The Key

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.

Create Your Own Barbie Dreamhouse With These Renter-Friendly Design Ideas

Jennifer Stavros

Jul 21, 2023

Barbiecore — the vibrant and unapologetic style associated with the titular doll — has blown up since Greta Gerwig started filming her live-action 'Barbie' film. We spoke with interior designers to get some DIY home decor tips on embracing your inner Barbiecore and creating your own renter-friendly Dreamhouse — right in your apartment.

9 Places to Find Discounted Furniture

Kaitlin Stevens

Jul 19, 2023

If you don’t want to sacrifice stylish interior design for affordability, we’re here to help. Here are nine websites and furniture stores to check out that will give you the home decor of your dreams without maxing out your credit card.

Tips for Dealing with Common Issues in Older Apartments

Matthew Robare

Jul 17, 2023

Some older apartments have charm, others have exciting histories, and, unfortunately, many have problems and require lots of upkeep. In this guide, we cover common problems that you may encounter in an older apartment building — as well as how to deal with them.

Best Summer Cities 2023

Lilly Milman

Jul 11, 2023

Put down your car keys, log off that travel website, and listen up: We figured out where the best U.S. cities to live in the summer are based off proximity to nature and recreational activities, weather, affordability, and more.

How Much Would It Cost to Upgrade from a Studio to a One-Bedroom Apartment?

Lilly Milman

Jul 07, 2023

If you are currently living in a studio apartment and want to upgrade to a one-bedroom unit, we outline how much more you can expect to spend in your city.

5 Things to Do the Day You Move into a New Apartment

Lilly Milman

Jul 05, 2023

Congratulations! You’re moved into your new home and ready to start a new adventure. But if you’re surrounded by cardboard moving boxes and feeling overwhelmed, worry not. We’ve created a guide on what to do on the first day that you move into a new apartment.

How to Find an Apartment in Boston

Lilly Milman

Jul 03, 2023

Boston is one of the most competitive rental markets in the country, partially because it’s one of America’s biggest college towns. Each year, renters compete with an influx of tens of thousands of college and university students for housing — creating a rental market unlike any other in the U.S. In this guide, we dive into everything you need to know for finding an apartment in Boston — from your initial search to your signed lease.

What is a Broker Fee?

Lilly Milman

Jun 29, 2023

If you’re renting in a competitive rental market for the first time, you may be surprised to find out that you’re on the hook for a little more cash than you expected upon signing the lease. That’s right — in a few cities, like Boston and New York City, you are expected to pay the real estate broker that you worked with during your apartment hunt a fee.

Guide to Renting with an Emotional Support Animal

Dylan M. Austin

Jun 27, 2023

Is an emotional support animal right for you? Let’s learn more about ESAs and uncover some helpful tips for making the renting process as smooth as possible.

How to Clean Your Apartment Before Moving Out

Lilly Milman

Jun 23, 2023

When you decide to move out of your apartment and sign a lease for a new place, it’s easy to fall into the “out of sight, out of mind” mentality about your current unit. But if you’re thinking “who cares?” about the mess in your soon-to-be former apartment, the answer is your landlord. And if you care about getting your security deposit back, it’s in your best interest to care, too. 

LGBTQ+ History: A Brief History of Gayborhoods in the U.S.

Lilly Milman

Jun 21, 2023

San Francisco’s Castro District, Philadelphia’s Gayborhood, and Chicago’s Northalsted district (formerly known as Boystown) are each adorned with rainbow crosswalks, flags, and signs. But these cities weren’t always so proud of the history being made there. Called “gayborhoods,” these areas have evolved greatly over the 20th and 21st centuries — from neighborhoods where LGBT+ individuals were forced to self-segregate to proud parts of a city’s history and culture.

How I Found an Apartment As a Freelancer

Megan Hennessey

Jun 19, 2023

When I tried renting an apartment on my own for the first time, I had an added complication to the already stressful process: I was self-employed. Landlords and brokers alike were wary of the word freelancer, and it took me the better part of a year to figure out my living situation. Here's how I did it.

Best Cities for Renters Right Now: Here’s Where Renters Will Have The Easiest Time Finding A Perfect Place

Lilly Milman

Jun 15, 2023

Where are the markets that present the best opportunities for renters right now? To find the best opportunity rental markets in the U.S., we analyzed 71 of the largest metropolitan areas in the country, creating an Opportunity Score for each metro area based on two factors: rental opportunity and economic opportunity.

Your Top Affordable Housing Questions, Answered

Lilly Milman

Jun 13, 2023

In this guide, we break down what affordable housing is, what your options are for affordable housing, how to find out if you qualify for affordable housing, how to find affordable housing in your area, and more.

What I Learned Renting in Boston for a Decade

Anni Irish

Jun 09, 2023

I’ve lived all over — from a studio apartment near Symphony Hall to a two-bedroom apartment with a rooftop garden in the North End. Here are the four most important things I learned while navigating the Boston rental market over the last decade.

Imani Keal Would Rather Rent

Lilly Milman

Jun 07, 2023

Imani Keal, better known as Imani At Home, talks about reaching viral success for her rental transformation videos, being a long-term renter, and starting her design journey over in a new apartment.

Finding a Roommate? Take This Roommate Compatibility Quiz

Lilly Milman

Jun 05, 2023

Thinking of moving in with someone? Take our roommate compatibility quiz, designed to help you figure out what kind of roommate you are and what kind you would best live with, and send the quiz to your potential roomie, too.

The Guide to Getting a Moving Truck in Boston

Matthew Robare

Jun 01, 2023

Greater Boston has its quirks — and each of the many municipalities in the region all their own rules. This means that something as straightforward as getting a moving truck can be stressful. Read our guide to to learn everything you need to know about getting a moving truck, from where to get the right permits to how to pack and drive it. Plus, we even let you know how to score free furniture for your new pad.

How I Managed an 8-Week Apartment Search

S. Elizabeth Sigler

May 30, 2023

With my previous lease having ended before I found a new apartment in Cleveland, I felt a bit like Goldilocks. The stress of not having a permanent home compounded my boyfriend and I's need to find an apartment in a tough market. Here's how we split responsibilities to make it work.

How to Cat-Proof Your Apartment

Lilly Milman

May 26, 2023

Cats can be mischievous and — if you don’t cat-proof your apartment — can make a mess of your home quickly. We spoke to a few cat experts to learn about what you can do to keep your apartment clean, your cat out of trouble, and your sanity intact.

What No One Tells a New Grad Moving to Boston

Trinity Alicia

May 24, 2023

Last June, I relocated to Boston a month after graduating from college. Like many new grads, I had no friends or family in my new city and I had never visited before moving there. I could have been better prepared for this era in my life — here's what I learned.

Our 3 Favorite Renter-Friendly Apartment Transformations

Lilly Milman

May 22, 2023

As a renter, you may feel stuck with your rental apartment’s overall look and feel. We spoke to three renters who couldn’t disagree more. They share all their hacks for transforming their rentals — from peel-and-stick removable wallpaper to changing light fixtures — while keeping their security deposits intact.

What Should You Do With a Previous Tenant's Mail?

Lilly Milman

May 19, 2023

Getting an old tenant’s mail after they have moved out is a pretty common experience; as a renter, you may have even caused this problem for someone else. So, what are your responsibilities as the current tenant?