Apartment Search

Woman renting alone researches neighborhoods on her laptop in a cozy apartment living room.

Renting Alone? Here’s How to Find the Right Neighborhood

Whether you’re starting a new job in a different city, craving more independence, or simply ready to have a place…

Cityscape of Seattle at sunset, featuring high-rise apartment buildings and iconic landmarks, used to support a renter’s guide on 5 key questions to ask before signing a lease in the city.

5 Key Questions to Ask Before Renting an Apartment in Seattle

Seattle, the Emerald City: It’s a place of stunning natural beauty, a thriving tech scene, and a truly unique culture…

Couple inspecting kitchen cabinets during an apartment tour with a real estate agent, checking key details during peak rental season.

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

The high season for renting often feels like a whirlwind of activity. With demand surging and competition heating up, renters…

A person using an apartment inspection checklist to document the condition of a rental.

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

Moving into a new rental apartment is a fresh start, but it can come with challenges if you don’t take…

A frustrated person, holding some papers in hand, about to file a rental credit report dispute.

How To Dispute Errors on Your Rental Credit Report: A Step-By-Step Guide

Your rental credit report plays a big role in whether you get approved to rent an apartment: Landlords and property…

A neon post-it on a notebook with the "pay rent" message written on it to illustrate a late rent notice.

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

Budgeting and making sure you always pay your rent on time can be stressful. Whether it’s due to a temporary…

Philadelphia's skyline with skyscrapers and a purple sky in the background to illustrate renting an apartment in Philadelphia.

5 Questions to Ask Before Renting an Apartment in Philadelphia

Renting an apartment in Philadelphia can be a smart move for renters looking for the big-city life without the high…

Skyline view near the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC—an area popular with renters and easily accessible via the city’s public transit system.

Public Transport in Washington, DC: Best Options for Renters

Renting in the nation’s capital definitely has its perks — and chief among them is having access to one of…

An aerial view of Chicago, a city with a complex public transport system.

Public Transport in Chicago – A Renters’ Guide

Chicago is a large, densely populated city with a complex network of neighborhoods and a dynamic job market. For renters…

A view of Hartford, CT skyline and neighborhoods—ideal for renters seeking the best affordable neighborhoods in the city.

Affordable Neighborhoods in Hartford, CT: 3 Great Picks for Renters on a Budget

Thinking about moving to Hartford, CT? Good news! This city has a lot to offer, especially if you’re looking for…

Close-up of a colorful map of the United States, focusing on the Midwest and surrounding regions with detailed city and state names, to be used when moving out of state.

Ready to Relocate? 9 Renter Tips for Moving Out of State

There’s something thrilling about seeing your belongings in boxes, maps open in your browser, and your future zip code saved…

The skyline of downtown Houston, Texas, with trees and green spaces in front to illustrate the most affordable neighborhoods for renters.

What Are the Best Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in Houston?

When it comes to renting in Houston, there’s a neighborhood for everyone, whether you’re after a trendy area close to…

A rental company employee hands over the house key to a customer after thoroughly explaining the terms and conditions of both short-term lease and long-term lease agreements, helping them make an informed decision in the real estate rental process.

Understanding Key Differences Between Short- & Long-Term Leases

When it comes to renting a new place, it’s not all throw pillows and Pinterest boards. One of the first…

The skyline of Jersey City, NJ, where renters can find affordable neighborhoods.

Looking for Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods in Jersey City, NJ? Here Are 5 Options

Finding affordable neighborhoods that offer a great living experience can be a challenge if you’re renting in Jersey City, NJ….

A group of people cleaning an apartment before moving out.

Is Apartment Cleaning Required Before Moving Out?

When moving out of a rental apartment, many renters ask the same question: Do I really have to clean the…

Carefree young woman sitting comfortably on a sofa, holding a mug and enjoying a peaceful moment of quiet enjoyment in her cozy home.

Peace, Quiet & the Rental Life: Understanding Quiet Enjoyment in Your Lease

Ah, the sweet sound of silence, punctuated only by the chirping of birds or the gentle hum of your favorite…

Cheerful young woman sitting on the sofa in her modern apartment, smiling while browsing online—possibly searching for a great deal on a rental or exploring new opportunities from the comfort of home.

How to Score a Great Deal on a Rental in the Big City Jungle

The big city is where dreams are made, traffic never sleeps and rent prices can make your wallet cry a…

A young person hugging a large dog on a sunny afternoon.

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

Pets are family, and your four-legged buddies are a big factor in major decisions, including renting an apartment. The entire…

Cleveland skyline along the Cuyahoga River in autumn—highlighting the city's seasonal beauty and offering insight into the cost of living in this vibrant urban area.

Cost of Living in Cleveland: What to Expect When Living Here as a Renter

Relocating to a new city can be exciting, especially when you’re starting fresh in a new apartment. But, before packing…

An aerial shot of Ann Arbor, MI, a city where renters can find some affordable neighborhoods with rent prices below the local average.

5 Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters to Keep in Mind in Ann Arbor, MI

If you’re looking for a rental apartment in a city that blends culture, education and natural beauty, Ann Arbor, MI,…

Discover What’s New on RentCafe.com: Simple Updates to Make Your Renting Experience Easier

Because we’re always on a mission to make your real estate journey not only smarter, but also smoother, RentCafe.com is…

prospective renters checking an apartment before moving in

Red Flags to Keep in Mind when Moving to Another Apartment in a Rush

Renters know that finding the right apartment building can be tricky. From loud neighbors to smelly roommates, a lot can…

Application Process Couple Moving Couch

A Step by Step Guide Through the Rental Application Process

You’ve taken the first steps to renting an apartment: You’ve looked at apartments online, scored walkthroughs in and around the…

average utilities costs by state

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

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

A person returning keys to their landlord.

When (& How) Should You Return Keys to Your Landlord?

Returning the keys to your rental apartment may seem like a small step in the moving-out process, but it can…

San Diego skyline at sunrise with Coronado Bridge and Coronado Island in view, showcasing the coastal city's beauty and offering perspective on the cost of living in this vibrant urban landscape.

Cost of Living in San Diego: What to Expect When Living Here as a Renter

Figuring out where to live is just part of relocating to a new city. The real challenge? Understanding how much…

A shot of the skyline in the Financial District of Boston, as seen from Boston Harbor.

What’s the Cost of Living in Boston? Here’s What to Expect as a Renter

Understanding the cost of living in Boston is key for renters planning a move to the city. From housing to…

Low-angle view of two high-rise apartment buildings in Miami framed by palm trees, emphasizing the importance of asking about energy efficiency, mold prevention, and building maintenance when renting in the city.

Apartment Hunting in Miami? Ask These 5 Essential Questions First

Searching for apartments in Miami might feel like a full-time job, especially since Miami has long been the hottest rental…

Several closed and open cardboard boxes of varying sizes are piled in a bright, airy living room with large windows, a lamp, a ladder, and potted plants, suggesting the process of packing and moving out household belongings.

How to Tell Your Landlord You’re Moving Out

You’ve researched, crunched the numbers, toured the listings, and finally found the one — a rental apartment that checks all…

An aerial image of the Tower Bridge and State Capitol Building in Sacramento on a beautiful day after a rainstorm, highlighting the city's scenic charm and the appeal of apartments in Sacramento.

5 Questions to Ask Before Renting an Apartment in Sacramento, CA

If you’re searching for an affordable California city with career opportunities, outdoor access and a strong sense of community, Sacramento…