Apartment Search

Detroit skyline at sunset with downtown apartments and neighborhoods, a guide for renters asking key questions before renting in Detroit.

5 Key Questions to Ask Before Renting an Apartment in Detroit

Detroit has been quietly reinventing itself in recent years as one of the Midwest’s most dynamic cities for renters. From…

Aerial view of downtown Los Angeles with its skyline and streets under a clear blue sky. Scenes like this often spark conversations about finding affordable neighborhoods in a city known for its high cost of living.

Best affordable neighborhoods for renters in Los Angeles

Finding an apartment in Los Angeles can feel like an uphill battle. Of course, the city is famous for its…

Aerial view of apartment buildings in the Bronx, NY—highlighting the borough’s rental options and key questions renters should ask before signing a lease.

5 Essential Questions to Ask Before Renting an Apartment in the Bronx, NY

If you’ve ever tried renting in New York City, you already know that apartment hunting is no walk in the…

A lease agreement form with a pen and glasses highlights the importance of understanding legal documents in real estate, especially details like the lease commencement date, which marks the official start of a tenant’s rights and responsibilities.

Understanding Lease Commencement Dates: A Complete Renter’s Guide

Renting a home represents an exciting milestone, whether you’re securing your first apartment, a cozy townhouse or a dream condo….

An aerial view of the skyline in Austin, TX, a city where you should ask these five questions before searching for rental apartments.

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

With its central Texas setting and mix of music, tech innovation, and outdoor adventure, Austin offers renters a lifestyle that…

The Sarasota, FL skyline glows beautifully at night, showcasing the city’s vibrant atmosphere and making it a standout destination for those exploring affordable neighborhoods in the area.

Best affordable neighborhoods for renters in Sarasota, FL

Finding an apartment in Sarasota, FL, is a dream for many renters. That’s because the city is known for its…

An aerial shot of the Mississippi River and the skyline in Memphis, TN, a city where the cost of living is below the state and national averages.

Cost of Living in Memphis, TN: What to Expect When Living Here as a Renter

Set on the banks of the Mississippi River, Memphis is a city with deep musical roots, rich history and a…

Baltimore's Inner Harbor skyline in the afternoon offers a scenic view of the city, making it an appealing spot for those exploring apartments in Baltimore with waterfront access and urban living.

5 Questions to Ask Before Renting an Apartment in Baltimore

Baltimore has long been one of Maryland’s most popular rental markets thanks to its mix of historic charm and modern…

A person uses a calculator to calculate how much to pay during their rent grace period.

What Is a Rent Grace Period? A Renter’s Guide

A rent grace period is the short window of time that renters may have after their rent due date to…

A photo of a modern, future-proof apartment that renters can look for.

The “Future-Proof” Apartment Search: What to Look for If You Plan to Stay Long-Term

When looking for a new apartment to rent, it’s easy to focus on immediate needs, such as the monthly rent,…

Illustration of moving with kids, a family carrying boxes to their new apartment.

How to Move Out of an Apartment With Kids

Moving out of an apartment and into a new home is a big step for any family. But when you…

A view of Philadelphia's skyline with skyscrapers and the Delaware River to illustrate the cost of living in Philadelphia.

Here’s What It Costs to Live in Philadelphia as a Renter

Are you moving to Philadelphia? Whether you’re relocating for work, school, or a change of scenery, knowing what to expect…

The skyline of Columbus, OH, and the Scioto River to illustrate the cost of living in Columbus.

What Is the Cost of Living in Columbus, OH?

If you’re thinking about making a move, it’s always smart to know what you’re stepping into, especially as a renter….

Explore stunning living room design ideas with natural light, warm tones, and new features that create a cozy, modern space.

RentCafe.com’s New Features Are Here to Make Your Apartment Search Simpler and Smarter

Searching for a new home can feel overwhelming, but at RentCafe.com we believe it should be exciting instead of stressful….

A couple attends a landlord’s move-out inspection of their rental apartment.

What Is a Move-Out Inspection (& Why You Should Attend It)?

When you’re preparing to leave a rental apartment, one of the most important steps is the move-out inspection. That’s because…

A waterfront shot of Wilmington, NC, a city where the cost of living is lower than both state and national averages.

Cost of Living in Wilmington, NC: What Renters Should Know

Nestled along the North Carolina coast, Wilmington offers a mix of historic character, a lively cultural scene and the laidback…

A photo of damage on a wall that may not qualify as “normal wear and tear.”

What Is “Normal Wear & Tear” (& How Does It Affect Your Security Deposit)?

Security deposits are a standard part of most rental agreements. They’re usually collected at the start of the lease and…

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….

Understanding Shared Responsibility in Common Areas

If you’ve ever lived in a rental with shared spaces — like a lobby, laundry room, courtyard or rooftop deck…

An aerial view of an apartment complex pool beside a large empty lot raises practical parking questions, including availability, usage, and planning for residents and guests.

Parallel to Perfect: What to Ask About Parking Before You Sign That Lease

You’ve found the dream rental — spacious living room, charming kitchen and a balcony that practically begs for Saturday morning…

An aerial shot of the marina area in Sarasota, FL.

5 Questions to Ask Before Renting an Apartment in Sarasota, FL

With its sunny, Gulf Coast setting — in addition to a mix of laidback beach life and urban conveniences —…

Two happy roommates checking a phone together in the kitchen while moving into their new home, illustrating the search for a roommate.

Roomie or Ruse? How to Stay Savvy in Your Search for a Roommate

If you’ve ever been in search of a roommate, you know it can feel a bit like online dating —…

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…

A person using a laptop to learn how to cancel an apartment application.

Apartment Search “Exit Strategy”: How to Cancel Your Rental Application

Applying for a rental apartment is a key step in locking down a place to live. But, sometimes, plans change….

A close-up of a focused woman using her laptop and credit card to make a secure online payment, carefully managing finances and reviewing details related to an application fee.

The Lowdown on the Application Fee: What It Is & Why It Exists

If you’ve ever dipped your toes into the bustling pool of apartment-hunting, chances are that you’ve encountered a little something…

A Cost-of-Living Calculator Guide Every Apartment-Hunter Needs

Looking for an apartment isn’t just about finding the cheapest rent. Sure, rent usually takes up the biggest chunk of…

Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA college town skyline at dusk, a picturesque view often associated with discussions about the cost of living in Ann Arbor.

Cost of Living in Ann Arbor, MI: What to Expect When Living Here as a Renter

For renters, the challenge that comes with moving to a new city goes beyond finding the right apartment — it’s…

An aerial view of McKinney, TX, a city where the cost of living is higher than the state average, but lower than the U.S. average.

Cost of Living in McKinney, TX: What to Expect When Renting Here

With its historic charm, strong community feel and proximity to Dallas, McKinney, TX, is quickly becoming a go-to destination for…

Out Without a Clout: What to Do if Your Lease Doesn’t Include a Move-Out Procedure

So, your lease is ending, your plants are packed and you’re wondering how to gracefully exit stage left — except…

A multi-generational family sits closely on the sofa at home, sharing a moment around a mobile phone — showcasing connection, technology use, and everyday life in a multi-generational household.

Rent, Rules & Relatives: How to Handle Rent in a Multi-Generational Household

Living in a multi-generational household can be a heartwarming experience filled with laughter, shared memories and, yes — a fair…