Wait! Don’t throw that in the trash! You might be breaking the law. Some things in your apartment can’t go out with your regular garbage–even if they fit in the apartment complex’s dumpster or trash compactor. Find out what these items are (they’re more common than you might think!), why they can’t go in your trash can, and how to dispose of them properly. Read the rest of this entry »

Apartment life offers many conveniences. But there are also some risks involved. For example, you can’t control what the person in the apartment next door does, even though you both share a wall, a roof, etc. That proximity and shared space mean it’s even more important to avoid apartment fires by practicing fire safety. Read the rest of this entry »

You probably (hopefully!) aren’t braced for a flood, a fire, or a burglary at any moment. In fact, we all like to assume, “It won’t happen to me!” The sad truth, however, is that a disaster or accident can happen to anyone. While you can’t protect yourself from everything, you can certainly take measures to prevent those things from happening while you’re away. Read the rest of this entry »

There were 405 deaths and 3,025 injuries due to fires in apartment buildings in 2015 (NFPA Statistics). If a fire breaks out in your apartment building, think before you freak—learn what to do, how to protect yourself, and how to care for those around you. Read the rest of this entry »

Don, Julie, and Mark are comin’ for ya! No, not your exes…the hurricanes. Hurricane season is June 1 through November 30. Are you prepared to stay safe in your apartment? Here’s what you need to know to keep calm in the chaos of severe weather, as well as what to do when a hurricane hits and you’re living in an apartment. Read the rest of this entry »

A tornado is nearby and you must move fast. Everyone knows basements are the safest places to take shelter. But what happens if you live in a second or third-floor apartment? How can you stay safe in a tornado?

It isn’t as unlikely a scenario as you might think. Whether you live in Alaska, Florida or Texas, a tornado can reach you. Every state has a documented case of this destructive weather phenomenon. They’re more common in some states than others, but with the U.S. averaging 1,000-plus tornadoes each year, you still need a plan to protect yourself. Read the rest of this entry »

It took millions of year for our planet to produce natural gas. Fortunately, you only need a few days to wrangle its power to meet your needs and fit your budget! Read the rest of this entry »

If your apartment isn’t getting hot water, the food in the refrigerator is melting, or the air conditioner is broken in the middle of July… time is of the essence. If you’ve ever nervously wondered, “How long does a landlord have to fix something?” then this is the post for you. Learn the best way to request repairs from your landlord (spoiler alert: it’s not via text message!) so that the repairs happen and you have the appropriate documentation to report them, break your lease, or even take legal action, if necessary. Read the rest of this entry »

When you don’t own your apartment, you might feel stuck with everything as is. You can’t paint the walls, rip out the carpet, or knock down a wall for an “open concept” makeover. You aren’t, however, at the mercy of the security measures the apartment complex has in place. There are plenty of ways to increase your apartment security without making any permanent changes to your apartment or spending an arm and a leg. Find out what you can do to make your apartment safer and less attractive to potential burglars, plus the cost (if any) associated with each precaution! Read the rest of this entry »

The search for a new apartment can feel overwhelming. Time is often against you, and you may even begin your search from another state or country. You start by finding apartment options that fit within your desired area and price range. (Tools like ApartmentSearch are great to help you save time on this first part.) But usually, once you have the list narrowed down to a handful of options, you will want to visit the apartments in person. After a long day touring apartments, they often all begin to look the same.

However, there are some important differences you should look out for. Not all apartments are the same and sometimes the challenges can be hard to spot. This list will help you discover the wolf in sheep’s clothing. Read the rest of this entry »