Renter guides
Renting Guides: Apartments, Leases, Deposits, and Moving
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 CalculatorWhat rent fits your income, both ways.
- Deposit Limits by StateMaximum deposits and return deadlines, 50 states.
All renter guides
- First Apartment ChecklistEverything to do, buy, and check before and after move-in day.
- Renting With Bad CreditHow to get approved with a low score: co-signers, larger deposits, proof of income.
- How Much Rent Can I Afford?The 30% rule, the 50/30/20 budget, and what landlords actually require.
- Security Deposit GuideHow deposits work, what landlords can deduct, and how to get yours back.
- How to Read a LeaseEvery clause that matters, translated from legalese, before you sign.
- Roommate Agreement GuideWhat to agree in writing before moving in together: rent splits, chores, guests, exit plan.
- Renter's Insurance ExplainedWhat it covers, what it costs ($15-30/month), and why landlords require it.
- Moving Checklist8-week timeline: what to do when, from decluttering to address changes.
Budget the move
Our tip calculator splits mover tips, the discount calculator compares furnishing deals, and the compound interest calculator 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.