Apartment Living Archives - RentCafe rental blog

10 Things to Know About Lease Renewal: A Renter’s Guide to Making the Right Move

Alexandra Both — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 09:25:18 +0000

Across the U.S., more renters are choosing to stay put rather than move. Unless relocation is absolutely necessary, staying often feels like the more comfortable option as it requires less planning and fewer resources. Naturally, remaining in your current apartment can be the easier and more practical choice. But whether you’re renewing out of comfort,…

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Essential Electrical Safety Tips Every Renter Should Know

Roxana Nica — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 13:59:52 +0000

If you’re renting for the first time or living in a shared apartment, chances are you don’t think much about your electrical system until something sparks, trips, or blows out. While it’s easy to take your outlets and power strips for granted, a little electrical know-how can make a big difference in keeping your space…

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5 Key Things to Focus on During an Apartment Tour in Peak Rental Season

Veronica Grecu — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 07:46:26 +0000

The high season for renting often feels like a whirlwind of activity. With demand surging and competition heating up, renters are frequently faced with the pressure to make fast decisions — and, ideally, smart ones too. Whether you’re a first-time renter navigating this process for the very first time or a seasoned pro who’s signed…

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From Renter to Owner: Understanding the Right of First Refusal

Roxana Nica — Fri, 30 May 2025 14:09:56 +0000

If you’re a renter and your landlord suddenly tells you the apartment or house is going up for sale, it might feel like you’re being pushed out with no warning. But, what if you had the chance to secure it before it hit the market? That’s where something called “the right of first refusal” (ROFR)…

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A Renter’s Guide to Documenting Your Apartment’s Condition Before Moving In

Florin Petrut — Thu, 29 May 2025 06:31:26 +0000

Moving into a new rental apartment is a fresh start, but it can come with challenges if you don’t take time to document the unit’s condition before settling in. For renters, this simple step can be the difference between getting your full security deposit back or being held responsible for damage you didn’t cause. That’s…

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How to Handle a Rent Payment Delay Without Hurting Your Credit Score

Alexandra Both — Wed, 28 May 2025 11:39:48 +0000

Budgeting and making sure you always pay your rent on time can be stressful. Whether it’s due to a temporary job loss, an unexpected medical bill or just a tight month, missing a payment can happen. The big question many ask is, “Will a late rent notice hurt my credit score?” The good news is,…

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Public Transport in Washington, DC: Best Options for Renters

Veronica Grecu — Wed, 28 May 2025 08:52:22 +0000

Renting in the nation’s capital definitely has its perks — and chief among them is having access to one of the most comprehensive public transit networks in the country. The public transit in Washington, DC, isn’t just a nice-to-have. For many residents, it’s what makes daily life possible. For renters, in particular — including those…

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Breed Restrictions: What Should You Know When Renting With Pets?

Florin Petrut — Thu, 22 May 2025 11:24:18 +0000

Pets are family, and your four-legged buddies are a big factor in major decisions, including renting an apartment. The entire process of searching for the perfect place, applying and anxiously waiting to get approved can become even more of a struggle if the apartment building you’re trying to move into has breed restrictions. However, there…

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A Step by Step Guide Through the Rental Application Process

Adina Dragos — Tue, 20 May 2025 10:19:40 +0000

You’ve taken the first steps to renting an apartment: You’ve looked at apartments online, scored walkthroughs in and around the city and finally found the dream apartment. What now? Now comes the rental application process, taking you closer to the moment of settling into a new home. We compiled a quick guide on what is…

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What Are Apartment Utilities & How Much Will They Cost Me?

Mihaela Buzec — Sat, 17 May 2025 07:34:10 +0000

This article was updated in May 2025. What Is the Average Electric Bill? Tips for Saving Money on Your Electricity Bill What Is the Average Gas Bill? Tips for Saving Money on Your Gas Bill What Is the Average Internet Bill? Tips for Saving Money on Your Internet Bill What Is the Average Water Bill?…

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