5 Questions to Ask Before Renting an Apartment in Chicago
If you’re thinking about moving to Chicago, you’re not alone: In 2025, the city continues to attract renters from all across the country thanks to its mix of big-city energy and relatively affordable rental market. Plus, compared to cities like New York or San Francisco, apartments in Chicago offer more space for the money —…
Read MoreQ1 2025 Renter Engagement Tracker: Washington, D.C. Ranks 1st With South Claiming Half of Top 30
Key Takeaways: Washington, D.C., emerges as the top city for rental activity in the first quarter. Las Vegas and Fort Lauderdale, FL, jump 88 and 71 spots, respectively, from last year. The South dominates with 15 cities in the top 30 — yet the top 10 is led by the Midwest with seven entries. With…
Read MoreCost of Living in Houston: What to Expect When Living Here as a Renter
Moving to a new city comes with a lot of planning, especially for renters who need to figure out where they’ll live, how much it’ll cost and how far their paycheck will go in a different part of the country. So, before committing to a lease, it’s important to understand how much everyday life will…
Read MoreFinding Affordable Neighborhoods in New York City: 5 Areas to Consider in the Bronx
New York — the city of big dreams, bright lights, and… sky-high rents. Finding an apartment that doesn’t consume your entire paycheck can feel like searching for a hidden treasure, especially for renters on a tight budget. While New York City’s boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens often grab the headlines for their sky-high living…
Read MoreLooking for an Apartment to Rent? Here’s the Ultimate Checklist
Searching for an apartment for rent can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t know where to start. Luckily, there are many online tools that can help you quickly narrow down your options and compare different properties to find your perfect match. One of these tools is an Internet Listing Service (ILS) website —…
Read MoreWhat 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 renters everywhere, whether you dashed out for coffee and the door slammed shut behind you, or your keys decided to play hide-and-seek in your bag. The good news is that being locked out of your…
Read MoreThe 100 Largest Self Storage Companies in the U.S.: Who Owns the Market?
The self storage industry in the United States is massive, with nearly 2 billion square feet of rentable space. The 100 largest companies own more than half of that inventory, managing about 15,000 properties out of the nation’s 33,000 large-scale facilities. Key Takeaways: The 100 largest self storage companies own 52% of the US storage…
Read MoreYour Go-To Guide for Moving to a New City During Peak Rental Season
Moving to a new city during peak rental season is almost like hopping on a rollercoaster — it’s exhilarating, heart-pounding, and maybe even a little bit scary. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Whether you’re chasing a dream job, embarking on an educational journey, or simply craving a change of scenery, we’ll guide you…
Read MoreBest Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in New Orleans
New Orleans is a city like no other. With its vibrant culture, historic charm and unbeatable food scene, it’s no surprise that so many renters are drawn to the Crescent City. But, like many popular destinations, the cost of living here can be a bit steep: On average, the cost of living in New Orleans…
Read MoreEvaluating Building Security: What to Look for Beyond the Doorman
Safety is a top concern for many renters, regardless of whether you live in a rental apartment. No matter if you’re living alone, with family or with roommates, feeling secure in your home is non-negotiable. While a doorman can offer a helpful layer of oversight, this is far from the only aspect that renters should…
Read More5 Affordable Neighborhoods to Check Out in Cleveland
Looking for a place to rent in Cleveland that won’t stretch your budget? You’re not alone. Cleveland has long been known as one of the more budget-friendly cities in the U.S., and that reputation still holds true. With the overall cost of living in Cleveland coming in at about 9% below the national average, the…
Read MoreApartment Hunting Just Got Easier: Check Out What’s New on RentCafe.com
Finding your next apartment should be an exciting experience, not a stressful one. At RentCafe.com, we’re committed to making your search as simple and efficient as possible, so you can find a place you love without unnecessary hassle. With that in mind, we’ve rolled out some new features designed to give you more control and…
Read MoreSelf Storage Rates Begin to Level Off in March After Steep February Drop
Key Takeaways: Nationwide, self storage street rates dipped 0.7% year-over-year in March 2025 — a smaller drop than the sharper decline seen the month before. The steepest price cuts showed up in the South and Southeast, with cities like Frisco, TX, Fayetteville, NC, and Clarksville, TN, leading the way. St. Petersburg, FL, stood out once…
Read MoreBest Affordable Neighborhoods in Philadelphia
Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, continues to be a magnet for renters in the Northeast, offering a lively urban experience without the sky-high prices of apartments for rent in New York City, its neighbor located just two hours away. But, like many U.S. cities, the cost of living in Philadelphia has inched upward in…
Read MoreBest Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in Sacramento, CA
If you’re searching for an affordable place to call home in California, Sacramento is a great place to start. Known for its rich history, welcoming neighborhoods, and growing job market, Sacramento is the kind of city where you can enjoy the perks of California living — without the sky-high price tags you’ll find in places…
Read MoreCost of Living in Phoenix: What to Expect When Living Here as a Renter
Finding the right apartment is only part of the journey of moving to a new city. Before signing that lease, it’s smart to understand what day-to-day life will cost you. From groceries and health care to entertainment and utilities, knowing the average cost of living can help you feel more prepared and confident about making…
Read MoreThe Difference Between a Lease & a Rental Agreement: What Renters Need to Know
When you’re renting an apartment (or a house, for that matter), it’s important to know exactly what kind of contract you’re signing. Many renters hear the terms “lease” and “rental agreement” used interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing. Understanding the difference between a lease and a rental agreement can help you avoid confusion, plan…
Read MoreSustainability Made Easy: How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint at Home
Living in a rental doesn’t mean giving up on being eco-friendly. While you may not be able to make major changes to your building, there are still plenty of simple steps you can take to reduce your carbon footprint in your apartment. Whether you’re concerned about climate change or just want to lower your bills,…
Read More5 Affordable Neighborhoods to Consider in Nashville, TN
Nashville has become a top destination for renters thanks to its thriving music scene, rich history and Southern charm. However, with an average rent of $1,810 as of March 2025 — 4% more expensive than the national average of $1,748 — and a cost of living that’s 10% higher than the state average, finding a…
Read MoreU.S. average apartment size is increasing, with San Francisco and New York leading the charge
As we kick off the rental season, square footage has emerged as the new currency in the apartment market, with larger rentals gaining momentum. Our annual analysis shows a significant shift in the U.S. rental landscape: the average size of new apartments expanded again in 2024, reversing a decade-long trend of shrinking floor plans. The…
Read MoreMission 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 relocating to pricey hubs like New York City or San Francisco, more affordable options do exist — though typically in smaller, less densely populated cities. Back in 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic,…
Read MoreA Practical Guide to Understanding Common Area Maintenance Fees
Renting an apartment in a well-kept residential building has its perks: a clean lobby, secure entryways, neatly trimmed landscaping, and functioning amenities, just to name a few. But those perks don’t maintain themselves. One of the most common (and often overlooked) expenses that renters encounter is something called common area maintenance fees. While the term…
Read MoreCost of Living in San Francisco: What to Expect When Living Here as a Renter
Relocating to a new city is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially when you’re moving as a renter. Whether you’re changing jobs, chasing a dream or just looking for a fresh start, there’s one thing you can’t ignore — the cost of living. But, it’s not just about rent. It’s about how much…
Read More14 Fun Things to Do in Columbus, According to the Locals
Located in central Ohio, Columbus’s easy accessibility and prime location along the Scioto and Olentangy rivers brought plenty of bustling commerce and trade in the 19th century, significantly shaping the dynamic city it is today. And there’s no sign of slowing down. Columbus has a projected growth rate of 35% by 2050! There are lots…
Read MoreCost of Living in Dallas: What to Expect When Renting Here
Let’s be honest, packing everything up and starting fresh somewhere unfamiliar can be a handful, especially when you’re renting. Nailing down the right apartment in a neighborhood you like is only half the story. Getting a grip on the money side of things — like the cost of living — is crucial before you sign…
Read MoreLease agreement checklist: 5 steps to review before you sign
After weeks of searching, touring, and comparing rental apartments, signing a lease agreement can feel like the finish line. But before you put pen to paper, it’s worth taking a closer look. A lease agreement governs your rent, your responsibilities, and how issues are handled for the entire time you live there. Walking through the…
Read More10 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 place that doesn’t quite suit your needs or your budget. That’s why you need to ask the right questions before signing on the dotted line. Without further ado, here are 10 essential questions every…
Read MorePros and cons of renting a first-floor apartment
Apartment hunting means making lots of decisions, choosing your floor level is among the bigger ones. Should you go with a first-floor apartment or aim higher up? Both options have their perks and drawbacks. What matters most is how each choice fits your daily routine and lifestyle preferences. Here are the main pros and cons…
Read MoreFirst Week, First Wins: The Move-In Essentials You Can’t Skip vs. What Can Wait
When you walk into your new apartment after signing the lease, it may seem like a blank canvas — so many possibilities, yet so many things to do. But instead of worrying about getting everything perfect from the start, it’s best to focus on the move-in essentials. You’ll need some items right away to help…
Read MoreApartment Amenities: What’s Worth it (& What’s a Waste of Money)
When searching for your new happy place, renters often come across a wide range of apartment amenities. From practical conveniences to luxurious extras, these features can influence not only how comfortable your day-to-day life is, but also how much you’re going to pay each month. As such, knowing which apartment amenities are worth paying for…
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