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 »

It’s not uncommon for a tenant to leave their lease or rent out their apartment to someone else, especially in temporary housing situations. You may hear the term “subletting” most often, but “reletting” is another concept you should familiarize yourself with, too. The two are very different scenarios that are important to understand if you’re leaving your lease or renting your apartment to someone else for the short-term. Check out the big differences between subletting and reletting, and learn how to decide which one is right for your situation. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s a dilemma many people entering short-term housing situations face: How to make a space feel like home without investing too much time or money. Thankfully, you don’t need to worry about being stuck with a sparse or impersonal apartment. Furnished apartments could be the solution to your short-term lease AND decorating needs! Why do we think so? Read the rest of this entry »

If you’ve ever filled out an apartment application, you’ve probably wondered, “Did I fill it out right? Did I give the right answers? When the landlord runs my credit, what are they really looking for?” Given that one in two landlords say that the results of a credit check are among the top three factors used when deciding whether to accept a tenant’s lease application (TransUnion), it’s important that you find out! Get the inside scoop on how landlords may check your credit, what they look for, and how you can position yourself as the best possible candidate to rent the apartment you want! Read the rest of this entry »

Accepting a new job or higher position in a new city can be one of the best experiences of your career. It can also be very disorienting. Grocery store prices, your commute, and even the local language may be different! A less than desirable relocation package can complicate the process even more. For a smooth job relocation and your best relo package, give these tips a try. Read the rest of this entry »

You’ve scoured the internet to find the perfect apartment, wowed the socks off your future landlord, and picked the perfect color to accent the cabinets in your new kitchen. All that’s standing in your way is navigating the rental application and all the details it demands, including your income. Many leases, especially with larger apartment complexes, have some sort of income requirement (likely 2 to 3 times your rent). But how do landlords actually verify your income during this crucial process? Read the rest of this entry »