Renting

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View of downtown Miami to illustrate security features for downtown apartments.

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,…

Close-up of a smartphone in someone's hands with a credit score for renting an apartment on the screen, and blurred cityscape with buildings in the background to illustrate the credit score for apartment approval.

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…

Woman, kitchen and plumber with contract on clipboard for maintenance service, information and repairs to illustrate how and why to submit a maintenance request.

When and how to submit a maintenance request in a rental apartment

A maintenance request is the formal way renters let their landlord or property manager know that something in the apartment…

A person is alerted to an emergency situation, using a smartphone while pointing at a laptop with an "EMERGENCY" notification displayed prominently to illustrate an emergency contact.

Why every renter needs an emergency contact and how to choose the right one

Renting comes with freedom, but it also comes with responsibility. Fires, medical emergencies, maintenance issues, or sudden evacuations don’t send…

Close up of the hands of two people discussing a contract to illustrate a lease renewal outside the peak season for renting.

How to set up a successful lease renewal outside peak rental season

Renewing a lease doesn’t have to feel like a rushed decision or a guessing game. A lease renewal can happen…

An image showing a man sleeping in his bed with a clock on the wall and a window in the background, which reveals the moon and stars to illustrate quiet hours.

Quiet hours explained: When they start, end, and why they matter

There’s no single nationwide rule about quiet hours, which can be confusing to renters. Quiet hours are shaped by a…

A gift exchange during the holidays while living with roommates.

Holiday housemates: navigating shared living during the festive season

The holidays shift the tone of any rental apartment, whether renters are staying put, welcoming home college students, or settling…

A renter enjoying their morning after transitioning to living alone.

Renting alone for the first time: Tips to make it work

At some point, many renters reach the stage where living alone starts to sound more appealing than sharing a space….

A classic Thanksgiving dinner spread, with roast turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and more.

The “Turkey Test”: Scheduling apartment tours around peak Thanksgiving travel times

Thanksgiving week brings packed highways, crowded airports, and full social calendars, making it tricky for renters to carve out time…

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…

Landlord inspecting a new kitchen along with renters in a bright apartment, inspecting the stove as part of an apartment inspection.

What to expect during a routine apartment inspection

Living in an apartment means sharing responsibility for the space you call home. While you enjoy the comfort and convenience…

A person holding a wired phone while using a tablet to perform the duties of a property manager.

What is a property manager and what does one do?

When you rent an apartment, there’s usually someone other than the landlord who takes care of the day-to-day details. That…

A worried man looking at a lease contract to illustrate how to face scary lease clauses as a renter.

From spooky to savvy: How to handle lease clauses with confidence

Reading your first apartment lease? That massive stack of papers can be spookier than any ghost. Don’t worry. We’ll help…

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,…

Two cheerful roommates relaxing on the floor after moving in together, discussing plans and expectations — a perfect time to create a roommate agreement for a smooth living arrangement.

The Importance of a Roommate Agreement for Peaceful Shared Living

Sharing a home can be an enriching and affordable experience, but it also comes with challenges. Different lifestyles, habits, and…

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…

A person learning all about moving into their first college apartment.

What to expect when moving into your first college apartment

Moving into your first apartment in college marks a shift in how you live day to day. You’re no longer…

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…

Close up of a person holding a pen and signing a document to illustrate a lease renewal.

10 Things to Know About Lease Renewals: A Renter’s Guide to Making the Right Move

Across the U.S., more renters are choosing to stay put rather than move. Unless relocation is absolutely necessary, staying often…

Couple inspecting kitchen cabinets during an apartment tour with a real estate agent, checking key details during peak rental season.

5 Key Things to Focus on During an Apartment Tour in Peak Rental Season

The high season for renting often feels like a whirlwind of activity. With demand surging and competition heating up, renters…

Carefree young woman sitting comfortably on a sofa, holding a mug and enjoying a peaceful moment of quiet enjoyment in her cozy home.

Peace, Quiet & the Rental Life: Understanding Quiet Enjoyment in Your Lease

Ah, the sweet sound of silence, punctuated only by the chirping of birds or the gentle hum of your favorite…

Couple sitting on the living room floor of their apartment using a laptop together—engaged in their apartment search.

The ‘Sweet Spot’ Timing: When to Start Your Apartment Search for a Summer Move

Whether you’re relocating for a new job, school, or simply craving a change of scenery, summer is one of the…

what to do when you get locked out of your apartment

What to do when you get locked out of your apartment

Did you get locked out of your apartment? Take a deep breath – you’re definitely not alone. This happens to…

The Neighbor Interview: Tactful Ways to Get the Inside Scoop During a Viewing

Apartment-hunting isn’t just about glossy photos, updated appliances or that irresistible “open-concept living” description in the listing. Instead, one of…

Illustration of navigating challenges and finding solutions, symbolizing the process of breaking a lease early.

Here’s what you need to know if you want to break the lease early

When renting, breaking the lease on your apartment can feel like a big step — and it’s not always an…

A landlord fulfilling their duties by handing over a house-shaped keychain to a tenant, who reaches out to receive it.

Understanding Landlord Duties and Why They Matter for Everyone

Renting an apartment comes with certain expectations, both for renters and landlords. While renters have obligations like paying rent on…

Close-up of apartment buildings models and two people sitting at a desk, discussing renter rights.

What to Do When Your Apartment Changes Ownership Mid-Lease

Imagine settling into your apartment, only to receive notice that your landlord is selling the property. This scenario is more…

Renter sitting at a table, reading a notice to vacate or eviction letter with a concerned expression.

What’s the Difference Between Notice to Vacate and Eviction Letter?

Renting an apartment comes with plenty of responsibilities — and for first-time renters, the legal jargon can be overwhelming. Between…

Smiling young family walking together outdoors, happy that they found the best family neighborhood for them.

How to Pick the Best Neighborhood for Your Family

Finding a place to live is a big deal — especially when you have little ones running around. As a…