Renter University

Insurance seems to be a part of life. In some states, having insurance is the law, as is the case for automobile insurance. Renters are no exception.

Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.

For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.

Apartment-hunting can be a gargantuan task. Renters have a wish list of items—some luxuries, some necessities—but finding what you seek in the right place is perhaps the most important part of the journey.

I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

This guide is informed by years of working with renters and reviewing lease agreements across multiple U.S. markets.

Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

Recycle-reuse-repurpose has become a mantra for many. The recently completed massive overhaul of a 1913 warehouse brings hip, urban energy and unique new loft apartments to downtown Jacksonville, Florida.

Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.

Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.

For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.

When searching for a new rental property, you may be focused on your immediate needs and timeline. Of course, when signing a lease, it's important to review the length of the lease.

Hard truth. Moving is never easy. I’ve done it all – from local moves to cross-country relocations From packing to unpacking the last box, I have found moving to be an exhausting, expensive and stressful experience every time.

Throughout the day, think about all the times that you have to pay for something. So many of us reach automatically for a credit card or even our phone for a quick payment.

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.

If you’re looking to relocate right now, a popular solution that may best fit your current rental needs is a short-term lease.

Making the decision to rent is exciting and terrifying at the same time. For many people, there are a lot of unknowns.

As a digital nomad, you no longer call a set address or office building your home for eight hours of the day or more.

Everyone needs a place to live and to call home. For decades, the federal government has established protections to ensure that individuals and families can find housing free from discriminatory barriers.

Regardless of the size or location, everyone needs certain basic necessities in order to call a place home.

Often, in the excitement of finding a new place to live, there’s a rush to make it happen, and - too often - a new tenant signs a lease without reading it carefully.

If you’re considering an apartment that accepts pets, it’s wise to learn about the rules that apply to animals in apartments. Conversely, if you want a no-pets building, you should understand what “no pets” means.

While many apartment buildings are “no smoking” properties, it’s hard to know exactly how many. In 2017, the National Apartment Association reported more than half of rental properties had smoke free policies.