13 fun things to do in Fresno as recommended by the locals
Founded in 1872, Fresno, California was initially a railroad town before becoming the agricultural hub it is today. It grew rapidly with the development of irrigation, attracting a diverse population of Latinos, Punjabis, Armenians, Hmong, and many other communities from around the world. Today, that diversity contributes significantly to the city’s shifting vibe as it…
Read More5 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 tandem parking. Tandem parking means two cars are parked one behind the other in a single parking space, so one vehicle has to move before the other can get out. It’s common in urban rentals…
Read MoreIf your roommate stops paying rent, can you be evicted?
Sharing a rental apartment can cut costs, but it also ties your finances to someone else’s reliability. When a roommate stops paying rent, the problem doesn’t stay between you and them — it can quickly involve your landlord and even the court system. Many renters assume they’re only responsible for their portion of the rent.…
Read MoreA renter’s guide to public transport in St. Paul, MN
Renting an apartment in Minnesota often involves planning how you will travel each day. Public transit in St. Paul is an important factor for many renters because it provides reliable ways to commute, visit neighborhoods, and stay connected without depending on a car. Here are the top St. Paul public transport options for a car-free…
Read MoreWhat is a micro-apartment? A renter’s guide to small-space living
Finding a place that fits your budget can feel tough. That’s why more renters are considering micro-apartments during their apartment hunt. These small units focus on efficiency and location rather than square footage. For some renters, especially young professionals, students, or people who spend a lot of time outside their home, smaller apartments can make…
Read MoreWhat is off-campus housing? A first-time renter’s guide
If you’re heading to college or graduate school, you’ve probably heard the term off-campus housing. But what does this term mean, exactly? For many, this is the first time signing a lease, paying monthly rent, and dealing with a landlord. Understanding life in an off-campus rental apartment is important because it works differently from living…
Read MoreWhat is a lease extension? A renter’s guide to staying put
If you’ve ever glanced at your lease and realized the expiration date is just weeks away, you might be feeling a bit of panic. Many renters feel pressure as that deadline approaches. Should you start apartment hunting? Commit to another full year? Or try something more flexible like a lease extension? A lease extension can…
Read MoreWhat’s the point of an inventory checklist before moving in?
When moving into a rental apartment, you’re thinking about furniture placement, utilities, and maybe your first grocery run — not scuffed floors or chipped paint. But here’s the reality: when you move out, your security deposit is on the line. A detailed inventory checklist protects you by creating a written (and often photo-backed) record of: Existing…
Read MoreRentCafe Rewards makes renting more rewarding and enjoyable
Here’s some great news you shouldn’t pass on: RentCafe now offers a free loyalty program that’s designed to turn everyday renting into something that truly works in your favor, with no extra cost or effort: RentCafe Rewards.  Whether you’re getting ready to move, settling into a new place, or already living in a participating community, RentCafe Rewards helps you earn real perks from the things you already…
Read MoreJanuary 2026 self storage report: Rents hold steady nationwide as market enters third month of stabilization
National street rates held at $133 per month in January 2026, unchanged both year-over-year and month-over-month. Boston, MA, and Montgomery, AL, posted the strongest annual gains at 14.9% and 14.1%, respectively, driven by supply constraints. Spring Valley, NV, recorded the steepest decline at -7.8% year-over-year as Las Vegas metro inventory continues to expand. Houston, TX,…
Read MoreRentCafe offers a fast way to set up your electricity service before moving in
Setting up electricity in your new apartment shouldn’t feel like another full-time job. That’s why we’re happy to introduce the ResidentShield Power* service to RentCafe renters looking for an easier, more predictable way to manage electricity. This service, offered by RentCafe’s sister company, ResidentShield, brings affordable, fixed-rate power that’s easy to enroll in and simple to manage, all in one place. It’s never been easier to set up electricity for your apartment You don’t need to call…
Read MoreRentCafe makes it easy to check one important item off your move-in checklist: renters insurance
Good news: RentCafe applicants now have a convenient way to sign up for renters insurance as soon as their application is approved.   Renters insurance is typically mandatory for any apartment lease. To meet this requirement, you can enroll* directly through the RentCafe portal as soon as your apartment application is approved. This service, offered through RentCafe’s sister division, ResidentShield, is a simple, affordable way…
Read MoreThese are the best affordable neighborhoods to rent in San Jose, CA
San Jose is one of California’s most dynamic cities, but it’s also one of the priciest, making affordable neighborhoods harder to find. The average rent here is $3,087, well above the national average of $1,741. On top of that, the cost of living in San Jose is 82% higher than the U.S. average and 30%…
Read MoreUpcycled furniture: A smart way to furnish your apartment on a budget
Picture this: you’ve just signed the lease on a new apartment, but it comes unfurnished. With the moving fees and deposit, your budget leaves little wiggle room for the essential pieces to make your apartment comfortable.  Enter upcycled furniture: a practical, budget-friendly solution that transforms old pieces into stylish, personalized additions to your home. This approach helps you…
Read MoreThe Ultimate Guide for Senior Renters: From Finding the Right Apartment to Living Comfortably
For a long time, everyone’s dream has been to age in place in their own home. Seniors renting in retirement was not a very common sight. However, the paradigm has shifted in recent years as more people realize the benefit of cashing out of their house, downsizing, and using the extra cash for living expenses…
Read MoreWhen 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 needs to be fixed, replaced, or inspected. To understand how to submit a maintenance request, you usually start by identifying the issue, documenting it clearly, and sending the request through the method your building uses,…
Read MoreRenewable electricity explained: Why it matters for renters
Every time you flip a light switch, charge your laptop, or turn on the air conditioning, you’re using electricity that comes from somewhere. Increasingly, that power comes from renewable sources, meaning natural resources like sunlight, wind, and water that never run out.  Understanding renewable electricity means understanding how to potentially lower your utility bills and access better apartment amenities. Here’s what you should…
Read MoreHere’s what to ask before renting an apartment in Albany, NY
Albany, NY, may be the state capital, but it still feels like a close-knit city. That sense of community is part of what draws so many renters here. You get walkable neighborhoods, historic brownstones and quick access to parks and the Hudson River without the fast pace and high cost of living in New York…
Read MoreWhat renters should know about the cost of living in Fort Wayne, IN
If you’re searching for apartments in Fort Wayne, IN, you’re probably wondering how affordable life here really is. The cost of living in Fort Wayne plays a major role in why renters keep this city on their radar. From housing and utilities to food and healthcare, knowing what to expect can help you plan ahead…
Read MoreTop trending cities to watch ahead of the 2026 rental season
As the 2026 rental season approaches, early signs of heightened renter interest are already taking shape across several U.S. cities. Specifically, Cincinnati, Atlanta and Minneapolis are the top three most in-demand cities in early 2026. In these cities, apartment searches, saved listings and favorited properties on RentCafe.com are rising months ahead of the traditional summer…
Read MoreShared laundry room rules: The unspoken etiquette every renter should know
If you’re a seasoned renter or preparing to move into your first apartment with shared laundry room, you’ve probably wondered what the most common rules are. Washing your clothes in a shared laundry room can feel like a team sport, especially when machines are limited and everyone’s on a schedule. One late pickup or messy…
Read MoreApartment hunting in San Antonio, TX? Ask these key questions before signing a lease
San Antonio, TX, is a city that feels like a giant small town. It has a personality all its own, blending deep-rooted history with a laid-back, friendly atmosphere. If you’re searching for apartments in San Antonio, you’re likely realizing that your money goes a bit further here than in other major hubs such as Houston,…
Read MoreWhy 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 calendar invites. An emergency contact gives property staff a clear point of communication and gives you peace of mind, knowing someone you trust can be looped in if needed. An emergency contact is a person…
Read MoreHow 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 at several points during your renter journey, usually as your current lease term approaches its end. Knowing when renewals typically occur and how timing affects your options can help you make smarter choices. For many…
Read MoreHow smart home devices can help you become a better neighbor
Picture this: it’s 11 PM, and your upstairs neighbor’s TV is blasting through your ceiling again. Or maybe you’re the one accidentally disturbing others without realizing it.  As renters, you’re sharing walls, floors, and ceilings with other people, so your daily habits inevitably affect those around you. The good news? Smart technology can help you be more considerate while making apartment living smoother for everyone.  Key takeaways:…
Read More5 questions to ask before renting an apartment in Port St. Lucie, FL
Renting in Port St. Lucie, FL, continues to attract everyone from first-time apartment hunters to long-term residents looking for more space and a slower pace of life. The city offers a mix of newer developments, established neighborhoods, and rental apartments that feel more suburban than urban — often at a lower cost than other parts of…
Read MoreTop 10 things to do in Memphis as recommended by locals
Founded on the banks of the Mississippi River in 1819, Memphis quickly grew into a vital hub for river trade, music, and cultural exchange. Its strategic location made it a gateway between the Deep South and the Midwest, attracting entrepreneurs, artists, and dreamers who shaped the city’s identity. Over time, Memphis evolved into a center…
Read More10 locals-recommended things to do in Indianapolis, IN
In 1821, state leaders designed Indianapolis to serve as Indiana’s new state capital because it offered a central location in a geographically beautiful area. Not long after, its first residents added their own vision and flair to the city, turning it into a bustling center for culture, trade, manufacturing, and migration. That nurturing spirit has…
Read MoreCost of living in Queens, NY: What renters should expect before making the move
Thinking about moving to Queens, NY? It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding the perfect place, but before you fall in love with an apartment, there’s something else worth checking out first: What it actually costs to live there day-to-day. Things like groceries, getting around, and grabbing coffee with friends all…
Read MoreThe Aurora, CO, zip codes with the most new apartments
Aurora’s rental landscape has expanded considerably over the last ten years, marked by the addition of over 10,400 new apartments spanning ten zip codes. Understanding where these developments are concentrated can help apartment hunters find the ideal balance of urban energy, lakeside charm, and convenient transit access as they navigate this expanding market. Where should you…
Read More