If you have kids or enjoy having children visit you at your apartment, you might take them to a playground, whether it's at your complex or at a nearby park. Playgrounds can be a great way to keep young ones entertained in the summer, but they also pose hazards -- especially to children who don't know how to play safely.

Here's how to access a free resource that you can use to teach children about playground safety and help ensure a fun time for all.

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In January, I wrote about how the economic slump was bringing down average apartment rents in the United States, along with a slight increase in the vacancy rate, which was good news for renters.

A new report from real estate research firm Reis Inc. shows a continuation of this trend. According to yesterday's report, the national vacancy rate rose to a near-record 7.5%, a 1.4% climb over last year's figure. Plus, effective rent (which includes concessions) fell nearly 2% from last year.

Not surprisingly, many landlords are reportedly boosting concessions to maintain occupancy, according to Reuters.

Are you finding your apartment search to be easier than you had expected because you're encountering many vacancies? If you already live in an apartment, have you been able to negotiate any rental concessions with your landlord, such as enjoying a free month's rent in return for renewing your lease?

If you split rent with roommates, you might think your tenancy is protected as long as you pay your landlord your own share of the rent each month. But roommates who don't pay their full share put you at risk, too.

After diligently paying your rent each month, the last thing you want is to be threatened with eviction because a roommate comes up short.

Read what you can do to prevent this situation from happening to you.

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A recent report from the National Apartment Association (NAA) estimates that homeownership in the United States could decline up to 8% or more by 2030, aligning homeownership rates with those of several European countries. This would mean apartment renters would make up around 40% -- rather than just above 30% -- of the population.

The NAA report attributes the decline in homeownership and rise in apartment living to several factors, including a growing immigrant population, the lack of affordability for many households, the emergence of Generation-Y households, and a growing nationwide trend toward urban living.

Highlights of the report and an executive summary are both available on the NAA's Web site.

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