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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Woman surrounded by moving boxes holding a “New Home” sign, representing apartment hunting mistakes renters should avoid during peak rental season.

5 Mistakes to Avoid During Peak Rental Season

Finding the right apartment is no walk in the park, but searching during peak rental season adds even more pressure. Between May and September —…

Wood-frame apartment buildings under construction with scaffolding and a red crane in the background

New apartment construction tops 500K units this year, more than half in 1 region

New apartment construction in the U.S. is flexing its muscle again in 2025, with an estimated 506,353 units expected to be opened nationwide by the…

Smiling woman checking mail and talking on the phone in front of apartment mailboxes after changing her address.

Change of Address Checklist: Who to Notify When You Move

New neighborhood, new apartment, new start! But between unpacking and figuring out where the closest grocery store is, there’s one important task you shouldn’t forget:…

View of Brooklyn brownstones with NYC skyline, highlighting the importance of having a clear understanding of the cost of living in Brooklyn before moving here.

Cost of Living in Brooklyn, NY: Everything You Need to Know Before Renting Here

Moving to New York City is a dream for many. But when you’re a renter, it can feel like jumping into the deep end without…

Person seemingly overwhelmed with moving to a new state alone, sitting on a couch surrounded by boxes, wearing a packing box on their head in a new apartment.

What to Know Before Moving to a New State Alone

Moving to a new state alone is one of those life changes that feels bold, adventurous and full of fresh possibilities. If you’re moving for…

Renters coordinating with movers during an interstate move, standing near a moving truck with boxes and furniture.

Planning Your Interstate Move: How Far in Advance Should You Start?

An interstate move — whether it’s for a cool new job, an exciting school adventure, or just a fresh start — is a big undertaking….

Views of foxtail palm trees at the front of apartment buildings at Miami, FL, the most competitive rental markets in the U.S. at the start of the 2025 moving season.

Miami’s Rental Market Is Red Hot, Fueled by Florida’s Renewed Momentum

As the summer moving season ramps up, apartment hunting is becoming more challenging for renters across the U.S. Bolstered by Florida’s growing appeal, Miami strengthens…

Group of smiling Gen Z friends standing under a blue sky, representing community and excitement around moving into a first apartment with a move-in checklist.

First Apartment, Who Dis? Move-In Checklist for Gen Z Renters

Scored that dream apartment? Congrats! You’ve likely spent weeks, even months scrolling listings, touring places, and doing mental math to find the sweet spot of…

Miami apartment building with palm trees under blue sky, representing housing options and cost of living challenges for renters in the city.

Cost of Living in Miami: Here’s What Renters Need to Know

Moving to a new city is a big deal — it’s rarely a walk in the park, especially when you’re a renter trying to find…

View of San Diego marina and skyline through palm leaves, highlighting the city’s appeal for renters seeking affordable neighborhoods.

Budget-Friendly Renting in SoCal: 5 Affordable Neighborhoods to Consider in San Diego

San Diego has long been one of Southern California’s most desirable places to live. Its beautiful beaches, sunny skies and relaxed coastal lifestyle are only…

San Diego Trolley train passing through downtown, surrounded by palm trees and modern apartment buildings under a sunny sky.

Public transit in San Diego: A renter’s guide to navigating the city without a car

San Diego offers a lifestyle that’s hard to beat — think coastal views, rich cultural experiences, amazing beaches and endless sunny days. But in a…

View of Manhattan apartment buildings, highlighting the variety of rental options and the importance of asking key questions before signing a lease.

Apartment Hunting in Manhattan: 5 Key Questions to Ask Before You Rent

Manhattan is a dream location for many renters. It offers unmatched access to job opportunities, entertainment, culture and some of the most iconic neighborhoods in…

Woman renting alone researches neighborhoods on her laptop in a cozy apartment living room.

Renting Alone? Here’s How to Find the Right Neighborhood

Whether you’re starting a new job in a different city, craving more independence, or simply ready to have a place to call your own, renting…

Cityscape of Seattle at sunset, featuring high-rise apartment buildings and iconic landmarks, used to support a renter’s guide on 5 key questions to ask before signing a lease in the city.

5 Key Questions to Ask Before Renting an Apartment in Seattle

Seattle, the Emerald City: It’s a place of stunning natural beauty, a thriving tech scene, and a truly unique culture Between its booming tech industry,…

Couple inspecting kitchen cabinets during an apartment tour with a real estate agent, checking key details during peak rental season.

5 Key Things to Focus on During an Apartment Tour in Peak Rental Season

The high season for renting often feels like a whirlwind of activity. With demand surging and competition heating up, renters are frequently faced with the…

Skyline view near the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC—an area popular with renters and easily accessible via the city’s public transit system.

Public transit in Washington, DC: Best options for renters

Renting in the nation’s capital definitely has its perks — and chief among them is having access to one of the most comprehensive public transit…

A view of Hartford, CT skyline and neighborhoods—ideal for renters seeking the best affordable neighborhoods in the city.

Affordable Neighborhoods in Hartford, CT: 3 Great Picks for Renters on a Budget

Thinking about moving to Hartford, CT? Good news! This city has a lot to offer, especially if you’re looking for rental apartments in affordable neighborhoods…

Low-angle view of two high-rise apartment buildings in Miami framed by palm trees, emphasizing the importance of asking about energy efficiency, mold prevention, and building maintenance when renting in the city.

Apartment Hunting in Miami? Ask These 5 Essential Questions First

Searching for apartments in Miami might feel like a full-time job, especially since Miami has long been the hottest rental market in the U.S., with…

Several closed and open cardboard boxes of varying sizes are piled in a bright, airy living room with large windows, a lamp, a ladder, and potted plants, suggesting the process of packing and moving out household belongings.

How to Tell Your Landlord You’re Moving Out

You’ve researched, crunched the numbers, toured the listings, and finally found the one — a rental apartment that checks all the boxes: ideal location, reasonable…

The Unisphere and observation towers in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, a landmark near some of Queens' most affordable neighborhoods in NYC.

Apartment Hunting on a Budget in NYC? Here Are 5 Affordable Neighborhoods to Explore in Queens

The dream of living in New York City often comes with a hefty price tag, and finding an affordable apartment can feel like searching for…

Diverse apartment buildings in The Bronx, NY, representing affordable options for renters exploring neighborhoods in New York City.

Finding Affordable Neighborhoods in New York City: 5 Areas to Consider in the Bronx

New York — the city of big dreams, bright lights, and… sky-high rents. Finding an apartment that doesn’t consume your entire paycheck can feel like…

View of Indianapolis, IN, used to compare 2020 affordable rentals to current average rent in 2025.

Mission impossible revisited: What $500 rent got you in 2025 vs. 2020

Renting in some of the nation’s most sought-after cities often means paying top dollar. But if you’re not set on relocating to pricey hubs like…

Dallas skyline glowing at twilight with prominent skyscrapers and lower-rise apartment buildings, showcasing the cityscape relevant to renters assessing the cost of living in Dallas.

Cost of Living in Dallas: What to Expect When Renting Here

Let’s be honest, packing everything up and starting fresh somewhere unfamiliar can be a handful, especially when you’re renting. Nailing down the right apartment in…

renter questions

10 Questions Every Renter Should Ask Before Signing a Lease

Finding a new rental apartment can be exciting, but also quite stressful. You don’t want to end up living in a place that doesn’t quite…

A cheerful man, woman, and young girl embrace and smile while sitting on the floor, visually conveying the happiness of renters benefiting from apartment specials.

Rent Specials Explained: What They Are & How They Can Help Your Apartment Search

As the rental season unrolls, searching for an apartment can become more challenging as more people look for housing. Yet, the process also brings a…

How to cope with spring allergies in your rental apartment

Spring is a season of beauty and joy, but it can also bring a lot of distress for people who suffer from seasonal allergies. Pollen,…

Illustration of navigating challenges and finding solutions, symbolizing the process of breaking a lease early.

Here’s what you need to know if you want to break the lease early

When renting, breaking the lease on your apartment can feel like a big step — and it’s not always an easy one. Maybe you’re moving…

Aerial view of downtown Denver with high-rises and the State Capitol, highlighting key factors to consider before renting an apartment in the city.

Apartment Hunting in Denver? Ask These 5 Questions First

Thinking about moving to Denver? You’re in good company. This mountain city keeps drawing renters thanks to its blend of outdoor adventure and urban culture….

Sunset view of Midtown Manhattan’s skyline, highlighting the challenge of finding affordable neighborhoods in the heart of New York City.

Budget-Friendly Manhattan: Best Affordable Neighborhoods to Consider

Renting in Manhattan may feel like a dream for many, but the cost of living in this iconic borough can easily become a financial stretch….

Dallas skyline view, highlighting the urban setting for renters exploring apartment options in the city.

5 Questions to Ask Before Renting an Apartment in Dallas

If you want all the energy and convenience of a big city — minus the hefty price tag — renting an apartment in Dallas, TX…