with the highest population of individuals who live alone. Not entirely sure what that says about it, but I’m going to go with the rent prices actually being affordable, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. This specific apartment building gives you not only a roof over your head, but also provides hardwood floors, natural light, a concierge, and even a gym with free yoga classes. Did I mention that utilities are included and unlimited? Go see it.

Boston, MA

2 bedroom – 1 bathroom – $1,500

297 Beacon Street

Channel your inner king or queen in this recently renovated Victorian in Boston’s Back Bay. Boasting 10-inch ceilings, a fireplace, crown moldings, large windows, oak floors, granite countertops, and a bathtub, this is a great place for a group of young roommates or even a new family. Plus, it’s only a six minute walk from the nearest Dunkin’.

Jersey City, NJ

1 bedroom – 1 bathroom – $1,425

160 Vroom Street

Snag this newly renovated Jersey City oasis right in the middle of Journal Square in what was named the 15th best city for millennials in the US last year. Interestingly, you’ll get your last month of rent free when you decide to move on to something else. You know you want to spend a year in Jersey. The Boss. The Shore. The bagels. Fuhgeddaboudit.

Charleston, SC

1 & 2 bedrooms – start at $1,295

35 Folly

If this pool alone wasn’t enough to convince you, this building also features a gym, a game room, grills and fire pits, a coffee bar, a business center, and more (but I’m over listing things). In the one and two-bedroom units here, you’ll find stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, as well as in-unit laundry, walk-in closets, and private balconies. Right now, they’ll even pay you $2,000 to move in.

Orlando, FL

1 bedroom – 1 bathroom – $1,500

155 S Court Ave #1204

As the listing for this place puts it, “simply bring your toothbrush!” It’s fully furnished and ready for move-in less than ten minutes from the heart of Orlando’s high-end restaurant scene. Living the luxury life for $1,500 has never been easier; meet you in the sunshine state.