:bunny:Glad to hear it Valerye, Most 17 year olds don't have $1000 a month at their disposal, even if you are careful, it will go quick. With good budgeting and realistic (humble) expectations you should be able to swing this.
The only hang up is you would be under age of consent in my state (to sign a contract, read: rent a house or apartment) unless you are an emancipated minor.
You'll need to find a place for around $350 with all utilities included. This may be extremely difficult even in this economy. You may need to rent a room with house (kitchen, bathroom, and living room) priviledges. This could be more difficult than living in your own family home, due to differences in lifestyle, expectations and rules. Renting a room, particicularly if it does not have a lockable outside entry door can cause tension in coming and going at odd hours. Most room letting landlords would prefer in and quiet by 10:00PM. You'll want to purchase and install a seperate locking door set ($25) for the door to the room and you will want to keep the key, for privacy and security of your things.
Rent an apartment and every deadbeat (male or female) will want to move in or hang out there and totally mooch off you. 80% of evictions of young adults are caused by people other than the one paying the bills creating hassles. Police involvement due to disturbing the peace, fights, alcohol and drug busts all arise and are ultimately the renters responsibility. Bummer.
If you rent a place with other people (Share the expenses) make sure everyone has an equal share of the costs, rent, damage deposit, plus $100 each up front for the first months utilities. Do not sign up for a cell phone contract use a land line. If you have a landline phone make it long distance restricted ($3.00 extra @ month). Each person will need to purchase prepaid calling cards for their own use.
ANY DAMAGE ANYWHERE MUST BE REPAIRED BY THE RESPONSIBLE PERSON IMMEDIATELY. IF THEY CAN'T PAY FOR REPAIR OR CLEANING - WHATEVER - KICK THEM OUT. THE NEXT DAY!!
NO GRACE PERIOD - AT END OF FIRST MONTH, IF THEY DON"T HAVE THEIR $$$ SHARE FOR THE NEXT MONTHS RENT AND UTILITIES, KICK THEM OUT (Put their shit on the side walk or the street and change out the locks). I know it's harsh but people will freeload and rip you off, it's a reality, you must be intolerant or you will be burned. MORE LATER :bunny:
