How Do Security Deposits Work?

close up of money and coins

You’ve probably heard people groaning about having to pay security deposits before, even if you haven’t had to pay one yourself. If you’re a first-time renter, you might be wondering: What is a security deposit, exactly? How do security deposits work? What is a Security Deposit? A security deposit is a payment you make to […]

How Do I Manage My Savings Account?

clock next to stack of coins

For most individuals, the idea of setting up and managing a savings account begins in their early childhood. Most parents encourage their kids to set aside some money for their savings while spending the rest on whatever they like. But as these children grow up, managing a savings account becomes increasingly difficult as they have […]

Negotiating Your Rent: A Guide

brown and White House with plants

Is it okay to negotiate rent on an apartment? Whether you are looking for a new apartment or your landlord is planning to raise the rent on your current rental, there is always room for negotiation.  Many people are unaware that rent prices are negotiable. Renters can negotiate directly with the landlord or property manager […]

Budgeting Advice For First-Time Renters

white modern style living room

Before deciding to rent a home, it is important to calculate a monthly budget to figure out whether you can afford it. Making timely rent payments – while managing to take care of household expenses at the same time – is key for maintaining a smooth relationship with your landlord. If you are a first-time […]

What Is An Abatement (Rental Housing)?

pen on top of document

Rent abatement is a provision available in many property agreements. It is essentially a rent-free period for the tenant that comes into effect either in the initial months of the lease or if the rental unit becomes uninhabitable due to repairs or maintenance. Whenever you negotiate a property lease, it is a good idea to […]

How to Make Your New Rental Feel Like Home

hand holding mug on fuzzy blanket

Moving into a new rental can be completely overwhelming, whether it’s a condo, a townhouse, or an apartment. You have a checklist of a million different things to do, from finding furniture to setting up a work-from-home space to getting your finances in order. While you’re trying to get all of your major tasks done, […]

How Do Townhouse HOA Rules Impact Renters?

street of grey duplexes

If you’re looking to rent a condo or a townhouse, you’ve most likely heard of HOAs, or homeowners’ associations. (If not, you can check out our explainer article on HOAs.) One of the best-known facts about HOAs is that they often set down a lot of rules and regulations, also known as CC&Rs (conditions, covenants, […]

What is a HOA and How Does It Impact Me as a Renter?

people sitting at a table in an office

If you’re thinking about moving into a townhouse or a condo, you’ve probably heard of HOAs. However, you might not know exactly what a HOA is or what it does. So what is a HOA? We’re here to help you out by clearly defining a HOA, telling you a little about its responsibilities, and telling […]

What to Consider Before Renting a Townhome

row of colorful town houses

Ever considered renting a townhome? Now is the time––they’ve been rising in popularity due to their affordability and lack of maintenance. But you might not know what a townhome is or how it differs from a single-family home or a condo. Before you jump on the trend and rent a  townhome here is an overview […]

Furnishing Your Rental on a Budget

long blue couch in living room

Moving into an unfurnished rental can be a huge pain point. On top of rent, there are already so many other expenses like moving costs, deposits, and utilities that one often has to give up the idea of a well-furnished living space.  However, just because you are living in a rented property doesn’t mean you […]