Renting

Should I Sign a Month to Month Lease?Most leases come with a 12-month commitment from both parties, but you’ve probably seen offers for “12…

Landlords often require tenants to pay a security deposit as part of their lease agreement before moving into an apartment. Depending on the transaction terms between the landlord and tenant, the security deposit can either be refundable or nonrefundable. Landlords collect these funds as a means of security, as well as to pay for future damages that might occur.

Choosing to live in a rental property offers a lot of freedom from repairs and maintenance. But then you have questions like, “Is a renter responsible for lawn care? What about plumbing?” Typically, tenants are not responsible for these. Perhaps that’s why more than a third of Americans have chosen to rent over homeownership — […]

All of the considerations involved in renting a property can sometimes seem a bit overwhelming. Where do you look for an apartment? How do you qualify for an apartment? What is a rental agreement? What expenses should you include in your budget? We know — there’s a lot to think about.

If you’ve just moved into a rental, you might feel like you’ve forgone some creative freedom in the interior decorating and designing department. Not that you’re judging anybody’s style choices, but the place could use some sprucing up to feel a little more … livable. Are listless walls, popcorn ceilings, and off-white laminate countertops no […]

Finding an apartment is often a challenging process on its own, but modern apartment apps and websites are designed to make the process easier. The tricky part these days is choosing the best site for apartment rentals. Listings flood the market, with many companies claiming to be the best apartment finder. But separating the truly […]

Can you rent if you have no credit? If you’re looking for a place to rent but have no previous credit history, you could be up for a challenge. Good rental properties aren’t on the market for long, especially when they’re being snapped-up by renters with glowing credit scores. Thankfully, we’ve discovered that renting a […]

Renting out your house is a great way to dip your toes into real estate investing. But depending on the rental market in your area, you may not be able to earn enough income to cover your mortgage and expenses. This guide will help you figure out if renting out your house will be a […]

Considering that the average rent increase in the U.S. has been around 3% year-over-year, a rent increase can have a huge impact on your budget and finances. Although there are laws in place to help protect tenants from drastic rent increases, landlords have a right to increase rent at will.

If your income is low, you may qualify for an income-restricted apartment in your community. These affordable housing units, also known as rent-restricted apartments, are designed for low-income families, singles, and couples looking for a place to live. But what does “income-restricted” mean, and how do you apply? Income-restricted apartments are regulated by a complex […]

A lot of new renters assume that searching for an apartment is simple. You just search for available spaces online, pick the best looking one in your price range, and sign a lease, right? While being that laid-back with your search might help you move into a new apartment sooner, you may find yourself in […]

There are times when you may need to evict a tenant for failure to pay rent or for breaching their lease in some way. Or perhaps the lease has run its course and you feel there may be a more suitable tenant for your property. In most states, you’re required to provide at least 30 […]

We reached out to the experts to bring to light three of the most common rental scams out there, and explain how you can spot them from the get-go.

Rent-to-buy homes can be a more affordable path for prospective buyers. If you’re interested in the process, read on to learn how to rent-to-own a house, so you can know all of your options while house hunting.

The coronavirus has put many Americans in a complicated situation. Strict orders to shelter in place are in effect for most of the nation, leaving millions unemployed and stuck at home — even if they can’t afford the rent.

The time has come. You bought an investment property. You upgraded the cabinets, patched up the walls, and put in fresh new carpets. Finally, you are ready to start renting out your house — or are you? As a first time landlord, you might be wondering how to rent a house and feeling a little […]

Although the rental market took a hit thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, housing affordability remains a national crisis. Whether you lost income due to the pandemic or just looking to get the best deal you can, you might be wondering, “can you negotiate rent?” Like so much else in life, the answer is “it depends.” […]

Rent or own? When it comes to choosing a living space, it’s a question young people ask themselves as they begin establishing their…