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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RentCafe brings a more flexible and rewarding replacement for traditional security deposits
RentCafe is introducing a modern replacement for traditional security deposits, in partnership with Obligo. RentCafe Deposit gives renters more control over their move-in costs and eliminates any hassle that may come…
RentCafe Rewards makes renting more rewarding and enjoyable
Here’s some great news you shouldn’t pass on: RentCafe now offers a free loyalty program that’s designed to turn everyday renting into something that truly works in your favor, with no extra cost or effort: RentCafe Rewards. …
RentCafe offers a fast way to set up your electricity service before moving in
Setting up electricity in your new apartment shouldn’t feel like another full-time job. That’s why we’re happy to introduce the ResidentShield Power* service to RentCafe renters looking for an easier, more predictable way to manage electricity….
RentCafe makes it easy to check one important item off your move-in checklist: renters insurance
Good news: RentCafe applicants now have a convenient way to sign up for renters insurance as soon as their application is approved. Renters insurance is typically mandatory for any apartment lease. To meet this…
Upcycled furniture: A smart way to furnish your apartment on a budget
Picture this: you’ve just signed the lease on a new apartment, but it comes unfurnished. With the moving fees and deposit, your budget leaves little wiggle room for…
Renewable electricity explained: Why it matters for renters
Every time you flip a light switch, charge your laptop, or turn on the air conditioning, you’re using electricity that comes from somewhere. Increasingly, that power comes from renewable…
How smart home devices can help you become a better neighbor
Picture this: it’s 11 PM, and your upstairs neighbor’s TV is blasting through your ceiling again. Or maybe you’re the one accidentally disturbing others without realizing it. As renters, you’re sharing walls, floors, and ceilings…
Tiny closet, big impact: Smart ways to organize a small apartment closet
A small closet can sometimes feel like a daily source of struggle. When clothes are piled up, shoes disappear, and you can’t see what you own, getting dressed becomes harder…
What are the most common renters insurance coverage types?
Renting comes with flexibility, but it also comes with responsibilities, especially when it comes to protecting what you own. Many renters assume their building’s insurance covers their personal belongings,…
How to keep your apartment safe and celebration-ready this holiday season
The holiday season changes how you use your apartment. Overnight, your living room turns into a decorating zone, the kitchen becomes a baking station, heaters work harder,…
What to expect after an apartment building renovation
When an apartment building renovation finally wraps up, many renters are left wondering what the “new normal” will look like. You might’ve experienced months of construction noise, limited…
Apartment appliances made easy: How to keep everything running smoothly
Keeping your apartment appliances in good shape helps you save money, prevent emergencies, and extend the life of the things you use every day. For many renters,…
Power outage guide: The essentials every renter should have ready
Power outages can happen almost anywhere: during severe storms, grid failures, heat waves, or even unplanned maintenance. For renters, knowing what to have in your apartment in…
Pet liability insurance for renters: What it covers and why it matters
Pets make an apartment feel more like home, but they can also lead to unexpected costs and responsibilities. If your dog bites a visitor or your cat damages…
From cluttered to calm: Easy home office organization ideas for any space
If you’re working remotely full-time or managing a hybrid schedule, a cluttered home office can quickly drain your focus. Good home office organization helps you…
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…