Articles by
Alexandra Both
Alexandra Both is a senior real estate writer and research analyst with RentCafe. She brings over almost 10 years of real estate writing experience, having served as a senior editor at Commercial Property Executive and Multi-Housing News. A seasoned journalist, Alexandra has worked across print, online, and broadcast media. Her work has been featured in a variety of prominent outlets, including The New York Times, The Guardian, USA Today, and Architectural Digest. She holds a B.A. in Journalism and an M.A. in Community Development.
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America’s newest neighborhoods. 50 zip codes that barely existed a decade ago
Looking for the next great American neighborhoods? Across the Sun Belt, entire communities are rising from former farmland and vacant lots. In just one decade,…
Rental competition in early 2026: Cooler overall, but cities like Chicago, Atlanta & San Francisco buck the trend
The year started on a promising note for apartment hunters as the national rental market has cooled off slightly, at least on paper: The U.S….
Your complete guide to public transport in Yonkers, NY
If you’re apartment hunting in the New York metro area but Manhattan prices make your eyes water, Yonkers might be your sweet spot. Sitting on…
Security features every renter should expect in downtown apartments
Moving to a downtown apartment is one of the most exciting decisions you can make. You’re steps away from restaurants, nightlife, offices, and public transit….
Which factors matter most for your credit score for apartment approval?
If you’re gearing up to rent a new place, your credit score for apartment applications is one of the first things a landlord will look…
Your complete guide to public transport in Minneapolis
Minneapolis is one of those cities that surprises you. It has a thriving food scene, stunning parks, and a cost of living that feels reasonable…
Apartment cosigner vs. coapplicant: What’s the difference and why does it matter?
If you’re searching for an apartment, you’ve probably come across terms like “cosigner” and “coapplicant” on rental applications. They sound similar, and it’s easy to…
Gen Z housing hotspots: Southern metros lead in renter growth while buyers turn to the Midwest
Tech-savvy, connected, and financially conscious, Gen Z is stepping into the housing market with confidence — and reshaping it in the process. In just five…
5 common tandem parking issues and how to avoid them
If you’ve ever lived in a busy apartment building or shared a driveway with a roommate, you’ve probably dealt with tandem parking. Tandem parking means…
When and how to submit a maintenance request in a rental apartment
A maintenance request is the formal way renters let their landlord or property manager know that something in the apartment needs to be fixed, replaced,…
What renters should know about the cost of living in Fort Wayne, IN
If you’re searching for apartments in Fort Wayne, IN, you’re probably wondering how affordable life here really is. The cost of living in Fort Wayne…
Why every renter needs an emergency contact and how to choose the right one
Renting comes with freedom, but it also comes with responsibility. Fires, medical emergencies, maintenance issues, or sudden evacuations don’t send calendar invites. An emergency contact…
How to set up a successful lease renewal outside peak rental season
Renewing a lease doesn’t have to feel like a rushed decision or a guessing game. A lease renewal can happen at several points during your…
5 questions to ask before renting an apartment in Port St. Lucie, FL
Renting in Port St. Lucie, FL, continues to attract everyone from first-time apartment hunters to long-term residents looking for more space and a slower pace…
Cost of living in Queens, NY: What renters should expect before making the move
Thinking about moving to Queens, NY? It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding the perfect place, but before you fall in…
What is an alcove studio? Pros, cons, and how this layout works
Unlike a traditional studio, where everything shares one open room, an alcove studio gives renters a bit more definition and privacy without the cost or…
Quiet hours explained: When they start, end, and why they matter
There’s no single nationwide rule about quiet hours, which can be confusing to renters. Quiet hours are shaped by a mix of local noise laws,…
Apartment lease renewal timeline for renters: Start 90 days before expiration date
Understanding a realistic lease renewal timeline helps you stay in control, avoid surprises, and make a confident decision about whether to stay or move. Renewing…
What is an apartment guarantor and when do you need one
Renting an apartment comes with clear standards and careful screening. Many renters are applying early in their careers, moving for school or work, or competing…
Cost of living in Charlotte, NC: What to know before you rent
If you’re a renter planning a move to Charlotte, NC, you’ll want to get a feel for daily life long before signing a lease. That…
Safety checklist for your winter apartment tour
Searching for a new apartment in the winter can actually work to your advantage. Fewer renters schedule move-related tasks during the colder months, which often…
What renters should know about public transport in Denver
Renting in Denver comes with year-round sunshine, outdoor adventures, great neighborhoods, and a relaxed city vibe. As with any major urban hub, many renters wonder…
How to find apartments for families in 6 practical steps
Finding the right apartment for your family takes more than browsing a few listings. You need to start with a clear process and plan practical…
What is RUBS utility billing?
Have you ever looked at an apartment listing and noticed the words “utilities billed through RUBS” or “RUBS system applies”? Many renters come across this…
What is a luxury apartment? A renter’s guide to upscale living
If you’ve been browsing rental listings lately, you’ve probably seen the term “luxury apartment” pop up again and again. But what does it really mean?…
Thinking of renting in Charleston, SC? Ask these 5 questions first
Searching for an apartment in Charleston, SC? The port city attracts renters thanks to its relaxed lifestyle, beautiful scenery, and historic southern charm. From the…
What is a verified listing, and why it matters when renting an apartment online
The internet has made apartment hunting easier than ever. Unfortunately, it’s also made it easier for renters to get tricked by fake listings and end…
5 questions to ask before renting an apartment in San Jose, CA
Renting an apartment in San Jose, CA, comes with plenty of perks. You’ll find tons to love about the city, from its mild weather and…
Adaptive reuse surges to record 25K apartments, Chicago overtakes Manhattan as top city for conversions
The wave of adaptive reuse projects is accelerating at a record pace. After moderate gains and even some decreases in the years following the pandemic,…
Getting around the Bay: A renter’s guide to public transport in San Francisco
Renting in San Francisco can be exciting. The city’s energy, culture, and stunning views make it a dream for many renters. But anyone who’s ever…