The Key

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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?

How to Cool Down Your Apartment — Without AC

Lilly Milman

May 08, 2023

Cooling your apartment doesn’t have to be expensive. If you are suffering from a heat wave and don’t have air conditioning in your apartment, then consider a few low-cost, free, or DIY hacks to keep the temperature down.

Why Your Apartment Application Got Denied — And How You Can Fix It

Lilly Milman

May 04, 2023

Being denied for an apartment is disappointing, but don’t be discouraged. Just because you weren’t approved for one apartment doesn’t mean you’ll never be able to rent. We outline some of the common reasons why a rental application may be denied, and how you can fix them.

The Complete Guide to Renting as a Student

Lilly Milman

Apr 28, 2023

Are you ready to ditch your college dorm room and move out on your own? Renting as an undergrad can come with its own challenges like finding a student-friendly apartment or securing a guarantor. Read our guide to learn everything you need to know as a student renter.

What to Do if You Find Bedbugs in Your Apartment

Lilly Milman

Apr 24, 2023

A bed bug infestation can be a scary and frustrating problem to handle, but it isn’t the end of the world. If you act quickly and vigilantly, you can rid your apartment of bed bugs and likely prevent future infestations.

Apartment References: Everything You Need to Know

Lilly Milman

Mar 29, 2023

A reference can make or break a rental application — especially if you are in a competitive rental market or currently have a less-than-stellar rental history. But what makes a good reference, and what is the etiquette around getting and giving a reference? We break down everything you need to know about getting references during the rental application process.

Think Your Apartment Has Mold? Here’s What to Do

Lilly Milman

Mar 21, 2023

Not only is mold a pain to get rid of, but it can also be a health hazard. Read our guide on how to identify mold in your apartment, how to determine the severity of the issue, how to clean mold and avoid it coming back in the future, and more.

Get Approved: How to Strengthen Your Rental Application

Lilly Milman

Mar 15, 2023

What does a good rental application look like, anyway? There’s a few ways you can work on strengthening your application — some can be fixed quickly and others may take some time — but figuring out what areas you need to focus on is a great first step.

Move-In Specials: How Do They Factor into Your Rent?

Lilly Milman

Mar 03, 2023

Move-in or rent specials are a way for landlords to entice new tenants to move into vacant properties—and are an especially helpful tool for periods when it is difficult to find tenants, like the winter months. We discuss the most common move-in specials, as well as what you can expect when you sign on to a lease with a move-in special.

Can I Pay My Rent with a Credit Card?

Lilly Milman

Mar 01, 2023

The short answer is: It depends. Your landlord may accept a credit card payment, but it’s up to you to decide if the pros of paying rent with your credit card outweigh the cons.

Lease Terms: What You Need to Know Before Signing a Lease

Lilly Milman

Feb 21, 2023

While your lease terms will vary from apartment to apartment—and even more so across different states—there are a few standard ones you can and should look out for before signing your lease.

Can You Negotiate a Building Amenity Fee Reduction?

Lilly Milman

Feb 15, 2023

One of the perks of living in an apartment building—especially a luxury apartment building—is that it often offers a host of community amenities exclusive to its tenants. But if you don't use these amenities, is it possible to negotiate a lower fee?

Who Needs Renters Insurance? The Answer May Surprise You

You may not think your possessions are prized enough to merit renters insurance, but the reality is that the choice may not be up to you.

6 Things Every Renter Needs to Know About Apartment Heat

For renters, the topic of apartment heat can be confusing as rental heating laws vary by location. In this article, we answer the 5 apartment heat questions on every renter’s mind.

Apartment Fees: Beyond the Rent

From application fees to admin fees, amenity fees, and more, this article describes the many costs of renting an apartment beyond the monthly rent.

Subletting an Apartment - What Renters Need to Know

So you're thinking about subletting your apartment...Did you know your lease may not permit it? Learn the ins and outs of subleasing, from what it is to how to do it.

Walk-Up Apartment — The Pros, Cons & Considerations

If you’re a renter, chances are you’ve seen the term walk-up. Wondering exactly what is a walk-up apartment and if it's right for you? That's what this article is all about.

Apartment Maintenance - What Is It and Who Is Responsible for It?

Anyone who rents an apartment should know what maintenance is, what it includes, and who's responsible for it. This article covers everything from gas leaks to clogged toilets.

Garden Level Apartment: The Definition, The Pros, & The Cons

If you’ve been looking for rentals and coming across listings for garden-level apartments, you may be wondering where the green space is. In real estate, the term garden level is often used interchangeably with ground level, so you've actually been looking at an apartment building's lower-level dwellings. However, a garden-level apartment typically does have a small front or back garden area or patio.

What is a Kitchenette? Kitchenette vs Kitchen Explained

If you're an apartment renter, you may be wondering, What is a kitchenette? Can you cook in it? Does it contain appliances? In this article, we answer these questions and more.

A Renter's Guide to Austin

In this article, we share the good, the bad, and the weird about renting an apartment in Austin, Texas. Before moving to Austin, here's what every renter should know.

Rent Control: The Pros & Cons

In this article, we’ll define rent control, dig into the pros and cons of rent control, and let you decide if you’re for it or against it.

Rent Increases: Your Top 5 Questions Answered

In this article, we’ll answer the 5 rent increase questions on every renter's mind, from can my landlord raise my rent to what can I do about it.

Moving-Out Checklist: What to Do & When to Do It

There's more to the moving process than packing. Wherever you're relocating, one thing is certain, a moving-out checklist is sure to help.

Apartment Utilities: The What, Who & How

In this article, we answer the question on renters' minds: What are apartment utilities and who pays for them?

Moving In Together: A Guide for Couples

This Moving In Together guide includes top tips for couples that are considering living together.

Questions to Ask When Renting an Apartment

Find out all the questions to ask when renting an apartment early in the process so you don't waste your time on a property that doesn't meet your needs.

What Do You Need to Rent an Apartment?

Many renters (especially first-time renters) don’t know exactly what to expect when it comes to the apartment rental application process. The question, “what do you need to rent an apartment?” sounds simple. But there’s more to the answer than you may realize.

Apartment Amenities: The Complete List

What are apartment amenities? In this article, we share a long list of amenities, from the common and expected to the unusual and upscale. Which ones are on your wishlist?

Renting with Bad Credit: How to Strengthen Your Application

While a low credit score can make apartment hunting difficult, there are steps you can take to put a landlord's mind at ease and improve your chances when renting with bad credit.

First Apartment Checklist: Essentials Edition

No frills. No extras. Just the essentials. This is the practical, printable first apartment checklist every new renter needs.

What is a Loft? Definition of a Loft Apartment

A loft is not as intuitively named as a 1-bedroom or 2-bedroom apartment. In this article, we describe the characteristics, pros and cons, and answer the question, what is a loft?

Condo vs. Apartment: What's the Difference?

The words apartment and condo (short for condominium) are often used interchangeably. But they are not one and the same. Condo vs apartment? The main difference is who owns and manages it.

How to Get Out of a Lease

Want to know how to get out of a lease without breaking the bank? The answer starts with your rental agreement. From there, it's about understanding tenant rights and how you communicate with your landlord or property manager.

Apartment Renter’s Guide to Rental Scams

Before you sign that apartment lease or make any payments, learn the telltale signs of rental scams and how to avoid them. If you know what to look for, scammers are easy to spot.

How to Find a Roommate: The Tips and The Challenges

Finding a great roommate is harder than you might think. Learn how to find a roommate that's right for you with the help of screening questions, roommate agreements, and more.

What is a Studio Apartment? The Definition, Pros & Cons

If you're a renter looking for an apartment on a budget, you may be considering a studio. To help you determine if a studio is right for you, we answer the question: What is a studio apartment? There's more to the definition of a studio than you might think.

How to Find a Pet-Friendly Apartment

Amy Mueller

Jul 01, 2021

Finding a pet-friendly apartment can be a bit overwhelming. In this article, we share everything pet owners need to know about renting an apartment with a four-legged friend, including tips and steps to take when signing a lease.

What is a Guarantor and Who Needs One?

If and when an apartment renter needs a lease guarantor depends on several factors. Learn what a guarantor is, if you need one, and whom to ask to be yours.

Lease Termination: Notice to Vacate

Giving notice to vacate to a landlord isn’t just a polite formality. It's a must for renters. Learn what to put in your lease termination letter (template included).

How to Negotiate Rent

Most renters don't realize rental prices are negotiable. You can, and you should try to convince your landlord to lower your rent. The key is knowing how to negotiate.

Apartment Tour Checklist: 17 Things to Look for in a Rental

To help renters find a great apartment, we put together this apartment tour checklist revealing 16 things to look for in a rental before signing a lease.