7 Tips for Negotiating Your Apartment Lease

Female Tenant Renter Shows Apartment Keys Whether you’re a long-time renter looking for a new living space, a first-time renter unsure of where to start, or a current renter considering extending your stay, negotiating your apartment lease can feel daunting. But the fact of the matter is that you’ll never know if and where the landlord or property manager is willing to budge if you don’t bother to ask. Today, we’ll share seven lease negotiation tips with you.  [Read more…]

How to Guarantee Your Apartment Security Deposit Refund

Blue piggy bank on top of spread of cash.If you’ve rented a place to live, you’re likely familiar with the concept of security deposits. Depending on how well you take care of your rental unit, you’re entitled to receive this deposit back in full after moving out. However, there are some cases in which a tenant will only get a partial refund or no refund at all. So, if you want to guarantee your security deposit refund, read on.  [Read more…]

6 Renter-Friendly DIY Projects to Spruce Up Your Space

Two women working together to hang art on the walls of their rental unit.For many people, there are several perks to renting a place to live, from flexibility in moving to the lack of maintenance responsibilities. One downside to renting? Not being able to personalize the space with certain design choices due to the terms of the rental agreement. But there are ways around this. We’re sharing six renter-friendly DIY (do it yourself!) projects and renovations that can spruce up your home without violating your lease or upsetting your landlord.   [Read more…]

Can a Landlord Require Renters Insurance?

Landlord Holds Keys to Rental PropertyWhile approximately 95% of homeowners in the U.S. have homeowners insurance, only about 57% of renters have renters insurance. Unlike car insurance, here in Massachusetts, renters insurance is not required by law. And although the benefits of having renters insurance are various, with policies starting at very low premiums, many still choose to go without in order to save a few dollars a month. But wait—not so fast. Even if it’s not a government mandate, landlords often ask that their tenants do make the investment. This begs the question: Can landlords be the ones to require renters insurance?  [Read more…]

Who’s Responsible for Rental Repairs—the Landlord or Tenant?

Plumber Fixing Pipes Under SinkIf you’re renting a place to live rather than buying the home, you may be enjoying the benefit of not having to perform the maintenance and repairs since it’s not your property. Sure, if a lightbulb’s burnt out or the smoke detector needs new batteries, you can and will handle it. But when it comes to larger projects and more serious issues, who’s physically and financially responsible for the rental repairs—you or your landlord? Well, it depends on the issue and who or what caused it. Let’s take a closer look at key distinctions.

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What To Know Before Signing a Rental Lease

A person holding a pen about to sign a rental lease with a pair of key atop the agreement papers.With the price of housing at an all-time high, more people are becoming and staying renters. If you’re one of those people and you’ve found the perfect apartment for your lifestyle, it can be tempting to rush the agreement process and settle into your new home. However, it’s important you take some time to assess the situation and ask the landlord the right questions before moving in. Being informed protects you from any unwanted surprises down the road or from agreeing to an unfavorable contract. To help you out, we’re here to discuss what to know before signing a rental lease. [Read more…]