Articles by
Veronica Grecu
Veronica Grecu is a senior creative writer and research analyst for RentCafe. With more than 14 years of experience in the real estate industry, she covers a variety of topics in the apartment market, including rental competitiveness, new construction and other industry trends. Her work has been featured in top publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Miami Herald, CNN, CNBC, and more. Prior to RentCafe, Veronica was involved in producing real estate content for Multi-Housing News, Commercial Property Executive and Yardi Matrix. She holds a B.A. in Applied Modern Languages and an M.A. in Advertising and PR.
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What’s the Difference Between Notice to Vacate and Eviction Letter?
Renting an apartment comes with plenty of responsibilities — and for first-time renters, the legal jargon can be overwhelming. Between lease agreements, maintenance requests, and…
5 Affordable Neighborhoods in Brooklyn for New Yorkers on a Budget
New York City has long been one of America’s most expensive rental markets, with sky-high prices that can make finding housing in affordable neighborhoods feel…
5 Wallet-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent in Seattle
Seattle is an amazing place to live, offering a strong job market, stunning waterfront views, and an unbeatable food and coffee culture. But there’s no…
Which Are Some of the Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Grand Rapids, MI?
Renting in the Midwest has never been more popular, and Grand Rapids, MI, is no exception. As apartment hunters flock to cities across the region,…
Tired of Waiting on Landlords’ Approval? Fast-Track Your Rental Application in 10 Easy Steps
Finding the perfect rental apartment can feel like winning the lottery — until you realize how quickly those “perfect” listings disappear. Let’s face it, we’ve…
The nitty-gritty of paying the fair amount: Prorated rent explained
After spending days, weeks, or even months looking, you’ve finally found a rental apartment or house that fits your needs and budget. But for some…
San Francisco’s Best Beaches: A Practical Guide for Renters
San Francisco offers renters a unique opportunity to enjoy a different side of the city – its stunning beaches. While these beaches may not boast…
What Are Some of the Best Affordable Neighborhoods to Rent in Detroit?
Searching for affordable neighborhoods to rent in a major U.S. city? Detroit — a place of resilience, reinvention, and deep-rooted community pride — might be…
Canada’s Trending Cities for Renters: Winnipeg Holds Onto 1st Spot at the Start of 2025, Toronto Moves Up in the Rankings
Apartment searches in Canada experienced a seasonal decline at the start of 2025, a trend typically seen during the winter months in the Great White…
First-Time Renters’ Guide to Decoding Apartment Listings Lingo
Finding the perfect apartment in a sea of offerings can feel like navigating a maze, no matter if you’re new to renting or you’ve already…
Minneapolis’ Best Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters on a Budget
Minneapolis has been a standout destination for apartment hunters, and it’s easy to see why. In 2024, the city consistently ranked as the most sought-after…
Credit Score Basics for Renters: What You Need to Know in 2025
As the peak rental season is getting closer, your credit score becomes more important than ever. Whether you’re renting for the first time or you’re…
How to Change Your Address and Forward Mail When You Move to a New Place
Moving to a new rental apartment is an exciting chapter, but it comes with its fair share of logistics. One crucial task that often slips…
Here Are the Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Fayetteville, NC
Renting in Fayetteville, NC, offers a unique combination of affordability and convenience, making it an attractive place to call home. With an overall cost of…
2024 in Review: Top Insights Renters Need to Know
In 2024, the real estate market has experienced notable transformations. So, to provide renters with a comprehensive understanding of the latest market dynamics, we have…
5 Tips for Gen Z Renters Living in Expensive Cities
Living in a major city has undeniable perks, especially for Gen Z renters. These bustling urban centers offer unparalleled access to cultural hotspots, career opportunities,…
Best Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in Washington, DC
Looking for apartments in Washington, D.C., can feel like a real challenge, especially with the city’s cost of living sitting a steep 47% above the…
2024 Year-End Report: Miami’s Competitiveness Wanes With Suburban Chicago and Milwaukee Closing In
The Midwest stands out as a red-hot region for renters in 2024, with five markets in the nation’s top 10 and two on the podium…
Slash your heating bill: Super easy (and inexpensive) tips for renters
Brrr! Winter’s here, and your apartment feels more like a walk-in freezer than a cozy home. Cranking up the heat sounds tempting — until your…
The Hidden Costs of Renting an Apartment: What You Need to Know Before Signing a Lease
Renting an apartment is the preferred housing choice for millions of Americans, with Gen Z leading the way as the only renter-majority generation. Of course,…
What Are the Best Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in St. Paul, MN?
Looking for rental apartments in a city that blends charm, character, and affordability? St. Paul, MN, has you covered! Renting here offers a lot of…
Canada’s Trending Cities for Renters: Winnipeg Ranks 1st as Many Look to Prairie Hubs for Better Deals
Key Takeaways: Winnipeg, MB, is the #1 trending city for renter interest in Canada, leading a pack of highly coveted locations in the Prairie Provinces….
Top 5 Common Myths About Renting Debunked
Renting offers a lot of great perks, from flexibility to freedom from maintenance worries. Yet, it’s often seen as less appealing than owning a home….
Small Apartment Hack: How Murphy Beds Help Maximize Compact Spaces
Living in a small apartment definitely has its charm — as well as its challenges. Even though the average apartment size in the U.S. now…
What’s the Cost of Living in Grand Rapids, MI? Here’s What Renters Need to Know
Moving to a new city brings excitement and opportunity, but understanding the cost of living is crucial, especially for renters. Besides searching for rental apartments,…
Best Museums in New York City for Renters Who Love All Things Housing
For anyone calling New York City their home, there’s so much more to this place than skyscrapers and crowded streets. You can find some of…
10 Movie Quotes to Live by (As a Renter)
Living in a rental apartment often comes with its unique set of challenges and joys. Whether you’re navigating your first lease, decorating on a budget,…
Cost of Living in Vancouver, WA: What to Expect as a Renter
Moving to a new city is an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its share of stress, especially when you start crunching the numbers….
Top 3 Spots for New Apartments in New York
In 2024, the U.S. is on track to hit a record-breaking year in apartment construction, with a massive 518,000 new units projected to be completed…
Chicagoland Matches Miami for Hottest Rental Market, Fueled by Rise of the Midwest
Key Takeaways: The national RCI score stands at 75.8 during the busiest time for moving, with significantly more renters choosing to renew compared to last…