Guides
10 articles
How to get your full Security Deposit back
Your deposit is your money, held in trust. Here is how to document the unit, avoid deductions, and get every dollar back…
Understanding your Lease: The Terms to check before you sign
A lease is a binding contract, and the fine print is where renters lose money. Here are the specific clauses to read clo…
What You Need to Apply for an Apartment: Documents, Fees, and the Process
From photo ID and pay stubs to the 3x income rule and screening timelines, here is exactly what landlords ask for and ho…
Paying rent with a credit card can cost renters more than $700 a year
Card processing fees on rent typically run 2.5% to 3%, so paying a $1,951 rent by card costs about $57 extra every month…
Pet rent can add $800 to $1,400 to a renter’s first-year costs
Pet rent commonly runs $25 to $75 a month per animal, and a one-time deposit or fee adds $200 to $500, so the first year…
Paying Rent on Time Does Nothing for Your Credit Unless Someone Reports It
Years of on-time rent can still leave you with a thin credit file, because most landlords never report payments to the c…
Fair Market Rent (HUD) isn't the Market Rate, and in Phoenix it's 29% Higher
In Phoenix the HUD-derived two-bedroom figure runs about 29% above actual market rent, while in New York it runs about 2…
Rent Isn't Deductible on Your Federal Return, but Some States Pay Renters Back
There's no federal deduction for the rent you pay on your own home, though a number of states run renter credits and reb…
Renters Insurance: What It Covers and Whether You Actually Need It
For roughly $15 to $20 a month, renters insurance protects thousands of dollars of belongings and shields you from a lia…
What Credit Score Do You Need to Rent an Apartment?
Many landlords look for a score around 620 to 670 or higher, but income, rental history, and a few smart moves matter ju…