Articles by
Florin Petrut
Florin Petrut is a real estate writer and research analyst with RentCafe, using his experience as a social media specialist and love for storytelling to create insightful reports and studies on the rental market. With a strong interest in the renter experience, he develops data-driven resources that explore cost of living, affordable neighborhoods, and housing trends, helping renters make informed decisions about where and how they live. Florin holds a B.A. in Journalism and an M.A. in Digital Media and Game Studies.
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Assembling your renter’s reference list: Who to ask & what they should look like
When you apply for a rental apartment, your references can make or break your application. A strong list of rental references helps landlords see that…
Renting alone for the first time: Tips to make it work
At some point, many renters reach the stage where living alone starts to sound more appealing than sharing a space. The quiet, privacy, and freedom…
Cost of living in Lubbock, TX: What to expect when living here as a renter
Lubbock is a West Texas city that blends community warmth, open skies, and a pace of life that’s easy to enjoy. For renters looking for…
Q3 2025 Renter Engagement Tracker: Cincinnati edges D.C. for top spot, Midwest is most in-demand region
With the peak rental season winding down, we took a closer look at renter activity during 2025’s third quarter, which is typically the busiest time…
The “Turkey Test”: Scheduling apartment tours around peak Thanksgiving travel times
Thanksgiving week brings packed highways, crowded airports, and full social calendars, making it tricky for renters to carve out time for apartment tours. Between travel…
5 Questions you should ask when renting in Oklahoma City, OK
Oklahoma City, OK, offers renters a rare combination of affordability, opportunity, and comfort. Blending small-town friendliness with the amenities of a growing metro area, the…
Is employment history needed to rent an apartment?
Renting an apartment today often feels more competitive than ever. With rising rents and stricter screening practices, landlords are paying close attention to every detail…
Renewing your lease? Here’s how to notify your landlord
The rental apartment lease renewal is one of the most important steps you might face each year. Letting your landlord know your plans in advance…
Public transit in Cincinnati – A renters’ guide
Renting an apartment in Cincinnati offers a unique blend of Midwestern charm, lively neighborhoods, and easy access to everything from riverfront views to local markets….
What are the best affordable neighborhoods when renting in Madison, WI?
Madison, the lively capital of Wisconsin, combines the energy of a college town with the charm of Midwestern living. The city’s lakes, bike paths, and…
What is a property manager and what does one do?
When you rent an apartment, there’s usually someone other than the landlord who takes care of the day-to-day details. That person is the property manager…
How to rent after an eviction: tips for rebuilding your rental future
Finding a new rental apartment can feel overwhelming after going through an eviction. With this stain on your record, landlords are often hesitant to offer…
5 Questions to ask before renting an apartment in Vancouver, WA
Set along the Columbia River and just minutes from Portland, Vancouver, WA blends Pacific Northwest charm with urban accessibility. With tree-lined neighborhoods, riverfront trails, and…
Cost of living in Fayetteville, NC: What to expect when living here as a renter
Tucked into eastern North Carolina, Fayetteville combines Southern character with a growing economy and a welcoming community. Renters are drawn here for its convenience, culture,…
Canada Renter Interest Report: Moncton, NB, leads in Q3 2025 as Vancouver blazes through the charts
With the peak rental season coming to a close, renter activity across Canada remained strong through the third quarter of 2025, even as signs of…
The great roommate sacrifice: 6 ways to divide rent (and Halloween candy) fairly
In every shared rental apartment, there’s at least one terrifying topic that can send chills down a renter’s spine. No, it’s not the ghost in the…
Assessing a Building’s Emergency Preparedness: What to Look for During Your Apartment Search
When you’re looking for your happy place, it’s natural to get excited about granite countertops, in-unit laundry, or that perfect location near your favorite coffee…
Public Transit in Las Vegas – A Renters’ Guide to Navigating Sin City Without a Car
Renting an apartment in Las Vegas comes with one big question: how will you get around the city every day? While the Strip is world-famous,…
Touring the Same Apartment Twice? Apartment Viewing Tips for Your Second Visit
When you first step into a rental apartment, it’s easy to get swept up by the big picture — how the living room feels, how…
Canada Renter Interest Report: Winnipeg Leads in Q2 2025 as Toronto Gains Ground
Renter activity across Canada gained pace in the second quarter of 2025, revealing fresh shifts in demand and renewed competition in key markets. These changes…
What Kind of Damages Can Be Deducted from Your Security Deposit?
When you rent an apartment, the landlord usually requires a security deposit. This is money held aside as financial protection in case the property is…
5 Questions to Ask Before Renting an Apartment in McKinney, TX
If you’re considering making McKinney, TX, your next home, you’re in good company. This North Texas city has become a sought-after spot for renters who…
5 Questions to Ask Before Renting an Apartment in Austin, TX
With its central Texas setting and mix of music, tech innovation, and outdoor adventure, Austin offers renters a lifestyle that feels both exciting and approachable….
Cost of Living in Memphis, TN: What to Expect When Living Here as a Renter
Set on the banks of the Mississippi River, Memphis is a city with deep musical roots, rich history and a thriving food scene. For renters…
What Is a Rent Grace Period? A Renter’s Guide
A rent grace period is the short window of time that renters may have after their rent due date to make a payment on their…
The “Future-Proof” Apartment Search: What to Look for If You Plan to Stay Long-Term
When looking for a new apartment to rent, it’s easy to focus on immediate needs, such as the monthly rent, the floor plan or whether…
What Is a Move-Out Inspection (& Why You Should Attend It)?
When you’re preparing to leave a rental apartment, one of the most important steps is the move-out inspection. That’s because this walkthrough of your unit…
Cost of Living in Wilmington, NC: What Renters Should Know
Nestled along the North Carolina coast, Wilmington offers a mix of historic character, a lively cultural scene and the laidback lifestyle of a seaside city….
What Is “Normal Wear & Tear” (& How Does It Affect Your Security Deposit)?
Security deposits are a standard part of most rental agreements. They’re usually collected at the start of the lease and held until the renter moves…
5 Questions to Ask Before Renting an Apartment in Sarasota, FL
With its sunny, Gulf Coast setting — in addition to a mix of laidback beach life and urban conveniences — Sarasota offers renters a lifestyle…