How To Build Credit From Square One
Building credit may sound challenging, but it is not that difficult once you know how to begin. Having a good credit score is important for making several major financial decisions, such as securing a rental home. If you are starting from square one, the first step is to establish a credit history. A good credit […]
Benefits of Prorated Rent
When searching for rentals, first check the monthly cost of rent. Oftentimes, tenants are unable to move in or out on the 1st or 30th of the month. It does not make sense to charge the entire month’s rent if the tenant is not present for majority of the month. Prorated rent allows the tenant […]
How Do Security Deposits Work?
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?
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
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
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)?
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
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?
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?
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 […]