Articles by

Adina Dragos

Adina Dragos is a creative writer at RentCafe, with a passion for reading, research and cats. As a fellow renter, Adina's articles cover various topics such as the state of the real estate market or how creative interior design choices improve the experience of living in a rental. She also enjoys exploring subjects like urbanization, green living and historical buildings. Adina has a BA in English and Norwegian Language and Literature.

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View of Minneapolis, MN, at sunset.

Minneapolis Is Top City to Watch in 2025 Amid Midwest – West Battle for Popularity

Minneapolis is renters’ top city to watch in 2025 after attracting considerable rental interest throughout 2024. Atlanta claims the silver medal, followed by Overland Park,…

View of Columbus, OH's waterfront and downtown, showing one of the affordable neighborhoods in the city.

Best Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in Columbus, OH

Renting in Columbus, OH, offers a unique blend of affordability and exciting city life. As the state capital and one of the fastest-growing cities in…

A charming businesswoman sitting at a desk in her home office, using a laptop. She holds a credit card in her hand, reflecting a seamless and convenient shopping experience in a professional yet comfortable setting.

Rental Application Credit Check 101: What You Need to Know Before You Sign the Lease

When you’re on the hunt for your dream rental, the last thing you want is for your application to hit a snag. But here’s the…

An image of a rental application form with financial details, such as income, expenses, and credit information. The scene emphasizes the financial aspects of the application process, reflecting the importance of budgeting, credit evaluation, and financial planning when renting a property.

5 Ways to Strengthen Your Rental Application When Your Credit Isn’t Perfect

If your credit score isn’t exactly the kind of number that would make a landlord swoon, don’t worry — you’re not alone. It might feel…

A man signing a rental or purchase contract for a home or apartment with a landlord or realtor. The scene reflects a successful mortgage or loan agreement, symbolizing property lease or ownership, and showcases a professional and satisfied interaction in a real estate setting.

How to Get References from Previous Landlords

When it comes to renting a new place, one thing stands between you and the apartment of your dreams: references. Landlords want to ensure that…

Maximizing Energy Efficiency: How to Lower Your Bills While Renting in 2025

The new year is just around the corner, and while many are sweating over gym memberships or attempting to Marie Kondo their closets, there’s another…

A woman in a library reaching for a book on a high shelf, surrounded by rows of books.

Hidden Gems for Renters: Exploring Some of the Most Unusual Libraries in the U.S.

When you think of libraries, what usually comes to mind? Rows of books, hushed voices, and maybe a pair of spectacles perched on a librarian’s…

A cheerful scene of three female friends enjoying their free time together at home. T

How to Make the Best of Living Off-Campus in Student Apartments

Living off-campus is a rite of passage for many college students — offering a first real taste of freedom, responsibility, and, let’s be real, a…

A modern mid-century style living room featuring a sleek white sofa and a wooden coffee table.

RentCafe.com: Smarter Ways to Find Your Happy Place

Ready to find your dream apartment twice as fast? At RentCafe.com, we are committed to continuously enhancing your journey to find your new home. Our…

A young woman in a cozy sweater carefully decorating a potted Christmas tree with small glass baubles.

How to Pick the Best Christmas Tree for a Small Apartment

When the holiday season rolls around, even the tiniest apartment deserves its fair share of festive sparkle. Sure, your rental might not have vaulted ceilings…

A full view of a snug living room featuring pastel shades and cozy, eco-friendly furniture and decor.

6 Must-Have Eco-Friendly Features in Luxury Apartments

As we sail into a greener future, luxury isn’t just about opulent finishes and stunning views — it’s also about a responsibility to the environment….

Team of volunteers with donated food in cardboard boxes at charitable foundation.

Giving Back to the Community: How to Organize a Donation Drive in Your Apartment Building

When Thanksgiving rolls around, it’s time to talk turkey about what it means to give back. As the holiday reminds us to reflect on the…

A group of people raising their glasses in a cheerful toast, smiling and celebrating together.

How to Organize a Thanksgiving Community Meal for Your Apartment Building

Thanksgiving is the season of gratitude, hearty meals, and cherished memories. But what if this year, instead of just celebrating with family or a close…

Top 5 Most Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in Phoenix

Article updated November 2024 Phoenix, the radiant “Valley of the Sun”, offers more than just year-round sunshine and enchanting desert vistas. For renters on the…

An aerial view of downtown Spokane, Washington, showcasing a mix of modern and historic buildings surrounded by lush greenery.

Cost of Living in Spokane, WA: What to Expect When Living Here as a Renter

When moving to a new city and planning for rental expenses, the goal is to strike a balance between lifestyle and affordability. One of the…

From Coast to Coast: Which Are the Most Livable Places in the U.S. in 2024?

Dreaming of that perfect place to live? Look no further! After analyzing 139 U.S. metros and using 17 key metrics to assess factors like cost…

Close-up of a woman opening the storage compartment of a modular sofa in a living room, revealing a practical hidden space

7 Genius Ways to Maximize Space in a Small Apartment

Living in a small apartment can sometimes feel like a game of Tetris — every piece of furniture must fit just right. Whether you’re a…

The iconic White House in Washington, D.C., standing proudly amidst the vibrant beauty of the city.

Cost of Living in Washington, DC: What to Expect When Living Here as a Renter

Moving to a new city is always an exciting adventure, but it’s also a decision that comes with a lot of questions — especially when…

Exploring the stunning downtown Nashville skyline with picturesque views of the city along the Cumberland River.

Apartment Construction in Nashville Metro Area: Top 3 Cities for New Rentals in 2024

The Nashville metropolitan area continues to experience significant growth, and with that comes a surge in apartment construction to meet the rising demand for housing….

Indoor Plants That Thrive in Fall: Bringing Nature Into Your Rental

Living in a rental doesn’t mean you have to wave goodbye to the joys of gardening — far from it. In fact, this is the…

Gardener tending to flowers with his dwarf rabbit as company.

Rental-Friendly Pets: Unusual Animals That Make Great Apartment Companions

Let’s be honest: Pets make life better. They’re adorable, loyal, and some even double as your personal therapist when life gets rough. But if you’re…

Bring the Fall Vibes Indoors With These DIY Stovetop Potpourri Blends

There’s something magical about fall, right? That crispness in the air, the sight of leaves turning into warm hues of gold and orange, and the…

View of downtown Detroit, MI, at sunrise.

September Rental Activity Report: Detroit Takes the Crown, South Is Renters’ Preferred Region

Detroit sees meteoric rise as renters’ preferred city this month. The South is the most in-demand region for renters in September with 11 entries.  Hialeah,…

influencer preparing for video

Top Influencer-Friendly Cities in 2024: Bloomington, IN, Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Gen Z-ers

There are plenty of reasons to pack up and move to another city. One would be to answer the call to fame — internet fame,…

View of Dallas, TX from above at sunset.

Where to Find Most New Apartments in the Dallas Metro Area

It’s hard not to notice that Dallas has become an attractive location for many renters. Driven by a robust job market, a varied economy, and…

A view of the Seattle skyline during summer

Top Cities for Apartment Construction in the Seattle Metro Area in 2024

As the Seattle metropolitan area continues to grow, so does the demand for housing, making apartment construction a vital part of keeping up with the…

View of Atlanta, GA, overlooking Piedmont Park at dusk.

Cost of Living in Atlanta: What to Expect When Living Here as a Renter

Moving to a new city can be an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its challenges. For renters, one of the biggest considerations is…

View of Minneapolis, MN city skyline over the river at dusk.

August Rental Activity Report: Minneapolis Is Most Sought-After City Again, West Dominates Rankings

Minneapolis takes back the crown after a brief stint in second place last month. Renters are focusing their apartment searches on the West, which counts…

Little girl with mother taking out clothes from drawer in bedroom.

Decluttering for Families: How to Get Everyone on Board This Fall

Fall is here! The leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and let’s face it — your living room is starting to resemble a cluttered…

The 6 Best Neighborhoods for Short-Term Renting in Cincinnati

A haven for foodies and beer aficionados alike, Cincinnati is the city that really has it all. From beautiful historical architecture to gorgeous, pleasant parks…