As more Americans move into urban areas, city planners have to get inventive to accommodate them. One solution that’s becoming increasingly popular is mixed-use developments. But just because this is a favorable option for city planners doesn’t mean it will be a good fit for you. Learn what mixed-use buildings are and read up on the pros and cons of living above a cafe or other type of retail space! Read the rest of this entry »

No car? No problem. Plenty of U.S. cities with good public transportation make it possible to live comfortably without owning a vehicle. Living without a car has some serious perks, like fewer responsibilities (goodbye, routine oil changes) and serious cash savings (hello, luxury apartment!).

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The spookiest day of the year is almost upon us! Though horror movies evoke fear of ghosts and apparitions, there are plenty of not-so-supernatural dangers to be scared of on Halloween. This fall, practice these 10 Halloween safety tips to keep yourself, your apartment, and your pets completely safe and completely un-scared. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s spacious, below-market price, and doesn’t require a background check—it’s the apartment of your dreams! But if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Here are some of the most common apartment rental scams, how they work, and how you can spot them before you sign a lease that turns your dream apartment into a waking nightmare. Read the rest of this entry »

There are over 2.3 million people in Houston, reports the U.S. Census Bureau. On top of that, the HTX metro area spans more than 599 miles! So, if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed about your move to H-Town — we don’t blame you! But, before you say “screw it” and move into whichever decent place you can find, read our insider’s guide on how to find an apartment in Houston. Read the rest of this entry »

A bed bug infestation is no laughing matter. In many states, it’s standard for landlords to add a lease clause holding tenants responsible for bed bugs that come into the apartment during their rental period. As a renter, you need to know how to protect yourself from pest-related liability. That’s why you should learn to spot these five signs of bed bugs, and what to do about a suspected bed bug problem in your “new” apartment. Read the rest of this entry »

You need cheap apartment snacks to keep you going, but instant ramen is so 2005! Leave the styrofoam cup days behind with these non-perishable snacks and convenient foods that’ll get you through another week of avoiding the grocery store. Read the rest of this entry »

Beige carpet. White walls. White doors. Your new apartment is a blank slate. Too blank. You want to give your new place some personality, but painting the walls may not be an option if you’re a renter. Don’t let the beige wall blues get to you though. Check out these 6 easy decor ideas that won’t damage your apartment walls. Read the rest of this entry »

Apartment? Loft? Flat? Condo? Duplex? What do all those terms mean anyway? And you said rent is HOW MUCH? Bring on the face palm emoji. 

When you just want a place to live that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, the different housing terms and buzzwords can start to run together in your mind. But, the type of apartment you rent can make a difference in how much rent you’ll pay, the amount of space you’ll have, and other key living aspects. Learn how these four different types of apartments vary to inform your choices and housing search. Read the rest of this entry »

Monthly rent and utility dues are a standard part of any lease agreement. However, when you read your lease’s fine print, you might find some not-so-standard clauses governing what you can and can’t do in your apartment. As a rent-paying tenant, you don’t love the idea of a landlord telling you how to live your life, and you may even wonder if it’s legal. In most cases, it is. Read up on some surprising examples of things and activities your landlord can ban. Read the rest of this entry »