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 »

It’s September, which means fall is upon us. The air is getting cooler, pumpkins are getting spicier, and the trees are getting orange-ier? But changing leaves aren’t the only things you’re watching. That’s right; it’s football season! And if you’re planning on throwing a watch party, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure your party is a touchdown. Read the rest of this entry »

A grill. A comfy hammock. A string of lights. All of the above!

When you moved in, you had big plans for your little apartment balcony, but in the hustle and bustle of life, those plans got shoved to the bottom of your to-do list. But hey—there’s no better time than the present! Use this step-by-step guide to turn your apartment balcony ideas into a cozy hangout for reading, writing, socializing, and maybe even a candlelit dinner. Read the rest of this entry »

Your lease says no grilling, but your heart says summer cookout. What do you do? Is it really summer without burgers or BBQ? These no-grill summer dinner ideas make it easy to listen to your heart without breaking your lease. You might even forget you’re cooking without a grill! Read the rest of this entry »

Looking forward to bidding your dorm roomie’s smelly shoes goodbye—forever? Can’t wait for a bathroom countertop free of someone else’s clutter? If you’re making the big move from a college dorm to an off-campus apartment, there’s plenty to look forward to. Read the rest of this entry »

So you just signed a new lease, huh? Congratulations! Renting an apartment equals freedom. You’re free from landscaping responsibilities, maintenance costs, and mortgage payments! Read the rest of this entry »

Summer is the season for pool parties, vacations, and fun. But it’s also the season most people move from one apartment to another. Having a thorough moving-out checklist is one thing, but what should you keep top of mind when you move in?

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Are you bracing yourself for a furry bundle of joy? Before you make your dog dreams come true, create a welcoming space for your pup to live. Use this step-by-step guide for preparing your apartment for a pet’s arrival in a way that both your puppy and your landlord will approve. Read the rest of this entry »

Summertime sounds like no other season.

From the chirping of nearby cicadas and katydids to the gentle rustling of leaves in the evening breeze, summer’s sounds are music to your ears. You welcome them!

However, other summer sounds aren’t as great. They include loud parties in the unit next door, obnoxious gatherings at the pool, and common area cookouts where guests outnumber residents ten-to-one.

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