Finding an apartment can be difficult, especially when it’s your first apartment. Once you find the right one, you may also find out that the landlord runs a background check on lease applicants—and he or she wants your permission to run one on you.

But fear not! Tenant background checks are pretty standard. Landlords and property managers use them to confirm a possible renter’s identity and trustworthiness. Read the rest of this entry »

When you’re hunting for a bargain, timing can be everything. We’ve all browsed sales waiting for the right time to buy a television or car—holding off for seasonal savings such as Black Friday. But did you know there’s also a best time of year to rent an apartment?

If you know you’re going to be moving in the next couple of months, and are wondering when the best time to rent an apartment is, read on. Read the rest of this entry »

Bustling cities, amazing seafood, hiking, and even skiing. Wonderful people and one-of-a-kind views. What’s not to love? The East Coast is calling your name! Learn more about the best yet cheapest cities for renters moving to the Atlantic Coast. Read the rest of this entry »

When it comes to amazing weather, incredible opportunities, and wonderful people, the West Coast is truly the best coast. Why would you live anywhere else? Though it’s not known for having the absolute cheapest rent in America, the West Coast might be calling your name! Before you start packing your bags, discover the coolest and cheapest cities to rent in on the Pacific coast. Read the rest of this entry »

Are you renting a room in someone else’s apartment? Or, maybe you’re considering renting out a room in your apartment. Either could be a smart way to cut down on housing expenses.

Renting a room comes with its fair share of risks, though. Ask these 11 questions to ensure your rental situation is safe and satisfying. Read the rest of this entry »

Trying to find an apartment to rent without going through a credit check is like trying to find a kid who hates candy. It’s not easy; however, with a little effort and persistence, it can be done.

Here are five things you can do to rent an apartment without a credit check. Read the rest of this entry »

You might not get caught when you drive over the speed limit, but you’re still breaking the rules. The same can be true if you sublet an apartment without your landlord’s permission — you might not get caught, but you’re probably breaking the rules. Read the rest of this entry »

Filling out the application for an apartment and then reading through the lease can be a confusing process. We understand.

One of the things that might be a bit hard to understand before you sign on the dotted line is the difference between an individual lease and a joint lease. We’re going to break it down for you. Read the rest of this entry »

There’s no doubt about it: Like pretty much everything else in life, the cost to rent an apartment in the U.S. is going up.

Median monthly rent for U.S. apartments rose by 15 percent from 2000 to 2016, according to Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. During that time, the median monthly rent went from $850 to $980.

To reduce the cost of an apartment, some renters turn to something called income-restricted housing. At complexes that offer income-restricted apartments, the monthly rental amount takes into account the renter’s income.

How does all of this work? Here are four things you should know before renting an income-restricted apartment. Read the rest of this entry »

Are you a savvy shopper? Then you probably know when to catch the best sales and biggest discounts. Did you know the same is true when it comes to renting apartments? If finding the cheapest rent is a top priority for you, it’s all about apartment hunting in the winter months when you can get the best deals on apartments and moving costs. Learn about the benefits of searching in the “off-season,” and find out how to use the cold winter months to your advantage when negotiating rent! Read the rest of this entry »