8 side jobs you can do from your apartment for extra money
A survey from Bankrate revealed that over 45% of all working Americans have a side hustle, with the percentage rising to nearly 50% when we narrow it down to millennials. It seems that bringing in a stream of extra cash or passive income is becoming more and more common in the U.S. If you need…
Read MoreSearching for the best place to move in 2026? These are the most livable metro areas in the US
Does finding a place where you can live well without breaking the bank seem like a distant dream? We set out to answer that question by analyzing 149 U.S. metro areas using 17 important metrics — like cost of living, healthcare access and community feel — to find the best places to live. Key takeaways: RentCafe.com’s annual…
Read MoreA Guide to Recognizing and Avoiding Rental Scams
As a renter, it’s important to know how to protect yourself against those who may try to take your money fraudulently. This means knowing how to spot and avoid rental scams, especially online. While the internet has increased flexibility and ease in finding apartments for rent from trusted sources, unfortunately, it has also created an…
Read MoreSmart New Year’s resolutions for renters ready to start navigating the year ahead
The start of a new year is the perfect time for reflection, goal-setting, and planning for the months ahead. For renters, it presents a unique opportunity to make meaningful changes in how you approach your living space, finances, and overall rental experience. If you’ve been renting for years or are just starting out, thinking about…
Read MoreHow to keep your apartment safe and celebration-ready this holiday season
The holiday season changes how you use your apartment. Overnight, your living room turns into a decorating zone, the kitchen becomes a baking station, heaters work harder, and friends may visit more often. With all this activity packed into a small space, the chances of something going wrong in your apartment can rise quickly. That’s why having simple,…
Read MoreCost of living in Charlotte, NC: What to know before you rent
If you’re a renter planning a move to Charlotte, NC, you’ll want to get a feel for daily life long before signing a lease. That means researching neighborhoods, comparing commute times, and — most importantly — understanding what everyday essentials will cost. That’s where knowing the cost of living in Charlotte becomes invaluable. This growing…
Read MoreMake your next apartment search easier: Smart ways to use holiday downtime
Starting an apartment search without proper preparation can quickly turn into a stressful rush, leading to fast decisions and missed opportunities. When you take a little time to get organized before diving into apartment listings, you stay focused, confident and better equipped to choose a home that truly fits your needs. Good planning also helps…
Read MoreSafety checklist for your winter apartment tour
Searching for a new apartment in the winter can actually work to your advantage. Fewer renters schedule move-related tasks during the colder months, which often means less competition, more flexible showing times, and in some markets, better negotiating room. But a winter apartment tour also brings unique safety considerations — from icy walkways to limited…
Read MoreLease violations: What you need to know now
Entering a rental agreement marks the beginning of a shared understanding between a landlord and a renter. Both parties take on responsibilities meant to create a safe, predictable, and respectful living environment. Even with the best intentions, though, misunderstandings or oversights can occur, which is where the concept of a lease violation becomes important. A…
Read MoreHoliday apartment hunt bingo: A fun way to track tours and listings
Searching for the right place to rent during the holiday season can feel like juggling festive obligations, travel plans, and time-sensitive viewings all at once. Yet with a little creativity, the journey to finding a cozy rental can become enjoyable. That’s where Holiday Apartment Hunt Bingo comes in. By transforming property tours into a playful…
Read MoreNavigating Ann Arbor, MI, without a car: What renters need to know
Public transit plays a big part in daily life for renters in Ann Arbor, MI. Whether you’re a student, a young professional or a graduate relocating for a new chapter after college, having reliable ways to get around can shape your entire renting experience. And since Ann Arbor is one of the nation’s hottest rental markets,…
Read MoreNovember 2025 self storage report: Rents stay flat nationally, while 61% of big cities see rent surges
Rent went up in 61% of the 150 largest cities, underscoring the continuous demand for self storage. Undersupplied East Coast cities have the highest rent growth, with Boston, MA, registering the largest annual rent jump at 14.1%. The South and the West are locked in a tight race for the largest rent declines, each region…
Read More5 Questions you should ask when renting in Omaha, NE
Omaha, NE, offers renters a rare blend of affordability, stability, and easy living. The city delivers the comfort of a close-knit community with the perks of a growing metro, giving newcomers room to settle in without the stress of big-city prices. With green neighborhoods, access to outdoor escapes, and plenty of space for the money,…
Read More6 essential things to check when touring apartments in winter
Finding the perfect apartment can be a challenge any time of the year, but winter presents its own unique set of challenges. Touring apartments in colder months allows you to see how an apartment handles harsh weather, from heating efficiency to potential ice buildup. By paying attention to specific aspects during a winter tour, you…
Read MoreThe top new features RentCafe.com launched in 2025 for easier, more enjoyable renting
This year we spent a lot of time reflecting and acting upon one question: How can we make your renting journey easier, smarter, and more enjoyable? As a result, we rolled out several new features designed to save you time, reduce apartment hunting stress, and help you make confident decisions about where you live. So, since it’s the season of sharing, grab a coffee, get comfy, and let us walk you through this year’s top new features that…
Read MoreTop apartment amenities to keep you warm and comfortable all winter
Cold weather brings shorter days, extra layers, and more time spent inside — all of which make comfort in your happy place a priority for renters. During winter, the right apartment amenities can shape how warm, relaxed, and efficient daily life feels. Plus, many winter apartment amenities help reduce energy use, simplify routines, and support…
Read MoreBeyond the skyline: What you need to know about the cost of living in Manhattan, NY
Renting in New York City has always come with challenges, but Manhattan takes things to an entirely different level. The borough’s culture, energy and unmatched convenience give it a magnetic appeal, but it’s no secret that all that comes at a premium. Whether you’re a lifelong New Yorker thinking about crossing the East River or…
Read MoreWhat are the top zip codes in Atlanta for new apartments?
Atlanta’s rental market has evolved significantly, with nearly 67,000 new apartments built in the last decade. In fact, 38,000 of them were built in five zip codes alone, reflecting the city’s sustained growth as a southeastern business and cultural hub. For renters exploring Atlanta‘s diverse neighborhoods, thriving film industry, and expanding corporate presence, knowing which areas…
Read MoreMoving during winter: Tips to keep your cold-weather move safe and smooth
Moving to a new rental apartment in winter? You’re facing some unique challenges — icy walkways, freezing temperatures, and the constant threat of moisture damage to your belongings. The good news is that with smart preparation, the winter moving process can still go smoothly and safely. Here’s everything you need to know to protect your…
Read MoreWhat to expect after an apartment building renovation
When an apartment building renovation finally wraps up, many renters are left wondering what the “new normal” will look like. You might’ve experienced months of construction noise, limited access to certain areas, and constant changes in the building’s routine. Now that the work is done, it’s worth taking a closer look at what comes next. Understanding the post-renovation phase helps…
Read MoreA renter’s guide to where new Austin, TX apartments are located
Austin has transformed into one of America’s fastest-growing cities, with construction activity reflecting surging demand from tech workers, students, and relocating professionals. With nearly 100,000 apartments constructed in just over a decade, much of the building activity is concentrated in specific areas where transit access, employment centers, and urban amenities intersect. But where can renters…
Read MoreHere’s what renting was really like in 2025: Local insights from America’s big cities
If you’ve searched for an apartment this year, you already know: the rental market has been anything but boring in 2025. From record-breaking construction in the South to fierce competition in coastal hubs, renters across the country faced both new challenges and surprising opportunities. To help you make sense of it all, we’ve rounded up…
Read More2025 rental market in review: Key trends and exclusive insights from RentCafe.com
The rental market has shifted in meaningful ways in 2025, reshaping who rents and where. More than 506,000 new apartments opened nationwide, with over half located in the South — and newly built units are getting larger overall. At the same time, adaptive reuse continued to gain momentum: Over 70,700 apartments were created from former…
Read More5 Questions to ask before renting an apartment in Cleveland
Renting in Cleveland is appealing if you want big-city amenities without the high price tags found in many other U.S. markets. The city offers a lower overall cost of living compared to similar-sized places like Chicago or Boston, yet renters still get access to a similar lifestyle — think quality healthcare, a strong arts scene,…
Read MoreTop zip codes in Charlotte, NC, for new rental options
Charlotte’s rental market has evolved significantly, with over 71,000 new apartments built over the past decade. This building boom reflects the city’s sustained growth as a banking and business hub. For renters exploring Charlotte‘s financial sector opportunities, mild climate, and growing cultural scene, knowing which areas have added the most inventory can streamline their search…
Read MoreWhat renters should know about public transport in Denver
Renting in Denver comes with year-round sunshine, outdoor adventures, great neighborhoods, and a relaxed city vibe. As with any major urban hub, many renters wonder whether they truly need a car here. The good news is that public transport in Denver makes it surprisingly easy to get around without one. With reliable transit, walkable neighborhoods…
Read MoreThe Queens, NY zip codes with the most new apartments
In the past decade, Queens reinforced its status as a vital part of New York City’s future by adding an estimated 24,000 new apartments to its landscape. For those seeking a modern New York City apartment, this data points to specific neighborhoods where new units offer a triple benefit: updated amenities, high-quality finishes, and direct…
Read MoreApartment appliances made easy: How to keep everything running smoothly
Keeping your apartment appliances in good shape helps you save money, prevent emergencies, and extend the life of the things you use every day. For many renters, appliance issues can quickly turn into headaches, so knowing how to care for them gives you more control over your home and fewer surprises down the line. This guide breaks…
Read MoreCost of living in Lansing, MI: What to expect when living here as a renter
Lansing is a Mid-Michigan city where steady energy, strong community ties, and a comfortable pace come together. For renters searching for a happy place that feels welcoming and manageable, it offers the kind of balance many people want — dependable affordability, solid employment opportunities, and a setting filled with local character. Getting familiar with the…
Read MoreHow to find apartments for families in 6 practical steps
Finding the right apartment for your family takes more than browsing a few listings. You need to start with a clear process and plan practical steps to take you from “just looking” to “signing the right lease.” Smart tools and features are also helpful and a great addition to your search. With the right approach,…
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