Renting
Scoring your dream apartment: What property managers look for (and how to stand out)
Finding the perfect rental property in a competitive market can feel like a race against the clock. When a great…
You got the job! How to run an apartment search for a job promotion
A promotion or a new role in another city is usually good news. But it can also be one of…
How to choose the right neighborhood in a new city as a young professional
Relocating to a new city is one of the most exciting and overwhelming decisions a young professional can make. Between…
Can portable tenant screening reports help renters get approved?
Finding a rental today means competing with dozens of other applicants, paying $50 or more per application, and often having…
Lease termination 101: How to end your apartment lease the right way
Life rarely lines up with a 12-month lease. A job offer lands in another state. A relationship changes. The building…
What is rental history? A renter’s guide to reports, screening and building yours
Apartment hunting comes with a lot of moving parts: the search itself, the application, the deposit, the move. One piece…
You got rejected from your dream apartment — now what?
Getting turned down for an apartment you loved stings. You toured it, imagined your furniture in the living room and…
Apartment searching as a college student: What to prioritize on a tight budget
The first time you look for a college apartment, the listings start to blur together. Some places look great in…
Virtual tour pros and cons: What renters should know
Virtual tours have gone from a nice-to-have to a standard part of apartment hunting. Whether you’re moving across the country…
Credit report vs. tenant screening report: Key differences renters need to know
The first time you apply for a rental apartment, the paperwork can feel heavier than the lease itself. You hand…
Matching your apartment to your work, hobbies, and daily routine
Finding an apartment isn’t just about square footage or rent. It’s easy to get drawn in by polished photos, modern…
Your happy place is just a conversation away with the new RentCafe app in ChatGPT
Meet the new RentCafe app in ChatGPT, an exciting step forward in apartment search. It combines the trusted rental listings platform used by…
Move-in budget: What it is and how to build one for a smooth rental start
A move-in budget is a financial plan that outlines all the costs associated with starting a new residential rental. It…
See what you’ll really pay: RentCafe introduces Total monthly cost and the Cost calculator
RentCafe listings now display the Total monthly cost and the Cost calculator, two new features designed to give you a…
What to check in a lease renewal agreement before signing
Getting a lease renewal agreement can feel routine, but it’s one of the most important documents you’ll sign when living…
What is the difference between a rental application fee and a security deposit?
When you’re searching for a place to live, you’ll likely come across two common upfront costs: a rental application fee…
How to find affordable student housing in major U.S. cities
Moving to major U.S. cities as a student can be such an exciting challenge. While it generally means dealing with…
What is assigned parking? A renter’s guide to how it works
Parking can become one of the most frustrating parts of renting an apartment, especially in busy apartment communities or dense…
The unspoken rules of a club house in an apartment building
The club house in a residential apartment building is often seen as a shared extension of your living space. It…
Security features every renter should expect in downtown apartments
Moving to a downtown apartment is one of the most exciting decisions you can make. You’re steps away from restaurants,…
Top community amenities to look for when renting one-bedroom apartments
When you’re renting a one-bedroom apartment, the most valuable community amenities are the ones that stretch your living space beyond…
Lease extension vs renewal: Key differences to know before you decide
As your lease end date gets closer, your landlord will likely offer you the option to extend your stay in…
Which factors matter most for your credit score for apartment approval?
If you’re gearing up to rent a new place, your credit score for apartment applications is one of the first…
Understanding your rent receipt: A renter’s guide to reading, using, and keeping records
From a renter’s perspective, a rent receipt is more than just a piece of paper or a digital confirmation. It’s…
RentCafe.com’s new AI-powered search lets you find apartments by describing what you want
With RentCafe.com’s natural language search feature, you can now find apartments simply by describing what you want in plain English…
How security deposits work when renting with roommates: A practical guide
Renting a home with roommates can make housing more affordable and social, but it also introduces shared responsibilities. One of…
Apartment cosigner vs. coapplicant: What’s the difference and why does it matter?
If you’re searching for an apartment, you’ve probably come across terms like “cosigner” and “coapplicant” on rental applications. They sound…
Garage vs. covered parking in apartments: What first-time renters should know
When you’re renting an apartment (especially if it’s your first time!), it’s easy to focus on rent price, square footage,…
Studio vs. 1-bedroom apartment: Which is better for a first-time solo renter?
Choosing between a studio vs. 1-bedroom apartment shapes your budget, comfort, and daily routine. First-time solo renters feel this impact…
5 common tandem parking issues and how to avoid them
If you’ve ever lived in a busy apartment building or shared a driveway with a roommate, you’ve probably dealt with…