Articles by
Roxana Nica
Roxana Nica is a senior real estate writer with RentCafe and ResidentShield, bringing over six years of experience in crafting digital content across various consumer industries, including fashion and interior furnishings. She develops resources that address the everyday needs of renters, from smart living tips to navigating residential services. Roxana holds a B.A. in International Relations and an M.A. in Advertising.
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7 downsizing tips for seniors
There comes a time when less really is more. For many older adults, the big home that once fit a full family now feels too…
Energy vampires in your apartment: The hidden power drainers that can cost you
Small but steady electricity users known as energy vampires are hidden around your apartment. These are the devices that stay plugged in and quietly draw…
How to prevent your apartment from becoming uninhabitable
Most renters will never face a situation where their home becomes truly unlivable. Still, understanding what makes an apartment uninhabitable can help you know what…
How to resolve conflict with neighbors: Calm solutions that work
When you share walls, parking spots, and outdoor spaces in an apartment community, it’s almost impossible to avoid the occasional disagreement. Your neighbor’s music keeps you…
Budget vs. standard utility billing: What works better for renters?
Apartment utility bills can make or break your budget. While rent is usually the highest expense, utilities like electricity, water, gas, or internet often fluctuate,…
The Renter’s Kitchen Playbook: How to Keep Your Apartment Safe
In an apartment, the kitchen is more than a place to cook. It’s where you brew coffee, prepare meals, and gather with friends. But kitchens…
From Fur to Floors: A Pet Owners’ Guide to Apartment Maintenance
Nothing beats coming home to a wagging tail or a gentle purr. But renting with pets also comes with responsibilities. And when you live in…
Power to Choose: What You Should Know About Comparing Electricity Plans
Every month, you’re probably locked into one of your biggest utility bills — your electricity bill — without giving much thought to whether you’re getting…
The Do’s and Don’ts of Balcony Etiquette for Renters
Having a balcony is one of the best perks of apartment living. It’s a small outdoor escape where you can enjoy fresh air, sip your…
From Jewelry to Laptops: How to Safeguard High-Value Items in Your Apartment
If you’re renting, chances are you’ve put time, money, and effort into making it feel like home. Along with your everyday essentials, you may also…
Emergency Repairs in Your Apartment: What Qualifies and How to Act Quickly
Picture this: it’s 2 a.m., and you wake up to the sound of water dripping through your apartment’s ceiling. Or maybe you come home from…
Summer Energy-Saving Tips That Make Apartment Life Cooler
Summer doesn’t just heat up your apartment; it can scorch your wallet, too. But while everyone talks about turning off the lights or cranking up…
Need to Cancel Your Renters Insurance? Here’s How to Do It Right
Many aspects of your life can change when you rent. Maybe you’re moving back in with roommates, buying your first home, or your landlord has…
When Your Home Is Your Office: Searching for an Apartment as a Remote Worker
In the age of Zoom meetings and Slack threads, many people are working from their laptops — sometimes from coffee shops and sometimes in pajamas…
How to Set Up Utilities for the First Time: Your New Apartment Starter Pack
You started packing for the big day: you’re finally moving into your first apartment! Yet nothing kills the vibe quite like realizing you have no…
Roomie Finance 101: Splitting Bills with Roommates Without Losing it
Living with roommates can be a great way to save money, make new friends, and avoid the crushing weight of renting solo. But when it…
Pack Your Bags, Not Your Worries: Smart Vacation Safety Tips for Your Apartment
When it’s finally time to take a well-earned break, the last thing you want is to worry about your apartment back home. Making sure your…
Furnished vs. Unfurnished Apartments: Which One’s Right for You?
If you’re searching for your next rental, you’ve probably seen this choice pop up a lot: furnished versus unfurnished apartments. It’s one of those things…
Essential Electrical Safety Tips Every Renter Should Know
If you’re renting for the first time or living in a shared apartment, chances are you don’t think much about your electrical system until something…
Keep Finances Safe When Changing Homes: Does Renters Insurance Cover Moving?
Moving to a new apartment means fresh spaces, new routines, and the chance to start fresh. But while you’re planning color schemes and exploring your…
From Renter to Owner: Understanding the Right of First Refusal
If you’re a renter and your landlord suddenly tells you the apartment or house is going up for sale, it might feel like you’re being…
Ready to Relocate? 9 Renter Tips for Moving Out of State
There’s something thrilling about seeing your belongings in boxes, maps open in your browser, and your future zip code saved in your weather app. Maybe…
What You Need to Know About Theft Protection
Feeling safe where you live is one of those things that makes everyday life run more smoothly. When you know your space and your belongings…
The “Meet Your Neighbors” Strategy: How to Introduce Yourself in a New Building
There’s something both exciting and nerve-wracking about those first days in a new apartment. You’ve unpacked the basics, figured out your appliances’ settings, and investigated…
Sustainability Made Easy: How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint at Home
Living in a rental doesn’t mean giving up on being eco-friendly. While you may not be able to make major changes to your building, there…
First Week, First Wins: The Move-In Essentials You Can’t Skip vs. What Can Wait
When you walk into your new apartment after signing the lease, it may seem like a blank canvas — so many possibilities, yet so many…
Keep Calm and Compare Renters Insurance Policies for Your Apartment
As a renter, you’ve probably heard about renters insurance and its benefits. If you’re considering getting covered, knowing how to compare renters insurance policies is…
Spring Into Action: 8 Home Maintenance Tips Every Renter Should Know
As spring rolls in, it’s time to shake off the winter cobwebs and give your apartment some much-needed TLC. While you may not own the…
How to File a Renters Insurance Claim and How Long It Takes to Get Paid
As a renter, securing renters insurance at the start of your lease is a wise precaution. After all, “life happens,” as the saying goes. Having…
Mastering Neighbor Etiquette: Unspoken Rules of Shared Spaces in Apartment Communities
Living in an apartment building can be a great way to experience city life, meet new people, and enjoy the convenience of shared amenities. But…