Renting

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Two men shaking hands over a contract to illustrate an apartment guarantor for leases.

What is an apartment guarantor and when do you need one

Renting an apartment comes with clear standards and careful screening. Many renters are applying early in their careers, moving for…

A happy renter couple relaxing on a couch after receiving their rental pre-approval, celebrating the good news about being pre-approved for a rental property.

Get ahead of the competition: Why rental pre-approval is key in your apartment search

If you’ve ever fallen in love with an apartment only to find out someone else got approved first, you know…

A person taking down notes on who to ask for rental references.

Assembling your renter’s reference list: Who to ask & what they should look like

When you apply for a rental apartment, your references can make or break your application. A strong list of rental…

A clipboard containing a blank employment history form.

Is employment history needed to rent an apartment?

Renting an apartment today often feels more competitive than ever. With rising rents and stricter screening practices, landlords are paying…

The hand of a man holding a pen and creating the check sign on a hologram to illustrate what is a verified listing.

What is a verified listing, and why it matters when renting an apartment online

The internet has made apartment hunting easier than ever. Unfortunately, it’s also made it easier for renters to get tricked…

An apartment search website open on a smartphone, symbolizing how rental pre-qualification gives renters a head start when finding their next home.

Rental pre-qualification explained: What it is and how it can help you find an apartment faster

In competitive rental markets like Miami, Chicago or New York City, apartments disappear within days. If you’ve tried finding a…

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…

Hand painting a wall gray, symbolizing lead-based paint disclosure and the importance of renter awareness in older apartments.

What Is a Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (and Why Does It Matter)?

If you’re searching for apartments for rent, chances are you’ve seen paperwork like applications, background checks, and lease agreements. But…

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….

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 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 frustrated woman asking herself, “What is a renewal notice?”

What Is a Renewal Notice? A Renter’s Guide to Lease Renewal Letters

A rental apartment lease doesn’t last forever, and when it’s set to expire, both renters and landlords need a clear…

A concentrated millennial woman working on her laptop from home reflects the focused attention to detail necessary during the rental application screening process, where tenants are carefully evaluated based on criteria like background checks, credit history, and rental references.

Application Denied? Here’s How to Challenge Rental Screening Errors With Confidence

So, you’ve found the perfect apartment. The floors are hardwood, the windows face the sunrise, and the neighborhood is quiet…

A charming businesswoman sitting at a desk in her home office, using a laptop. She holds a credit card in her hand, reflecting a seamless and convenient shopping experience in a professional yet comfortable setting.

Rental application credit check 101: What you need to know before you sign the lease

When you’re on the hunt for your dream rental, the last thing you want is for your application to hit…

Happy young couple relaxing on a cozy sofa in their living room, each using a smartphone. The smiling millennial man and woman enjoy browsing together, possibly researching or managing household matters like the lease renewal process, staying informed and connected through modern technology in a comfortable home setting.

Why Understanding the Lease Renewal Process Is Key to Staying Home-Sweet-Home

So, your lease is winding down and you’re wondering: Should I stay or should I go? Before you start humming…

A woman working remotely from home on her fashion startup during quarantine, smiling while reviewing documents and speaking on the phone in her cozy living room. With a laptop open and a clothing rack in the background, she multitasks to manage business tasks and stay productive. This scene also reflects the modern tenant experience, where handling paperwork and making a rental application follow-up over the phone is just part of daily life.

How to Nail the Rental Application Follow-Up Like a Pro

When it comes to finding a new place to call home, patience may be a virtue. But, let’s be honest:…

A person carefully checking that they’re not making any mistakes on their rental application form.

10 Mistakes to Avoid in Your Rental Application Form

Apartment listings move fast during peak rental season, with multiple renters often competing for the same unit within hours of…

A person receives their apartment keys on a lease start date during peak rental season.

What Renters Should Know About Lease Start Dates During Peak Rental Season

Ever feel like finding the perfect apartment during summer is a competitive sport? You’re not wrong. The rental season, which…

A frustrated person, holding some papers in hand, about to file a rental credit report dispute.

How To Dispute Errors on Your Rental Credit Report: A Step-By-Step Guide

Your rental credit report plays a big role in whether you get approved to rent an apartment: Landlords and property…

A rental company employee hands over the house key to a customer after thoroughly explaining the terms and conditions of both short-term lease and long-term lease agreements, helping them make an informed decision in the real estate rental process.

Understanding Key Differences Between Short- & Long-Term Leases

When it comes to renting a new place, it’s not all throw pillows and Pinterest boards. One of the first…

Application Process Couple Moving Couch

A step-by-step guide through the rental application process

You did it! You’ve looked at countless apartments online, scheduled walkthroughs all around the city, and finally found your dream…

renter questions

10 Questions Every Renter Should Ask Before Signing a Lease

Finding a new rental apartment can be exciting, but also quite stressful. You don’t want to end up living in…

A cheerful man, woman, and young girl embrace and smile while sitting on the floor, visually conveying the happiness of renters benefiting from apartment specials.

Rent Specials Explained: What They Are & How They Can Help Your Apartment Search

As the rental season unrolls, searching for an apartment can become more challenging as more people look for housing. Yet,…

A 1099 form, which is used to declare yearly earnings when working as a freelancer. This is just one method of proving income when self-employed.

Renting in the Gig Economy: How to Prove Income When You’re Self-Employed

The gig economy has reshaped the way people work by offering flexibility and independence. Now, more Americans than ever are…

Person using a laptop with digital icons over model houses, symbolizing the rental application approval process.

What Happens While You’re Waiting for Approval on Your Rental Application?

So, you’ve just applied for a rental apartment — exciting times ahead, right? But now you’re stuck in that waiting…

Hands holding a rental application letter with a bold red 'denied' stamp, indicating rejection after a rental application form submission.

Here’s What to Do in Case You Received a Rental Application Denial Letter

In today’s competitive rental market, finding the perfect apartment can sometimes feel like hitting the jackpot. After countless property tours,…

Hands of a renter typing on a laptop and applying for multiple apartments at once.

Can You Apply for Multiple Apartments at the Same Time?

Searching for a new apartment can be stressful, especially in a competitive rental market where you’re up against several other…

The hands of renters and a lease cosigner around a table as they prepare to sign a rental agreement.

Rent With Financial Confidence: How a Lease Cosigner Can Strengthen Your Application

Looking for an apartment but worrying about whether your application will be accepted? That’s where a lease cosigner can step…

Young couple struggling with rising living costs, past-due bills, and home loan debt, looking worried and stressed. The scene reflects financial challenges and the need for a soft credit check.

Soft Credit Checks: A Peek Behind the Financial Curtain

If you’ve ever applied for an apartment, a new credit card, or even a job, you may have come across…

A happy couple relaxes and laughs on a cozy beige couch in their stylish apartment, embodying what makes a good renter—respectful, responsible, and enjoying their well-maintained living space.

Tips for Getting Approved for an Apartment (Beyond a Standout Rental Application)

Navigating a sea of apartments to find your happy place is only half the battle these days. Securing one? That’s…