Renting today. Ready for what’s next.

Lay the groundwork.

• Read your lease for the end date, notice period, renewal terms, and any early-termination clause.
• Check your credit reports for errors and note any accounts to address.
• Start or grow a separate savings account for down payment, closing costs, and reserves.
• Ask your landlord or property manager whether on-time rent payments can be reported to credit bureaus.
• Take the Homebuyer Readiness Quiz to see where to focus first.

Get clear on your numbers.

• Talk with a licensed lender about financing options and what documents they need.
• Explore Maryland and county homebuyer assistance programs and confirm current terms directly.
• Estimate your full monthly cost with the True Cost of Homeownership Calculator.
• Consider a HUD-approved housing counseling session.
• Schedule a consultation to plan your search and timeline.

Search with intention.

• Begin touring homes that fit your budget and priorities.
• Ask your landlord in writing about month-to-month or short-term extension options, in case settlement and lease dates do not line up.
• Estimate cash to close with the Closing Cost Estimator.
• Avoid opening new credit or making large purchases without asking your lender first.

Line up the overlap.

• Give lease notice in writing according to your lease terms, timed around your expected settlement date.
• Schedule movers and plan utility transfers for both addresses.
• Complete the move-out checklist below to protect your security deposit.
• Give your landlord a forwarding address in writing for your deposit return.

Document from day one.

• Request a written move-in condition report or make your own, room by room.
• Take dated photos and video of walls, floors, appliances, fixtures, and any existing damage.
• Get a written receipt for your security deposit and keep a copy of your signed lease.
• Confirm how to submit repair requests and keep a record of every request.
• Consider renters insurance and review what it covers.

Keep good records.

• Pay rent by a traceable method and keep receipts or statements.
• Put repair requests and important communication in writing.
• Review your lease before making changes such as painting or adding occupants or pets.
• Mark your calendar with the lease end date and required notice deadline.

Leave a clear record.

• Give written notice as required by your lease.
• Clean thoroughly, including appliances, floors, bathrooms, and inside cabinets.
• Patch small holes and repair damage you caused, where your lease allows.
• Take dated photos and video of every room after you finish.
• Ask to be present for a final walk-through, if one is offered.
• Return all keys and provide your forwarding address in writing.
• Keep copies of everything until your deposit and any itemized deductions are resolved.