Apartment Living

Group of people celebrating Thanksgiving together, showcasing how apartment etiquette is helping bring people together.

Apartment etiquette for Thanksgiving hosts: How to celebrate in shared spaces

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, gratitude, and food and laughter. But for those who live in apartment buildings, hosting…

Bright modern home office with natural light, clean desk setup, and plants, demonstrating practical home office organization ideas.

From cluttered to calm: Easy home office organization ideas for any space

If you’re working remotely full-time or managing a hybrid schedule, a cluttered home office can quickly drain your focus. Good…

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…

A document outlining a lease agreement, surrounded by paper clips, a calculator, and a pen.

Renewing your lease? Here’s how to notify your landlord

The rental apartment lease renewal is one of the most important steps you might face each year. Letting your landlord…

Various household appliances such as a refrigerator, washing machine, and TV that consume power even when off, illustrating common energy vampires.

Energy vampires in your apartment: The hidden power drainers that can cost you

Small but steady electricity users known as energy vampires are hidden around your apartment. These are the devices that stay…

japandi style furniture in apartment

Furnishing on a budget: Tips for renters

Furnishing an apartment or home on a budget can be a challenge. Luckily, whether you’re an experienced renter or renting…

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…

Man sitting comfortably in a well-maintained apartment, representing the importance of repairs to avoid uninhabitable conditions.

How to prevent your apartment from becoming uninhabitable

Most renters will never face a situation where their home becomes truly unlivable. Still, understanding what makes an apartment uninhabitable…

An apartment building during Halloween, with pumpkins used as decorations on the stairs.

The great roommate sacrifice: 6 ways to divide rent (and Halloween candy) fairly

In every shared rental apartment, there’s at least one terrifying topic that can send chills down a renter’s spine. No, it’s…

Two people shaking hands as a sign of agreement and mutual understanding, showing a peaceful way to resolve conflicts with neighbors.

How to resolve conflict with neighbors: Calm solutions that work

When you share walls, parking spots, and outdoor spaces in an apartment community, it’s almost impossible to avoid the occasional disagreement….

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,…

Woman using a calculator and laptop to review multiple invoices and payments, analyzing household expenses for utility billing.

Budget vs. standard utility billing: What works better for renters?

Apartment utility bills can make or break your budget. While rent is usually the highest expense, utilities like electricity, water,…

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…

Bright modern kitchen interior with clean countertops, cooking utensils, and appliances, illustrating the importance of organization and safety in the kitchen.

The Renter’s Kitchen Playbook: How to Keep Your Apartment Safe

In an apartment, the kitchen is more than a place to cook. It’s where you brew coffee, prepare meals, and…

Two happy dogs relaxing in a stylish apartment living room with cozy decor, soft couch, green plants, and accent pillows, illustrating the importance of pet maintenance apartment tips for keeping pets comfortable and homes tidy.

From Fur to Floors: A Pet Owners’ Guide to Apartment Maintenance

Nothing beats coming home to a wagging tail or a gentle purr. But renting with pets also comes with responsibilities….

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!…

Close-up of a woman’s hand using a calculator app on a smartphone with utility bills on the table, illustrating the process of comparing electricity plans to find the most cost-effective option.

Power to Choose: What You Should Know About Comparing Electricity Plans

Every month, you’re probably locked into one of your biggest utility bills — your electricity bill — without giving much…

Person holding a smartphone with holographic icons representing security, cloud, and wireless network, visually illustrating identity theft protection and secure digital identity management.

9 Identity Theft Protection Tips Every Apartment Renter Should Know

Prepared in partnership with IdentityIQ.   Apartment living offers plenty of conveniences: central locations, community amenities, professional management, and more….

Modern apartment building featuring several balconies decorated with plants and flowers, illustrating principles of balcony etiquette by showcasing tidy, attractive outdoor spaces.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Balcony Etiquette for Renters

Having a balcony is one of the best perks of apartment living. It’s a small outdoor escape where you can…

A modern living room with high-value items such as a large flat-screen TV mounted above a stylish wooden cabinet with decorative vases and a lush green plant.

From Jewelry to Laptops: How to Safeguard High-Value Items in Your Apartment

If you’re renting, chances are you’ve put time, money, and effort into making it feel like home. Along with your…

A maintenance worker in overalls uses tools to fix plumbing under a kitchen sink in a modern apartment, handling an emergency repair.

Emergency Repairs in Your Apartment: What Qualifies and How to Act Quickly

Picture this: it’s 2 a.m., and you wake up to the sound of water dripping through your apartment’s ceiling. Or…

A woman standing in a bright living room holds up an electricity bill and gives a thumbs up beneath a wall-mounted air conditioner, after following energy-saving tips to keep her apartment cool in summer.

Summer Energy-Saving Tips That Make Apartment Life Cooler

Summer doesn’t just heat up your apartment; it can scorch your wallet, too. But while everyone talks about turning off…

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 —…

person holds a digital tablet displaying a detailed credit report with a high credit score, pie chart, and payment history, highlighting how rent reporting can positively impact a renter’s financial profile.

Does Paying Rent Help Your Credit Score? Here’s How Rent Payment Reporting Can Benefit You

Prepared in Partnership with IdentityIQ.   Your rent is likely one of the biggest payments you make each month. But…

A smiling woman receives two cardboard boxes at her front door from a delivery person, having more flexibility over her budget due to choosing a flexible rent payment option.

Managing Rent Payments: When Life Doesn’t Wait for Payday

Prepared in partnership with Flex. Real talk on rent Ever checked your calendar after paying rent and wondered how you’ll…

An aerial view of Milwaukee Marina to illustrate the top questions to ask before renting an apartment in Milwaukee.

5 Must-Ask Questions Before You Rent in Milwaukee

Renting an apartment in Milwaukee can be a smart move if you’re looking for a mix of affordability, culture, and…

A focused woman with glasses looking at a file and having a laptop on a white table, while researching how to cancel renters insurance.

Need to Cancel Your Renters Insurance? Here’s How to Do It Right

Many aspects of your life can change when you rent. Maybe you’re moving back in with roommates, buying your first…

Essential tools and electrical components laid out on a white surface, including pliers, electrical tape, a power socket, LED bulb, and utility knife, familiar to renters learning how to set up utilities for the first time.

How to Set Up Utilities for the First Time: Your New Apartment Starter Pack

You started packing for the big day: you’re finally moving into your first apartment! Yet nothing kills the vibe quite…

roommates moving together with boxes

Roommates and Lease Agreements: What Happens If a Roommate Moves Out Early?

Sharing a rental with a roommate can be a smart way to cut costs, especially in competitive housing markets. But…

Four roommates sitting together at a table, reviewing paperwork and deciding how to split bills for the apartment.

Roomie Finance 101: Splitting Bills with Roommates Without Losing it

Living with roommates can be a great way to save money, make new friends, and avoid the crushing weight of…