Apartment Search

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,…

Colorado State Capitol Building & the City of Denver Colorado at Sunset. Rocky Mountains on the Horizon. Find affordable neighborhoods in Denver, CO.

Moving to Denver in 2025? Explore the best affordable neighborhoods to consider

Denver, a dynamic city nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, offers a fantastic quality of life. However, like…

An apartment search website open on a smartphone, symbolizing how rental pre-qualification gives renters a head start when finding their next home.

Rental pre-qualification explained: What it is and how it can help you find an apartment faster

In competitive rental markets like Miami, Chicago or New York City, apartments disappear within days. If you’ve tried finding a…

A microwave and a modern coffee machine on a white countertop to illustrate how to save on utility bills.

How to save on utility bills when using your refrigerator and other appliances

We’ve already shared a few easy ways to care for your budget and the environment while doing housework or saving…

3D floor plan of an open living space apartment to illustrate how to read an apartment floor plan.

How to read an apartment floor plan before you tour an apartment

When you’re searching for an apartment online, photos can only tell part of the story. That’s where the floor plan…

Scenic view of downtown Huntsville, Alabama, at dusk featuring Big Spring Park and city buildings — highlighting the importance of asking the right questions before renting apartments in Huntsville.

Searching for apartments in Huntsville, AL? Ask these 5 key questions first

As one of Alabama’s fastest-growing cities, Huntsville combines Southern charm with a strong aerospace and tech-driven economy. The city delivers…

A family playing a game in the living room of their apartment to illustrate the best floor to live in an apartment with kids.

Best floor to live in an apartment with kids: Ground floor vs. upper floor pros and cons

When you’re renting with kids, finding the right apartment goes beyond counting bedrooms or checking square footage. Families have unique…

ultimate guide for renting

Everything you need to know about renting: Timelines, terms & documents explained

This article was updated in October 2025. Searching for and finding a rental apartment is a journey that can be…

Close-up of a credit report showing a poor credit score — illustrating financial challenges renters face when searching for bad credit apartments.

Bad credit apartments: How to get a lease when you have a low credit score

Worried that your credit score will keep you from finding your dream apartment? You’re not alone. Some renters face the…

A scenic view of Phoenix, AZ, with downtown skyscrapers, suburban neighborhoods and surrounding desert mountains at sunset, highlighting the importance of asking the right questions before renting in Phoenix.

5 essential questions to ask before renting an apartment in Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ — also known as the Valley of the Sun — is a growing city, drawing new residents with…

Stunning view of the Milwaukee, Wisconsin skyline with modern skyscrapers seen from Lakeshore State Park along Lake Michigan, highlighting the accessibility and convenience of Milwaukee public transit.

A Renters’ Guide to Public Transport in Milwaukee, WI

When moving to a new city, one of the first things renters often consider — beyond the apartment itself —…

An apartment building in New York with one key safety feature: fire escape stairs.

Assessing a Building’s Emergency Preparedness: What to Look for During Your Apartment Search

When you’re looking for your happy place, it’s natural to get excited about granite countertops, in-unit laundry, or that perfect…

View of apartment buildings and the gate restricting access to the apartments to illustrate what is a gated community apartment.

What is a gated community apartment? Pros and cons for renters

The search is over. Scrolling through apartment listings online, you spot the perfect place: a great location, beautiful photos, and…

Cityscape with the Rainbow Amphitheater by Lake Eola to illustrate public transport in Orlando, FL.

Public Transport in Orlando, FL: Everything You Need to Know as a Renter

Orlando‘s got everything going for it: year-round sunshine, incredible theme parks, and a job market that keeps growing. If you’re…

The skyline of Austin, TX, with a cloudy sky at sunset to illustrate the cost of living in Austin.

Cost of Living in Austin Explained: From Rent Prices to Everyday Expenses

Thinking about making Austin, TX, your new home? Smart choice — this city’s got everything from incredible live music to…

Panoramic view of Miami’s downtown skyline with the elevated Metromover track crossing the Miami River, highlighting public transit options near high-rise apartments.

Public transport in Miami: What renters need to know

Looking for apartments in Miami? You’re searching in the country’s hottest rental markets, where securing a rental apartment means competing…

A Renter’s Guide to Navigating Sacramento Without a Car

Renting in a new city comes with many decisions, and one of the biggest is how you’ll get around. For…

Image of a laundry room with a washer and dryer, and a basket full of clothes to illustrate how to save on utility bills while doing housework.

How to save on utility bills while doing housework

If you’re looking for practical ways to lower your monthly expenses, learning how to save on utility bills is a…

The Detroit People Mover running on its elevated track downtown, a convenient public transit option in Detroit that renters use for quick and reliable access to neighborhoods, jobs, and entertainment.

Navigating Detroit’s public transport system: Best options for renters

Detroit is experiencing a remarkable transformation. A revitalized downtown, growing job market and creative energy are attracting new residents, proving…

Big News From RentCafe.com: Notifications & My Account Preferences Are Here!

Renting is a journey, and RentCafe.com is here to make it easier — and maybe even a little enjoyable. That’s…

Downtown city skyline of Las Vegas, Nevada — a vibrant backdrop for those exploring apartments in Las Vegas and the lifestyle the city offers.

5 Questions to Ask Before Renting an Apartment in Las Vegas

Las Vegas offers plenty of rental options, from modern high-rises near the Strip to quieter apartments in suburban neighborhoods like…

A landlord guiding a couple through their second apartment tour.

Touring the Same Apartment Twice? Apartment Viewing Tips for Your Second Visit

When you first step into a rental apartment, it’s easy to get swept up by the big picture — how…

Stressed young woman sitting on a couch with her laptop, struggling during her apartment search, illustrating the challenges of reducing stress when apartment hunting.

The ultimate guide to a stress-free apartment search

Searching for apartments can feel like a fun adventure at first. But in today’s highly competitive rental markets, renters don’t…

A person separating a puzzle piece with money on it from the others, signifying the process of issuing security deposit deductions.

What Kind of Damages Can Be Deducted from Your Security Deposit?

When you rent an apartment, the landlord usually requires a security deposit. This is money held aside as financial protection…

Woman holding cup of tasty pumpkin spice latte on a wooden table.

Fun Personality Test: What’s Your Renter Type Based on Your Go-To Pumpkin Spice Latte Order?

Fall is in the air, and you know what that means — pumpkin spice latte season is in full swing!…

A cute Pembroke Welsh Corgi resting on the floor in a cozy living room while a couple relaxes on the sofa behind — a reminder for renters with pets to budget for a pet deposit when moving into a new home.

Pet Deposit vs. Pet Rent: Key Differences Every Renter Should Know

Bringing a pet into a rental home comes with added responsibilities and often added costs. Two common terms that renters…

Toledo, OH downtown skyline reflecting on the Maumee River at dusk — a growing city where many people explore affordable neighborhoods for a balance of community and cost of living.

Best affordable neighborhoods for renters in Toledo, OH

When it comes to finding a rental that balances comfort, location and affordability, Toledo, OH, stands out as a hidden…

An aerial view of downtown McKinney, TX, a city where you should ask these five questions before renting an apartment.

5 Questions to Ask Before Renting an Apartment in McKinney, TX

If you’re considering making McKinney, TX, your next home, you’re in good company. This North Texas city has become a…

Hand painting a wall gray, symbolizing lead-based paint disclosure and the importance of renter awareness in older apartments.

What Is a Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (and Why Does It Matter)?

If you’re searching for apartments for rent, chances are you’ve seen paperwork like applications, background checks, and lease agreements. But…