Renter Guide

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.

Storage Ideas for Small Apartments

Looking for storage hacks to make your place feel more spacious? We've rounded up our favorite storage ideas for small apartments. Let the decluttering begin.

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

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: 16 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.