The Key

Our Favorite Holiday Apartment Transformations

Claire Nicholas

Dec 08, 2023

Decorating is the best way to get into the holiday spirit, whether you're looking to create a cozy and classic Christmas scene in your apartment or a maximalist "Pinkmas" display. We spoke with two content creators who go all out on their holiday decor to learn more about how they accomplish their apartment transformations.

From Random Roommates to Best Friends: 4 Stories

Cassandra Cloutier

Dec 06, 2023

Seeking inspiration as you begin your roommate search? Here's four stories of New York City roommates who went from strangers to best friends in just a few weeks.

How To Find a Family-Friendly Apartment

Rabekah Henderson

Dec 04, 2023

Finding the perfect apartment for a family can be challenging, especially when many units seem to be geared towards young professionals or empty nesters. But you can find a place that works for the whole family as a renter — you’ll just need to keep an eye out for these three key features when apartment hunting.

Do I Need to Shovel Snow as a Renter?

Lilly Milman

Nov 30, 2023

The thought of even a few snowflakes falling may leave you feeling dread. After all, traffic gets backed up, cars parked on the street need to be dug out of snow piles, and shoveling is no easy task — which begs the question: As a renter, do you need to shovel snow? In this guide, we tell you everything you need to know about your responsibilities as a renter when it snows.

The Best Way to Store Bulky Clothes in a Small Closet

Lilly Milman

Nov 28, 2023

Closet clutter can build up quickly — so what do you do if you have a small closet but a sizable sweater collection? We spoke with professional organizers to learn their closet organization hacks for storing bulky clothes in small apartments.

The Art of Bonsai for Apartment Dwellers

Rachel Craft

Nov 22, 2023

While bonsai are trickier to grow and maintain than many houseplants, with a few tips, even apartment dwellers can get in on this ancient art form. We spoke with two bonsai artists who share their tips for making bonsai gardens in their apartments.

Can I Run a Business from My Apartment?

Lilly Milman

Nov 20, 2023

There are two main steps to finding out the legality of running a business from a rented apartment. We outline them in this guide, as well as other factors to keep in mind before you start your business, with expert insight from a lawyer.

During Tricky Housing Searches, Friendship Anchors International Students

Sana Khan

Nov 16, 2023

After graduation, international students often stumble into a crash course on renting. Networks help them find the housing that they need.

How My Daughter Ended Up With Over 100 Houseplants in Her Apartment

Julia Williamson

Nov 14, 2023

My daughter has over 100 indoor houseplants in her one-bedroom apartment. Here's the story behind her apartment jungle.

4 Hacks for Hosting Thanksgiving in Your Apartment

Lilly Milman

Nov 10, 2023

Having people over when you live in a small space isn’t always easy — and the idea of hosting a Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving dinner for the first time when you don’t have a dining room can feel downright impossible. That's why we turned to the pros to learn how they host holiday gatherings in their small spaces.

Rent-to-Own Leases: Everything You Need to Know

Lilly Milman

Nov 08, 2023

One common complaint about renting is that the renter is throwing money away; rather than building home equity through a mortgage payment, the renter is paying a similar amount (or in some cases, even more per month) for a home that is only temporary. Rent-to-own leases can ease some of the financial burden of buying a home and make rent payments feel more fruitful, but they aren't for everyone. Here's why.

Guide to Finding an Apartment in the US as an International Renter

Lilly Milman

Nov 02, 2023

An international move is daunting — especially if it is your first time living away from home. Read our step-by-step guide on apartment hunting in the US as an international renter, based on our expertise.

How to Lower Your Apartment’s Heating Bill

Lilly Milman

Oct 31, 2023

The winter can be stressful because — depending on where you live, heating bills can be an astronomical expense. You don’t need to worry, though, because there are plenty of ways to reduce heating costs without breaking the bank. We have low-cost tips to help you get ready to keep the cold out and your utility costs low this year.

How This Expert Cares for His Houseplants in the Winter

Lilly Milman

Oct 27, 2023

As the first frost approaches, it’s crucial that you bring your houseplants inside. Not only that, but you also need to adjust your plant care to make up for the colder weather and shorter days that come with this time of year. We spoke with Alex Kantor, president of Perfect Plants Nursery, to learn more about the best houseplant care for the colder months ahead. 

What Can I Fit in My Space? Understanding Apartment Square Footage

Lilly Milman

Oct 25, 2023

We spoke with Artem Kropovinsky, an interior designer based in New York City, to learn more about his rules for decorating a range of apartment sizes — from 400 square foot studios to 1,000-plus square foot two- and three-bedroom apartments.

Why Do Renters Hate Carpets So Much?

Lilly Milman

Oct 23, 2023

Picture this: You walk into the perfect apartment, with natural light, new appliances, large bedrooms, and lots of storage space. Then you look down and see carpet. Does your heart drop? If you said yes, you aren’t alone. We spoke with renters, real estate professionals, and interior designers to find out exactly why people hate carpets so much — and to find tips for how to embrace them.

Small Appliances You Need in a Kitchenette — According to a Professional Pastry Chef

Lilly Milman

Oct 19, 2023

We asked professional pastry chef and recipe developer Emily Laurae Carter for her advice on must-have small kitchen appliances based on her experience, on making downsizing decisions for her apartment kitchen, and on storage solutions.

These Superfans Decorated Their Apartments in Honor of Their Idols

Delia Harrington

Oct 17, 2023

Many of us had bedrooms like this growing up, but some fans continue to celebrate their favorite musicians in their apartments as adults, finding creative ways to elevate their fandom so it can grow with them. We spoke to superfans of Taylor Swift, BTS, and Beyonce to learn more about their apartment decor.

One Professional's Tips for Decluttering When You’re Downsizing

Julia Williamson

Oct 13, 2023

As a professional decluttering consultant, I’ve spent plenty of time with clients sorting through their possessions. If you’re moving from a spacious house or apartment into a new space that’s smaller, you’re probably going to have to let go of some possessions. These five decluttering tips will help make those downsizing decisions a little easier.

6 Renter-Friendly Apartment Upgrades You Didn't Know Existed

Lilly Milman

Oct 11, 2023

From removable wallpaper to plug-in sconces and lighting solutions that only take a few screws to install, renter-friendly interior design has come a long way. Now, you can totally switch up the look and feel of your apartment — without losing your security deposit. 

Our Favorite Halloween Decor Transformations

Claire Nicholas

Oct 05, 2023

Halloween decorating doesn't have to be scary — and it doesn't need to involve plastic pumpkins and monsters, either. We spoke with two interior decorators to learn more about their Halloween decor transformations, and get tips to help you with yours.

What Pets are Really Included in a “No Pets” Policy?

Lilly Milman

Oct 03, 2023

It’s always smart to be transparent with your potential landlord about whether or not you will be bringing a pet to your new living space — a best practice that most dog and cat owners will already be familiar with. But what if you have another kind of pet — like a bird, rabbit, ferret, or even a fish? Do you need to disclose that you will be living with a pet other than a dog or cat? We spoke to property owners and managers and other industry professionals to find out what their no pets policies include, and why.

The 10 Cheapest Walkable Cities in the U.S.

Lilly Milman

Sep 29, 2023

In a 2023 survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors, 79% of respondents rated walkability as “very” or “somewhat” important to them and many respondents stated that they'd be willing to pay more to live in a more walkable area. However, it’s not always necessary to make that trade off. We found the most affordable walkable cities in the U.S.

Our Favorite Free Personal Finance and Budgeting Apps for Renters

Lilly Milman

Sep 27, 2023

Balancing rent, bills, transportation costs, household purchases, and an entertainment budget can be tricky — especially if you have roommates who you share costs with or it’s your first year living out on your own. If you are struggling to set spending limits and feel like your paycheck somehow disappears as soon as it hits your bank account, worry not. We found a few of the best free budgeting apps that make smarter spending and saving easier.

Apartment Parking: Everything You Need to Know

Lilly Milman

Sep 25, 2023

When you have a car, moving to an apartment with parking is nonnegotiable. However, not all parking spaces are created equal. Depending on what type of building and what area you are living in, you’ll be presented with different options — ranging from assigned, covered spaces to free street parking. In this article, we go through the most common types of parking options that you’ll see and their pros and cons.

Built-For-Rent Homes Are Soaring In Popularity. Are They Right for You?

Rabekah Henderson

Sep 21, 2023

Built-for-rent housing brings some much-needed relief to the housing supply, which still sits at record lows, and it offers a third option for Americans who are hesitant to buy a single-family home in the current housing market but no longer want to live in an apartment. We explain why it's exploding in popularity, and help you decide if it's right for you.

10 Renter-Friendly Tips for Decorating Your Apartment for Fall

Lilly Milman

Sep 19, 2023

We spoke with Diana Hathaway, color expert and interior designer, to get her best apartment decorating tips for renters who want to redecorate in the fall — without breaking the bank (or going overboard on mini pumpkins).

Quiz: Where Should I Live in Boston?

Lilly Milman

Sep 16, 2023

We developed our Boston neighborhood quiz to help you determine which neighborhood you’d like living in most — based on a combination of our knowledge of the city, our rental data, U.S. Census data, and more. It’s free, requires no sign-up, and takes less than 5 minutes.

How to Save Money as a Renter Throughout the Year

Lilly Milman

Sep 13, 2023

If you’re feeling like your finances have been spread thin in the first few months after moving into a new apartment, you’re not alone. The good news is, though, that there are a few tried and true methods for saving money as a renter throughout the year. We give you a money-saving goal for each season and go through all of our favorite money-saving tips.

What is an In-Law Apartment?: The Definition, Pros, and Cons

Lilly Milman

Sep 11, 2023

What differentiates in-law apartments from most other apartments is that they are additions built onto existing homes — with their own entrance, bathroom, and kitchen — and they are often smaller than a typical rental unit. In this article, we cover what an in-law apartment is, what the legal requirements are around renting an in-law apartment, and the pros and the cons of in-law units for tenants.

How to Take a Home Office Tax Deduction if You Rent

Rachel Craft

Sep 07, 2023

More and more people are working from home, but not all of them realize they can take a home office tax deduction — even if they rent. How do you know if you qualify for this deduction, and what do you have to do to take advantage of it?

Apartment Furniture Rentals: Everything You Need to Know

Lilly Milman

Sep 05, 2023

While furniture rental has long used in the real estate world for staging homes on the market, it has become a more and more common solution for renters. We answer all of your questions about apartment furniture rentals and share some of our favorite furniture rental companies.

Allston Christmas — What Is It and How to Celebrate It

Megan Hennessey

Sep 01, 2023

Many leases turn over to coincide with the beginning of the academic calendar in Boston, which means in the days leading up to move-in day on 9/1, college students and post-grads alike start putting their hardly used, unwanted furniture, art, plants, and household appliances on the sidewalks. We call this holiday Allston Christmas.

Why This Teacher Created a Cool Down Corner in Her Apartment

Brianna Robles

Aug 30, 2023

As a teacher, I created a calm down area in my classroom where students could take a time-out if they became overwhelmed in their learning environment. My therapist suggested I do the same thing — in my apartment. So, I created a “cool down” corner — based on the spaces that I have curated in my classrooms.

How Much Space Can I Afford to Rent with My Salary?

Lilly Milman

Aug 28, 2023

We’ve made it easy to calculate how much rent you can afford to pay each month using our rent calculator (which helps you consider monthly income, as well as recurring bills like credit card and student loan payments and other monthly expenses). Now, we’re seeking to help you answer the question: How much space can I get with that number?

DIY Tutorial: How to Create a Decorative TV Cover in a Small Space

Mary Kay McBrayer

Aug 24, 2023

When I moved in with my husband, he brought his massive, 70-something inch flat screen TV. When it’s turned off, it's an eyesore. So, I set out to make a framed piece of artwork that could be lifted or lowered to reveal or cover the TV, like a soft-closing toy box lid.

What is a Month-to-Month Lease?

Lilly Milman

Aug 22, 2023

If you’re looking for a short-term rental, you may be more interested in a month-to-month lease, which would give you greater flexibility in terms of your move-out date than a 12-month lease. In this article, we break down what exactly a month-to-month lease is, how it works, and to know if it’s the right option for you.

Brownstone Apartment: The Definition, The Pros, & The Cons

Lilly Milman

Aug 18, 2023

These historic buildings are known for their stone stoops, ornate window boxes and details, and faded brown, red, or tan brick facades. They’re also known for their hefty price tags. In this article, we cover everything you need to know about brownstones as a renter — from the official definition to the history to the pros and cons and more.

What to Do if You Get an Eviction Notice

Dominique Swanson

Aug 16, 2023

Getting a letter with “eviction” at the top is a scary and stressful experience for any renter and one that raises a lot of questions: What are my rights? Can I stop the process? How will this affect my ability to rent in the future? It’s important to know that if you do receive an eviction notice, the situation isn’t hopeless. In this article, we provide the essential information you need to navigate the eviction process.

The Best Housewarming Gifts for Any Apartment Renter

Lilly Milman

Aug 14, 2023

If you just got invited to a housewarming party and don’t want to be the guest who brings another boring bottle of wine, read on. We rounded up our favorite, unique housewarming gifts ideas that renters will actually want and use on a regular basis.

What is a Security Deposit? — Everything You Need to Know

Lilly Milman

Aug 10, 2023

In this article, we cover everything you need to know about a security deposit. We’ll answer questions like: What is a security deposit? How much is the typical security deposit? And what charges can a landlord deduct from a security deposit?

Why This Homeowner Chooses to Rent

Rachel Craft

Aug 08, 2023

When Lexi Hameister bought her first house at age 28, she never imagined she’d be moving out just two years later — and choosing to rent an apartment instead.

Apartment Lease Takeovers: What Are They and How Do They Work?

Lilly Milman

Aug 04, 2023

So, you signed a one-year lease on a place — and now, whether it’s because of a change in work, finances, or lifestyle, you need to move out. What should you do? If you want to avoid breaking a lease, you have a few options — like transferring your lease to a new tenant via a lease takeover. In this guide, we answer all your questions about lease takeovers, how they work, and how you execute them correctly.

Guide to Renting While Living With a Disability

Kelli Finger

Aug 02, 2023

In this guide, we provide you with the resources you need to secure an apartment as a person with a disability, covering what questions you should be asking when touring to your rights as a tenant to the language you may need to ask for accommodations.

City Spotlight: Best Rooftop Bars in Boston

Lilly Milman

Aug 01, 2023

With a mix of classic, ornate buildings and modern skyscrapers appearing on either side of the iconic Charles River, the Greater Boston skyline is one of a kind — and what better way is there to enjoy it than while sipping on a cocktail at a rooftop bar?

How to Maximize Space in Your Studio Apartment: Tips from an Interior Designer

Lilly Milman

Jul 31, 2023

Have big design dreams in a small apartment? We want to help you make those a reality. We spoke to Lauren Werkiser, VP of Interior Design & Architecture at Morgan Properties, to get her tips for marrying function and stylish design in a studio, regardless of size or floor plan.

Just Saw a Mouse in Your Apartment? Here’s What to Do

Lilly Milman

Jul 27, 2023

If a mouse just scurried across your kitchen floor, resist the urge to jump on a table. The task may seem daunting, but it is more than possible to get rid of mice in your apartment. In this guide, we cover how to identify mice in your apartment, how to get rid of mice and avoid rodent problems in the future, and more.

Why We’re Still Happy Renters in Our 70s and 80s

Louisa Rogers

Jul 25, 2023

At 80 and 71, my husband Barry and I are not exactly the typical renter demographic. But we love our neighborhood, and the funky apartment we've rented for 22 years.