California Keeps Up Self Storage Construction, Leading the West in 2025 Development
California leads the Western U.S. in projected self storage construction for 2025, with approximately 4.9 million square feet of new space planned – trailing only Florida and Texas nationwide. The bulk of development is concentrated in Southern California, particularly in Los Angeles and the Inland Empire, where current supply per capita falls short of the…
Read MoreThe ultimate college apartment checklist: From finding a place off-campus to moving in with confidence
If you’re getting ready to search for your first off-campus college apartment, you’re probably feeling a mix of excitement, anticipation, and maybe a little stress. That’s completely normal. Moving into your first place on your own is a big step, and it naturally comes with a few challenges along the way. That’s why we created…
Read MoreNew apartment construction tops 500K units this year, more than half in 1 region
New apartment construction in the U.S. is flexing its muscle again in 2025, with an estimated 506,353 units expected to be opened nationwide by the end of the year. While this number is lower than the record-breaking new apartment developments seen last year, it remains significantly higher than the annual totals recorded each year since 2015.…
Read MoreSummer 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 the lights or cranking up the AC just a little less, what if you tried saving electricity in different ways? These summer energy-saving tips lean into smart lifestyle choices that make energy efficiency part of…
Read MoreParallel to Perfect: What to Ask About Parking Before You Sign That Lease
You’ve found the dream rental — spacious living room, charming kitchen and a balcony that practically begs for Saturday morning coffee sessions. However, before you race to sign on the dotted line, there’s a detail that could steer your daily life toward convenience or chaos — parking. Parking might seem like an afterthought or the…
Read More5 Questions to Ask Before Renting an Apartment in Sarasota, FL
With its sunny, Gulf Coast setting — in addition to a mix of laidback beach life and urban conveniences — Sarasota offers renters a lifestyle that feels both relaxed and connected. As such, you’ll find plenty of rental apartments in Sarasota ranging from downtown high-rises with bay views to quieter communities near the parks and…
Read MoreStretching your dollar: How much apartment space does $1,500 get you in Louisiana?
As summer heats up, so does the hunt for rental apartments across the U.S. With work-from-home still around, renters are on the lookout for bigger living spaces to fit their changing needs. Across the country, you can typically get about 729 square feet of apartment space for $1,500 a month, but this square footage can…
Read MoreRoomie 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 — both exciting and nerve-wracking. You’re scrolling through profiles, checking out photos, and hoping you find “the one” who won’t steal your snacks or leave the sink looking like a science experiment. But, here’s the twist:…
Read MoreChange of Address Checklist: Who to Notify When You Move
New neighborhood, new apartment, new start! But between unpacking and figuring out where the closest grocery store is, there’s one important task you shouldn’t forget: updating your address. It might not be the most glamorous part of moving, but taking care of your change of address early on can save you a lot of stress…
Read MoreApartment 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. Maybe you found a unit that suits you better, your job location shifted or your budget had to be reevaluated. Whatever the case, it’s not unusual for renters to rethink a decision. That’s why knowing…
Read MoreThe 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 called the application fee. Ah, yes, the infamous fee that pops up like an uninvited guest just when you thought your rental budget had everything covered. But, before we jump to conclusions, let’s peel back…
Read MoreJuly 2025 Self Storage Report: National Rates Flat, Sun Belt Prices Still Sliding Amid Supply Surge
After 34 consecutive months flat or declining rates, July marked the first year-over-year uptick, with national self storage rates edging up 0.7%. Market split: 55% of markets logged monthly rent gains, while 34% posted declines, highlighting uneven regional dynamics. Steepest drops: Fayetteville, N.C. (-7.6%), Frisco, Texas, and Ontario, Calif. recorded the sharpest annual rent contractions.…
Read More5 Signs it’s time to find a new roommate
Most roommate situations have ups and downs when living in a shared apartment, but some issues go beyond normal frustration. When certain roommate red flags start showing up, your living situation can quickly affect your comfort, finances and mental health. Knowing the difference between a one-off annoyance and a pattern of harmful behavior helps you…
Read MoreWhy Your Next Art Studio Could Be A Self Storage Unit
Apartments are shrinking, rents are climbing, and for artists, that often means paying for both a place to live and a place to create is out of reach. Now, a surprising alternative is emerging: storage units — once the domain of boxes, furniture, and holiday decorations — are becoming affordable, flexible, creative spaces. In some…
Read MoreA 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 budget, but it’s only part of the story. Utilities, groceries, transportation, and health care all add up — and often more than you expect. If you only focus on rent, you might sign a…
Read MoreManaging stress in small spaces: Relaxation tips for student living
Student living often means embracing cozy spaces that are big on character but sometimes short on square footage. Whether you’re settling into a snug studio or sharing an apartment with roommates, there are so many new things to discover about the world as you begin college life. The best part? You can find some fantastic…
Read MoreCost of Living in Ann Arbor, MI: What to Expect When Living Here as a Renter
For renters, the challenge that comes with moving to a new city goes beyond finding the right apartment — it’s about figuring out how the day-to-day costs will stack up against your budget. Whether you’re relocating for work, school, or a lifestyle change, understanding the cost of living in Ann Arbor, MI, before you pack…
Read MoreCost of Living in McKinney, TX: What to Expect When Renting Here
With its historic charm, strong community feel and proximity to Dallas, McKinney, TX, is quickly becoming a go-to destination for renters in north Texas. Whether you’re relocating for work or simply looking for a slower pace without giving up city access, it’s important to know what day-to-day expenses look like before making a move. Accordingly,…
Read MoreOut Without a Clout: What to Do if Your Lease Doesn’t Include a Move-Out Procedure
So, your lease is ending, your plants are packed and you’re wondering how to gracefully exit stage left — except that your lease doesn’t include a move-out procedure. No checklist, no cleaning expectations, no instructions. Just you, your boxes and a whole lot of question marks. Before you panic-text your group chat or wing it…
Read MoreRent, 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 share of rent-related puzzles. Whether it’s your parents, grandparents, grown kids, or cousins, managing finances and rent responsibilities under one roof can sometimes feel like a sitcom script in the making. But, amidst all the…
Read MoreGoing on vacation without your furry friend? Here’s what to do with pets when traveling
Planning a vacation is always exciting, but if you’re renting with pets, it comes with an extra layer of responsibility: What to do with pets when traveling? Not all travel or vacation spots are pet-friendly, and some pets might not do well on long trips, planes, or in new environments. To ensure a smooth…
Read MoreFrom Couch to Coast: Cross-Country Packing Hacks (& Screening Smarts) Every Renter Should Know
Moving across the country is no small feat: It’s part logistical puzzle, part emotional rollercoaster and 100% a chance to question your life choices while bubble-wrapping a coffee mug collection you barely use. If you’re a renter preparing for a long-distance move, chances are your to-do list is bursting at the seams (just like that…
Read MoreMid-year Renter Engagement Tracker: Washington, D.C. is #1, South dominates top 30
As movers hit their stride in the peak rental season, apartment searches are reaching a fever pitch. So, to see which cities are capturing the most rental activity, we reviewed RentCafe.com online traffic for the entire first half of 2025 to compile our renter engagement tracker. From surging interest in big metros to rising demand…
Read MoreCost of Living in Charleston, SC: What Renters Should Expect
With its coastal charm, deep-rooted history and inviting neighborhoods, Charleston, SC, stands out as a top choice for renters looking to find their ideal rental apartment. Still, understanding the cost of living in Charleston, SC, is a smart move for anyone planning their next apartment search — especially when it comes to budgeting for rent,…
Read MoreDoes 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 did you know that, in many cases, those payments don’t help your credit score? While you may assume your good payment habits are working in your favor, most rental payments aren’t automatically reported to credit…
Read MoreWhat 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 way to communicate what comes next. That’s where a renewal notice comes in. This simple, but important document outlines whether the lease will be extended — and under what terms. For renters, understanding how and…
Read MoreSummer Moves & Student Grooves: What to Know About Moving Near a College Town
Summer — the season of sunshine, smoothies and moving vans. While the rest of the world may be jetting off to the beach or firing up the grill, you’re loading boxes, double-checking leases and trying to remember where you packed your toothbrush. Moving during summer is already a whirlwind, but if you’re moving near a…
Read More200 cities, $1,500 rent: How much space can you get?
Midwestern and Sunbelt cities offer the most apartment space for a monthly rent of $1,500. To help renters make the best decisions in the moving season, we continue our annual tradition of highlighting the U.S. cities where they can get the most apartment space for a monthly rent of $1,500. In total, we ranked the…
Read MoreApplication 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 and peaceful. You fill out the application, toss in a smile and wait. But, instead of a lease, you get a polite, “Sorry, not approved.” Cue the dramatic music. What went wrong? First, let’s unpack…
Read MoreHow to move out: Top 5 things to do before your walk-through
Moving out of an apartment can feel like a whirlwind, especially if it’s your first time. Between packing boxes and scheduling movers, it’s easy to forget that your final walk-through plays a big role in whether you get your full security deposit back. Knowing how to move out the right way can save you money,…
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