Budgeting
How to budget for an apartment like a pro
Learning how to budget for an apartment can feel overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Many renters…
8 side jobs you can do from your apartment for extra money
A survey from Bankrate revealed that over 45% of all working Americans have a side hustle, with the percentage rising…
Rent concessions made easy: How to score great deals on apartments
Finding a rental apartment that checks all your boxes — price, location, amenities, and overall vibe — can feel like…
What is RUBS utility billing?
Have you ever looked at an apartment listing and noticed the words “utilities billed through RUBS” or “RUBS system applies”?…
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…
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…
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…
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 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…
Your Guide to Handling Rent When You’re Between Jobs
The delicate dance of adulthood usually involves balancing job applications, networking events and maybe the occasional stress-induced ice cream binge…
How to Handle a Rent Payment Delay Without Hurting Your Credit Score
Budgeting and making sure you always pay your rent on time can be stressful. Whether it’s due to a temporary…
How to Score a Great Deal on a Rental in the Big City Jungle
The big city is where dreams are made, traffic never sleeps and rent prices can make your wallet cry a…
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…
How to build an emergency fund as a renter
Unexpected expenses are part of renting. A job change, medical issue, or sudden move can disrupt even a carefully planned…
Renting with Student Loans: How to Manage Debt and Find an Affordable Apartment
Student loans are the financial equivalent of a weighted backpack that follows you long after graduation. Whether you majored in…
A Guide to Securing Your Security Deposit Refund
Ah, security deposits — the pot of gold at the end of your renting rainbow! Or at least, that’s the…
How to Best Negotiate Lease Terms as a Renter With Kids
Finding the perfect nest for your family is a journey filled with open house visits, neighborhood research, and countless discussions…
Can I Use My Security Deposit for Rent?
Security deposits are common when living in a rental apartment, but many renters wonder if they can use their security…
5 Strategies for Budgeting Monthly Bills for First-Time Renters
Making the big leap into renting your own place is not always easy, but it can be rewarding. No more…
Setting Up an Emergency Fund Plan for First-Time Renters
You’ve finally taken the plunge and rented your own place. No more unsolicited advice about cleaning your room or explaining…
Everything Renters Need to Know About Rental Application Fees
If you’re deep into your apartment search journey, you’ve probably noticed that landlords and property managers require a fee when…
The nitty-gritty of paying the fair amount: Prorated rent explained
After spending days, weeks, or even months looking, you’ve finally found a rental apartment or house that fits your needs…
How to Build Your Credit Score While Renting
Ah, the joys of renting your first place — the excitement of independence, the thrill of choosing the perfect throw…
5 Tips for Gen Z Renters Living in Expensive Cities
Living in a major city has undeniable perks, especially for Gen Z renters. These bustling urban centers offer unparalleled access…
What’s Actually Flexible When Negotiating Rent and Fees?
When it comes to renting an apartment, negotiations can extend far beyond just the monthly payment. From pet fees to…
Slash your heating bill: Super easy (and inexpensive) tips for renters
Brrr! Winter’s here, and your apartment feels more like a walk-in freezer than a cozy home. Cranking up the heat…
The Hidden Costs of Renting an Apartment: What You Need to Know Before Signing a Lease
Renting an apartment is the preferred housing choice for millions of Americans, with Gen Z leading the way as the…
How to Negotiate Rent: Simple Tips and Effective Strategies
Renting a home can strain your budget, but negotiating rent is a possibility many renters overlook. While not every landlord…
How to Save on Utilities: A Renter’s Guide to Cutting Costs
As a renter, you might think you have little control over your utility bills. After all, you don’t own the…