Apartment Search

A classic Thanksgiving dinner spread, with roast turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and more.

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…

A clipboard containing a blank employment history form.

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…

St. Michaels Church and Broad St. in Charleston, SC, to illustrate questions to ask before renting an apartment in Charleston, SC.

Thinking of renting in Charleston, SC? Ask these 5 questions first

Searching for an apartment in Charleston, SC? The port city attracts renters thanks to its relaxed lifestyle, beautiful scenery, and…

The hand of a man holding a pen and creating the check sign on a hologram to illustrate what is a verified listing.

What is a verified listing, and why it matters when renting an apartment online

The internet has made apartment hunting easier than ever. Unfortunately, it’s also made it easier for renters to get tricked…

Smiling senior couple relaxing in their cozy home, reflecting on the benefits of decluttering and following downsizing tips for seniors.

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…

Panoramic view of San Jose's downtown skyline as seen from the shoreline of Guadalupe River on a sunny fall day to illustrate questions to ask before renting an apartment in San Jose, CA.

5 questions to ask before renting an apartment in San Jose, CA

Renting an apartment in San Jose, CA, comes with plenty of perks. You’ll find tons to love about the city,…

A view of the skyline in Cincinnati, a city with a well-developed public transit system.

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…

An aerial shot of downtown Madison, WI, a city where you can find neighborhoods where the rent costs below the city average.

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…

Landlord inspecting a new kitchen along with renters in a bright apartment, inspecting the stove as part of an apartment inspection.

What to expect during a routine apartment inspection

Living in an apartment means sharing responsibility for the space you call home. While you enjoy the comfort and convenience…

Smiling young woman holding house keys on moving day, representing the excitement and independence of a first-time renter.

How to get approved as a first-time renter: Your complete guide to landing your first apartment

As a first-time renter, you’re stepping into a world full of applications, background checks, and credit verifications that may seem…

House versus Apartment for Rent

Is it better to rent a house or an apartment?

So, you’re ready to find your next place to call home — but here comes the big question: should you…

Skyline view of Manhattan apartments surrounded by modern high-rises and city lights, capturing the energy and lifestyle of downtown apartments in New York City.”

Everything you need to know about renting downtown apartments

If you’ve ever dreamed of living in the heart of a city, surrounded by energy, convenience and culture, then downtown…

Real estate brokers showing homes to prospective buyers while discussing property insurance, illustrating options for renting or buying without requiring a landlord reference.

How to build rental references when you have none

Finding your next home can be stressful, especially if you’re applying for your first apartment or moving somewhere new without…

A real estate agent discusses a lease break with new homeowners, reviewing property contracts and paperwork for their apartment rental and relocation plans.

Navigating a lease break when relocating for a job

Relocating for a new job can be exciting — an opportunity for growth, adventure, and a fresh start in a…

A person holding a wired phone while using a tablet to perform the duties of a property manager.

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…

Scenic view of downtown Buffalo, NY at sunset with apartments along the waterfront, illustrating the housing and cost of living in Buffalo.

What’s the cost of Living in Buffalo, NY? Here’s what renters need to know

Moving to the Northeast? That can feel like a huge step for any renter. We get it. This is one…

A person wearing a face mask, surrounded by boxes full of their stuff, wondering how to rent after an eviction.

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…

The cable car tram and Alcatraz prison island on a background in San Francisco, California, to illustrate public transport in San Francisco.

Getting around the Bay: A renter’s guide to public transport in San Francisco

Renting in San Francisco can be exciting. The city’s energy, culture, and stunning views make it a dream for many…

Beautiful evening view of Baltimore, Maryland, with the skyline reflected over the Inner Harbor — a central hub that highlights the connection between urban life and Baltimore public transit.

A renter’s guide to public transport in Baltimore, MD

Finding the right apartment often comes down to location, convenience, and how easily you can get around. For renters moving…

Renting an apartment with a cosigner: Everything you need to know

Renting can feel like a full-time job. Between searching for apartments that fit your budget, gathering paperwork and passing background…

A sunny view of downtown Jacksonville, Florida, featuring the blue Main Street Bridge over the St. Johns River — highlighting the city’s accessible neighborhoods and convenient public transit options for renters.

Public transport in Jacksonville, FL: What renters need to know

Jacksonville, FL, is one of those cities that really has it all: coastal charm, big city convenience and plenty of…

RentCafe.com’s new features: The Rent vs. Buy Calculator makes math easy

Deciding whether to rent or buy a home is one of the biggest financial choices many of us face and…

An aerial view of the skyline in downtown Vancouver, WA, a city where you should ask these 5 questions before renting an apartment.

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…

An aerial shot of Fayetteville, NC, a city where the cost of living is below both the state and national averages.

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…

An apartment living room with all lights turned onto illustrate how to save on your light bill.

Bright ideas to cut your apartment’s light bill

Every day you make dozens of energy decisions in your rental — from leaving lights on to choosing the right…

A woman using a laptop in a cafe to illustrate what is an online rental application.

What is an online rental application? Everything renters should know

Renting an apartment today is easier than ever, thanks to technology. Gone are the days when you had to fill…

A view of Atlanta's skyline with skyscrapers and in the background and highways in the front at sunset to illustrate public transport in Atlanta.

What renters should know about public transport in Atlanta

For renters moving to or already living in Atlanta, one question often comes up: Can you live here without a…

A worried man looking at a lease contract to illustrate how to face scary lease clauses as a renter.

From spooky to savvy: How to handle lease clauses with confidence

Reading your first apartment lease? That massive stack of papers can be spookier than any ghost. Don’t worry. We’ll help…

Aerial view of downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan, showing apartment buildings, residential streets, and greenery — ideal context for renters asking key questions before leasing apartments in Ann Arbor.

5 questions to ask before renting in Ann Arbor, MI (beyond “how much?”)

If you’re looking for apartments in Ann Arbor, MI, you’ve picked one of the most exciting places in the Midwest…

Illustration of an autumn park with orange trees, benches, a pond with ducks, and a city skyline, symbolizing the fall season as the best time to rent an apartment.

When is the best time to rent? Here are 5 advantages of renting in off-season

Looking for an apartment during the peak rental season can feel like a real struggle. When everyone’s searching at once,…