# Renting Guides: Apartments, Leases, Deposits, and Moving

Renter guides

Practical guides for renters: affording rent, getting approved, reading the lease, protecting your deposit, and moving without chaos. Written plainly, with the numbers that matter.

## Start here

- [**Rent Affordability Calculator**What rent fits your income, both ways.](/rent-affordability-calculator/)

- [**Deposit Limits by State**Maximum deposits and return deadlines, 50 states.](/renting/security-deposit-limits/)

## All renter guides

- [**First Apartment Checklist**Everything to do, buy, and check before and after move-in day.](/renting/first-apartment-checklist/)
- [**Renting With Bad Credit**How to get approved with a low score: co-signers, larger deposits, proof of income.](/renting/renting-with-bad-credit/)
- [**How Much Rent Can I Afford?**The 30% rule, the 50/30/20 budget, and what landlords actually require.](/renting/how-much-rent-can-i-afford/)
- [**Security Deposit Guide**How deposits work, what landlords can deduct, and how to get yours back.](/renting/security-deposit-guide/)
- [**How to Read a Lease**Every clause that matters, translated from legalese, before you sign.](/renting/how-to-read-a-lease/)
- [**Roommate Agreement Guide**What to agree in writing before moving in together: rent splits, chores, guests, exit plan.](/renting/roommate-agreement/)
- [**Renter's Insurance Explained**What it covers, what it costs ($15-30/month), and why landlords require it.](/renting/renters-insurance/)
- [**Moving Checklist**8-week timeline: what to do when, from decluttering to address changes.](/renting/moving-checklist/)

## Budget the move

Our [tip calculator](/tip-calculator/) splits mover tips, the [discount calculator](/discount-calculator/) compares furnishing deals, and the [compound interest calculator](/compound-interest/) shows what the money you save on rent becomes over time.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much rent can I afford?

The standard guidance is no more than 30% of gross monthly income on rent plus utilities, and most landlords require income of 3x the rent. Use the rent affordability calculator for your exact numbers.

### What credit score do I need to rent?

Many landlords look for 620 to 650, with no legal minimum. Lower scores can be offset with larger deposits, co-signers, or strong proof of income.

### How much does it cost to move into an apartment?

Typically first month's rent plus a security deposit (often one month's rent, subject to state limits) plus $100 to $300 in fees. Having three months of rent saved is a safe target.