Apartment Living / Rental: Most Popular Articles

Sample Letter of Employment
Sample letter of employment for landlords who require one as part of the apartment application.

How to Break a Lease
Learn about the factors to consider when breaking a lease and how to go about doing it.

Mouse Control 101
Mice in your home? Luckily, there are many ways to get rid of mice. Learn which methods are the easiest, cheapest, inhumane and should be avoided.

First Apartment Checklists
A complete set of checklists for every room: the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room and home office, as well as a list of home supplies, first aid items, and hardware tools.

Top Room Dividers
These are my recommendations for room dividers, which are great for breaking up space in large rooms or creating the illusion of rooms in studio apartments.

12 Items for First Apartment
If you are short on money, these are the essential things you'll need for your first apartment.

Applying for Public Housing
Submitting the low income housing application. What info is needed for the public housing application and what to do after you submit one.

First Apartment Checklist - Bedroom Items
A complete set of checklists for every room: the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room and home office, as well as a list of home supplies, first aid items, and hardware tools.

Green Living
Recycling bins are perfect for separating different materials. Learn how to set up recycling bins in your small space.

Renters Insurance FAQ
Information on renters insurance: why renters need it, types of coverage, and what kind of discounts are available.

First Apartment Checklist - Bathroom Items
A complete set of checklists for every room: the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room and home office, as well as a list of home supplies, first aid items, and hardware tools.

First Apartment Checklist - Kitchen Items
A complete set of checklists for every room: the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room and home office, as well as a list of home supplies, first aid items, and hardware tools.

Room Dividers
Discusses how to use room dividers to break up the space in studio apartments. Different kinds of room dividers are explored.

How to Find an Apartment
A step-by-step guide on how to find an apartment. Includes information on using brokers, online listings, and what to bring, so you can find an apartment with confidence.

First Apartment Checklist - Miscellaneous Items
A complete set of checklists for every room: the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room and home office, as well as a list of home supplies, first aid items, and hardware tools.

Apartment Lease Explainer
Learn the basics about apartment leases, so that signing the lease will be a breeze.

Efficiency Apartment Explained
Definition of efficiency apartments. Technically, efficiency apartments are not the same as studios.

Sublet Your Apartment
If your roommate is moving out, or you will be leaving your apartment for part of your lease, subletting the room or entire apartment is a great option. Learn how to advertise your apartment and land a quality subletter.

First Apartment Checklist - Living Room Items
A complete set of checklists for every room: the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room and home office, as well as a list of home supplies, first aid items, and hardware tools.

Small Space Home Organization
Home organization tips for cramp quarters, including furniture suggestions and using storage efficiently.

How to Sign a Lease
Learn the best way to handle signing an apartment lease from submitting the apartment application all the way to the actual signing.

First Apartment 101
From finding the apartment to signing the lease to furnishing your first apartment — everything you need to know to make your first apartment a success.

Mouse Glue Traps
A warning on why mouse glue traps are a cruel way of getting rid of mice and unsanitary to humans. Includes alternatives to mouse glue traps.

Break a Lease - Alternatives
You've been living your apartment and now are considering breaking a lease. While there are many legitimate reasons to breaking a lease, to avoid any penalties by considering the alternatives.

Roach Traps
Roach traps are a simple, easy method to get rid of roaches. Learn how to use them, including where to place them and types of roach traps.

The Pros of Floor Planners
Utilize every space in your small home by pre-arranging furniture with floor planners.

Roommate Cleanliness Quiz
Take this quiz to find out how messy or clean you are as a roommate.

Mouse Poison
Why mouse poison is not a good way to kill mice. Learn about other alternatives to getting rid of mice.

Humane Mouse Removal
Live mouse traps are a humane way to get rid of mice. They are safe to use and will not kill the mouse.

Apartment Applications
Helpful tips and important pointers on the significance of apartment applications.

Potential Lease Traps
Apartment leases are chock full of complicated-sounding legal jargon. Here is a list of the top provisions of which you should be aware.

Apartment Moving
Moving into your new apartment takes proper planning and research, which will ensure that all your belonging arrive in one piece.

Lease Negotiation Tips
Apartment lease negotiations can be scary. These tips will help you mentally prepare yourself when you come face to face with the landlord.

Apartment Inspection
Before you sign the lease, it is important to make an apartment checklist of what to inspect each room of the apartment.

Craigslist Review
Personal user's review of Craiglist.org, a popular site for finding apartments and roommates.

Starting Capital
How much money do you need upfront, when you sign the lease?

Top Storage Ottomans
Storage ottomans are great for small spaces. A seat, mini table, foot rest or storage. What more can one ask for?

Before You Apartment Hunt
Knowing what you want will help the apartment hunting process go more smoothly.

How to Find a Sublet
If you need a place temporarily, sublet an apartment. Takes you step by step through the process of subleasing.

Why Negotiate a Lease?
Tenants often feel like they have no say in the apartment lease. This is not so. Tenants have every right to negotiate various parts of the apartment lease.

What is Public Housing?
Explanation of the public housing program in the United States.

Certified Check Definition
Definition of a certified check and what situations call for the use of certified checks.

Roach Control Tips
In addition to killing roaches, it's important to practice roach control by developing good living habits.

Tenant-Based Vouchers
Answers to frequently asked questions on tenant-based vouchers, a federal housing assistance program that gives very low-income tenants rent subsidies to apply to an apartment of their choice.

Choosing the Right Roommate
What to consider before choosing a roommate. To find the right roommate, think about cleanliness, loudness, late-night partying and early-to-bed sleeper.

Solo Apartment Living
Making the switch from living with roommates to living alone can be a big transition. Here are tips on learning to love your new living situation.

Mouse Traps
Mouse snap traps are an inexpensive way to get rid of mice.

Co-op Definition
Find out what a co-op is.

Roommate Questions
Thinking about rooming with someone? Before you agree to living together, ask each other these questions to get a sense of your compatibility.

State Farm Renters Insurance
The pros and cons of State Farm renters insurance.

Studio definition
What is a studio apartment? Read the definition here.

Rent Stabilized Apartment
Rent stabilized apartments are governed by regulations.

Co-op Basics
Learn how co-op ownership works, taxes and fees, co-op boards, and how to buy interest into one.

Before You Choose a Roommate
Who you choose to live with is an important decision. Before you begin interviewing potential roommates, ask yourself these questions.

Top Storage Trunks
Storage trunks are an ideal piece of furniture for small spaces, because they can have multiple functions.

Renters Insurance Coverage
Types of damage or loss that is protected by renters insurance.

Broker's Fee
Before you begin your apartment search, find out what the differences are between fee, low-fee, and no-fee apartments.

Lease Assignment
When you want to permanently leave you apartment, lease assignments are a legal way to break your lease.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Protect yourself and your family with a carbon monoxide detector. Be prepared in the event that the carbon monoxide detector goes off.

Month-to-Month Definition
Explanation on month-to-month apartments.

Choosing a Mover
Hiring a moving company can be very expensive. Yet hiring the cheapest mover might place your belongings in the hands of a clumsy and careless mover. Add to that the handful of disreputable movers and it is no wonder moving is so stressful. Read on for a basic guide to finding a reliable moving company.

Apartment Living 101
A beginner's guide to living in apartments.

Mold Basics
Mold is bad for both your health and your apartment. Find out what mold is and how you can remove mold growth effectively and safely.

The First Rent Check
This is the beginning of your relationship with the landlord. Quick tip on how to start it off on the right foot.

Apartment Brokers Pros & Cons
Explains in detail the benefits of hiring apartment brokers as well as the drawbacks. Discusses apartment brokers whose fees are paid by landlords.

Keep Your Security Deposit
Don't let the landlord unfairly deduct your security deposit for others' damage. What to do when you move in and move out of your apartment to get your security deposit back.

Sublet definition
Sublets are very common and offer you more living options.

Apartment Ad Template
A customizable apartment ad template that you can download and print from your own computer.

Bring Nature Into Your Home
Ugly views and no yard can be remedied by adding reminders of nature, so you may relax in your home.

Walk-Up definition
What is a walk-up apartment? Read the definition here.

Sample Repair Request Letter
Make your repair requests in writing. Use this sample repair request letter to write your landlord or property manager.

Condo Basics
Discusses how ownership works, taxes and fees and how to buy one.

Living With a Messy Roommate
Roommate problems make home life unbearable. What to do if your roommate is giving you problems with neatness and cleanliness.

Security Deposit Definition
Find out what a security deposit is.

Constructive Evictions
Explanation of constructive evicion.

Live Mouse Traps
Live mouse traps are a humane way to get rid of mice. They are safe to use and do not kill the mouse.

Neighborhood Inspection
Don't get stuck trekking 30 minutes just to do your laundry. Before you sign the lease, make an apartment checklist of things to inspect in the surrounding area of all prospective apartments.

Apartment Noise
A natural part of apartment living. But what should you do if the noise exceeds acceptable levels?

Kitchen Fire Safety
Cook safely in the kitchen. Fire Safety tips will help prevent a kitchen fire.

Rent Control definition
Definition of a rent-controlled apartment.

Security Deposit Disputes
What you need to know about getting your security deposit back.

Good Sublet Ads
Generate interest in your available sublet by writing a good apartment ad.

Housing Choice Vouchers
Section 8 housing choice vouchers provide low-income residents with a subsidy that can be applied to apartments in the private sector. Learn more about the different types of Section 8 housing choice vouchers.

Why Get a Roommate
Top ways to tell that you need a roommate.

Railroad Apartment definition
Find out what a railroad apartment is.

Apartment Acronyms
Deciphering those apartment acronyms in the classified ads can feel similar to reading a foreign language. Here is a mini dictionary of the most common apartment acronyms and abbreviations.

5 Worst Tenants
For landlords, there are desirable tenants and migraine-inducing tenants. These are the top five worst types of tenants.

Guarantor definition
Explanation of guarantors and their purpose when the rent is more than you can afford.

Bedbugs 101
Not sure you have bedbugs in your home? There are some telltale signs of a bedbug infestation--besides bites, of course.

Dividing Rent Among Roommates
Tips and guidelines on splitting the rent among roommates.

High-Rise definition
Find out what high-rise apartments are.

Apartment Super
The apartment super is an oft overlooked member of the community — until you need something, that is. Learn more about what their responsibilities are to the apartment building.

Be a Better Neighbor
How to be a better next-door neighbor and why it's important.

Roommate Fun - House Party
There are two kinds of roommates. Ones whom you barely know and those who are your friends. Suggestions on getting to know your roommate better.

Pet Safety in the Home
Items that may be poisonous to your dog or cat.

Lease definition
The apartment lease is a legal contract and one of the most important documents when renting an apartment.

Suspicious Apartment Listings
In online apartment listings, especially in sites like Craigslist, bad apartment ads run rampant. List of apartment listings to look out for.

Apartment Therapy Book Review
Review of the book [i]Apartment Therapy[/i] by Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan, creator of the popular blog, ApartmentTherapy.com.

Roommate Poll - What Do You Fight About Most With Your Roomate?
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Poll - How Much is Your Monthly Rent for Your Apartment?
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Money Order Definition
You can pay your first month's rent and security deposit with a money order. Find out what a money order is and where to get one.

Apartment Living / Rental - HowTos
An index of HowTos for the Apartment Living / Rental guide site.

Proprietary Lease - Definition
Detailed definition of proprietary leases.

Safety 101
The basic safety concerns faced by apartment dwellers, including fire safety, carbon monoxide poisoning and getting renters insurance.

California Small Claims Courts
Information on filing a claim in a small claims court in California.

6 Ways to Finding an Apartment
There are many ways to go about finding an apartment: look online, use brokers, check newspapers, and more. Read about the top six methods and resources that may aid you in finding an apartment.

Junior Apartment - Definition
Definition of a junior apartment.

Fair Housing Act Classes
A landlord cannot treat a renter differently during any stage of the rental process based on certain characteristics. Learn more about what's considered housing discrimination.

HUD definition
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, also known as HUD, oversees housing in the United States. Find out more about what HUD is.

Flex Apartment - Definition
Definition of a flex apartment.

Working with Brokers - Tips
Work with apartment brokers to get the most out of the apartment search.

Tenant, Definition
Definition of "tenant".

Bring a Camera With You
A tip to help you decide on an apartment.

Blockbusting definition
Blockbusting is a procedure that affects white homeowners and black home purchasers.

Property Manager definition
Definition of "property manager."

Better Broker Service
The relationship between the broker and the tenant.

Rental Agreement definition
You may come across this term during your search for apartments.

Roommate Chores - Dividing Roommate Chores
Four lists of chores that can be divided among the roommates.

Eviction Definition
Definition of eviction.

Broom Clean - Definition
"Broom clean" relates to the condition of an apartment when a tenant leaves.

Apartment Horror Story
An apartment horror story.

Condo definition
Definition of a condominium.

Submission Guidelines
Instructions on sending apartment horror stories to About.com's Apartment Living and Rental section.

Housing Discrimination-Other
Some classes are not protected under the Fair Housing Act, which is a federal act, but are protected in some states. Read about which categories might be protected in your state.

Roommate Fun - Watch a TV Show
Have fun with your roommates and get to know them better with these roommate bonding tips.

Convertible - Definition
Definition of a convertible apartment.

Superintendent - Definition
The super takes care of an apartment building.

Roommate Fun - Cook Dinner
There are two kinds of roommates. Ones whom you barely know and those who are your friends. Suggestions on getting to know your roommate better.

Poll - Which Pest has Passed Through Your Home?
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Chicago Fair Housing Office
HUD's Fair Housing Regional Office, which covers Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

New York Fair Housing Office
HUD's Fair Housing Regional Office, which covers the states of New York and New Jersey

Tenant Associations
Brief description of the purposes of tenant associations and how they protect the interests of tenants.

Denver Fair Housing Office
HUD's Fair Housing Regional Office, which covers Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.

Roommate Fun - Movie Night
There are two kinds of roommates. Ones whom you barely know and those who are your friends. Suggestions on getting to know your roomie better.

Lead Safety in the Apartment
Learn about the dangers and health hazards of lead paint in the apartment.

Poll - How Did You Find Your Last Apartment?
The most popular methods of finding an apartment.

Poll - What Kind of Apartment Do You Live In?
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Roommates Invade Your Room
If you have a nosy roommate or an influx of strange guests in your apartment, learn how to protect your room.

Poll - Does the Super Live in Your Apartment Building
Take this poll to see how many people have live-in supers in their apartment.

Roommate Fun - Out on the Town
There are two kinds of roommates. Ones whom you barely know and those who are your friends. Suggestions on getting to know your roommate better.

Your Own Iron Chef Competition
There are two kinds of roommates. Ones whom you barely know and those who are your friends. Get to know your roommate and their friends better with an Iron Chef cook-off.

Roommate Fun-Cooking Class
There are two kinds of roommates. Ones whom you barely know and those who are your friends. Suggestions on getting to know your roommate better.

Class 7 - Definition
Definition of a "classic 7" apartment.

Atlanta Fair Housing Office
HUD's Fair Housing Regional Office, which covers Alabama, the Caribbean, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

KansasCity Fair Housing Office
HUD's Fair Housing Regional Office, which covers Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.

Phil. Fair Housing Office
HUD's Fair Housing Regional Office, which covers Delaware, Washington D.C., Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Apartment Abbreviations
Definition of apartment abbreviations and acronyms in apartment listings.

San Francisco Fair Housing
HUD's Fair Housing Regional Office, which covers Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Nevada.

Landlord Definition
Definition of Landlord

Roommate Fun - Tag Sale
There are two kinds of roommates. Ones whom you barely know and those who are your friends. Suggestions on getting to know your roommate better.