Articles by
Adina Dragos
Adina Dragos is a real estate writer and research analyst with RentCafe. She has solid experience in real estate writing, covering topics ranging from best cities for renters and the top cities for rental activity to cost of living. Her work was featured in several prominent media channels such as Axios, The Dallas Morning News, ConnectCRE and The New York Times.
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Renting with Student Loans: How to Manage Debt and Find an Affordable Apartment
Student loans are the financial equivalent of a weighted backpack that follows you long after graduation. Whether you majored in philosophy or finance, one lesson…
Soft Credit Checks: A Peek Behind the Financial Curtain
If you’ve ever applied for an apartment, a new credit card, or even a job, you may have come across the term “soft credit check.”…
Maintenance Requests: How to Fix It Without a Hitch!
Home is where the heart is — but it’s also where the leaky faucets, creaky floorboards, and flickering lights are! Whether you rent an apartment…
Questions to Ask as a Parent With Kids When Looking for a Rental
There are few things harder than raising a child and finding that perfect rental might be one of them. Okay, maybe not quite that hard,…
A Guide to Securing Your Security Deposit Refund
Ah, security deposits — the pot of gold at the end of your renting rainbow! Or at least, that’s the dream. But too often, renters…
How to Best Negotiate Lease Terms as a Renter With Kids
Finding the perfect nest for your family is a journey filled with open house visits, neighborhood research, and countless discussions about what truly makes a…
Rental Activity Report: Washington, D.C. Tops List Again as Southern Cities Attract More Interest
The start of the year is prime time for renters seeking great deals on a new place to call home. But, which cities were capturing…
AI and the Rental Market: How Algorithms Are Changing the Apartment Search Game
In today’s digital age, finding the perfect rental property has become a bit like dating — swipe left on the overpriced studio, swipe right on…
5 Strategies for Budgeting Monthly Bills for First-Time Renters
Making the big leap into renting your own place is not always easy, but it can be rewarding. No more sneaking snacks from your parents’…
Setting Up an Emergency Fund Plan for First-Time Renters
You’ve finally taken the plunge and rented your own place. No more unsolicited advice about cleaning your room or explaining why pizza counts as breakfast….
How to Pick the Best Neighborhood for Your Family
Finding a place to live is a big deal — especially when you have little ones running around. As a renter, you want the flexibility…
How to budget for moving: A renter’s guide to lifting the financial weight
Moving to a new place is more than just packing boxes and tossing out that avocado-green sofa you swore you’d reupholster (but never did). It’s…
What Is a Walk-Up Apartment? Pros, Cons, and Things to Consider Before Renting
Searching for the perfect apartment isn’t easy — especially when daily stair climbs are part of the deal. For some, the idea of hauling groceries…
7 Ways RentCafe.com Prioritizes Renters’ Safety While Apartment Hunting
With 2025 underway, the search for your dream apartment is getting a fresh new start — but still as safe as ever! If your New…
RentCafe.com’s Newest Power Features: Finding Your Happy Place Just Got Easier!
We know how much time and effort goes into finding the perfect home, so we are always thinking of new features to make your search…
Best Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in Chicago
Renting in Chicago offers an exciting city lifestyle, access to world-class cultural attractions, and a wide variety of dining and entertainment options. While the Windy…
Questions to Ask During an Apartment Tour
Picture this: You’re stepping into a potential new apartment, imagining how your couch will fit perfectly against that wall or how you’ll finally start that…
How to Build Your Credit Score While Renting
Ah, the joys of renting your first place — the excitement of independence, the thrill of choosing the perfect throw pillows, and the slight dread…
Top Neighborhoods in Denver
Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect rental apartment or just curious about where fellow renters are flocking, Denver boasts a range of neighborhoods…
Minneapolis Is Top City to Watch in 2025 Amid Midwest – West Battle for Popularity
Minneapolis is renters’ top city to watch in 2025 for rental activity, after attracting considerable rental interest throughout 2024. Atlanta claims the silver medal, followed…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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….
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…