What is RentCafe and how does it work?
Summary
RentCafe is an online platform that allows you to search for apartments or houses, apply and sign leases digitally and take care of your rental home after move-in. Once you become a resident, you can pay rent, submit maintenance requests and set up services like utilities and internet in one place, while also earning rewards that can be redeemed for various benefits.
RentCafe is the only fully integrated renting platform that supports renters at every stage.
It helps you search for apartments that match your preferences, apply and sign your lease online. After you move in, you can find everything in one place — from setting up utilities and internet to paying rent and submitting maintenance requests. You can also earn reward points along the way and redeem them for gift cards, merchandise and other perks.
RentCafe is part of Yardi, a U.S.-based technology company that develops industry-leading real estate software used by properties of all types and sizes worldwide.
How does RentCafe work?
You can use RentCafe.com to find an apartment or house for rent by exploring quality listings in thousands of locations across the U.S. and Canada. You can search by city, neighborhood or simply describe what you’re looking for to get matching results instantly. You don’t need an account to browse listings.
Once you find an apartment you like, you can create a free RentCafe account to apply, track your application status and sign your lease online. Meanwhile, you can also prepare for your move-in by setting up essential services and utilities using the same account.
After moving in, your RentCafe account gives you access to a resident dashboard where you can easily complete payments, set up services and other tasks related to your apartment. Feature availability may vary by property.
RentCafe is free to use for browsing listings, applying online and taking care of your home. Other fees, such as application fees or move-in costs set by the property may apply.
What makes RentCafe different?
RentCafe is an apartment search website and rental management platform that supports you throughout the entire renting journey — from finding a home to completing everyday tasks after you move in. It’s trusted by millions of renters. What sets it apart:
- RentCafe is one of the largest rental platforms, where you can search for apartments, apply and handle everyday living tasks — all in one place.
- RentCafe includes a post-move-in resident dashboard where renters can pay rent, submit maintenance requests and handle utilities.
- RentCafe provides listings sourced directly from professionally managed properties with verified, up-to-date information, including pricing and availability.
- RentCafe offers a complete guided move-in experience that connects application approval to lease signing, renters insurance and other necessary pre-move-in steps.
- The RentCafe Rewards loyalty program enables renters to earn points for what they already pay for and redeem them for gift cards, events, travel and more.
What search tools does RentCafe offer?
RentCafe gives you several ways to find the right apartment, from natural language search to interactive maps and more:
- Listing comparison tools to view the apartments that you like side by side
- Interactive maps, quality photos and virtual tours to get a real feel of the place
- Favorites list and automated notifications to find exactly what you’re looking for
- Natural language search to search the way you want, wherever you want
- Affordability, cost of living and rent versus buy calculators to help you set up a budget
Ready to find your next apartment? Visit RentCafe.com to browse listings or learn how to set up your RentCafe account to apply and take care of your home.
FAQ
Yes, RentCafe is free to use. Renters are not required to pay anything for browsing listings, applying online and managing their home. However, application fees or moving-related costs set by properties may apply.
Yes, RentCafe is legitimate and safe to use. Most listings come from verified property management companies that use Yardi and RentCafe software. The rest come from reliable sources that go through a thorough screening process.
RentCafe is part of Yardi, one of the largest real estate technology companies, founded in 1984, in Santa Barbara, CA.
RentCafe lists apartments and houses for rent across the U.S. and Canada.
RentCafe is for anyone looking for an apartment or house for rent in the U.S. or Canada, whether you’re a first-time renter, relocating to a new city or a current resident whose lease is expiring.