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Costs
1. What will the apartment really cost? Rent plus utilities, required fees (parking, trash, amenities), renters insurance, and move-in costs. See how much rent can I afford.
2. What move-in costs should I expect? Security deposit, first (and sometimes last) month’s rent, application fees, utility deposits, and moving costs.
3. Are there limits on security deposits? In about 30 states and D.C. See security deposit laws.
4. Are there limits on late fees? Many states cap or require reasonable late fees. Check your lease and state law.
Applying
5. What can a landlord screen for? Income, rental history, credit, and criminal history within fair housing and state limits. See tenant screening.
6. Can I be denied for having a voucher? In many states and cities, no. See source-of-income protections.
7. What if I have no rental history? Offer references, proof of income or savings, a guarantor, or a larger deposit where legal. See co-signers and guarantors.
8. How do I avoid scams? See the unit (or have someone trusted see it), verify the owner, and never pay by wire, gift card, or crypto. See rental scams.
Leases
9. Should I sign a lease or go month-to-month? A lease locks rent for the term; month-to-month offers flexibility but rent can rise with notice.
10. What should I look for in a lease? See how to read a lease.
11. Can the lease contradict the ad? The signed lease usually controls. Get promises in writing.
12. Can I get out of a lease early? Sometimes. See breaking a lease.
Living there
13. Who handles repairs? Landlords must keep the unit habitable. Request repairs in writing. See repairs and habitability.
14. Can my landlord enter without notice? Usually only in emergencies; otherwise reasonable notice is required. See landlord entry.
15. Can my landlord raise the rent? Usually not during a lease; with notice afterward, subject to local caps. See rent increases.
16. How should I pay rent? Use traceable methods and keep receipts.
17. Can I have a pet? Only if the lease allows. Assistance animals are a disability accommodation, not pets.
18. Can I get a roommate? Check subletting and occupancy rules. See shared housing.
19. Do I need renters insurance? It’s often required and usually inexpensive. See renters insurance.
20. What if I can’t pay rent? Contact the landlord early and seek help. See talking to your landlord about late rent.
Rights and problems
21. Can I be evicted without a court order? No. See the eviction process.
22. What if my landlord retaliates? Retaliation is illegal in most states. See retaliation.
23. What if I face discrimination? See housing discrimination.
Moving out
24. How do I get my deposit back? Give proper notice, clean, document, return keys, and provide a forwarding address. See security deposit rights.
25. What should I do before moving? See the moving checklist.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I spend on rent?
A common guideline is no more than 30% of gross income on rent plus utilities. See our rent affordability guide.
What do I need to rent an apartment?
Usually photo ID, proof of income, rental history and references, an application fee, and money for the deposit and first month’s rent.
Sources and verification
Use these sources to check program rules. Funding, openings, and local procedures must be confirmed with the agency handling your application.
- Tenant rightsUSAGov
- Rental listing scamsFederal Trade Commission
- Review your rental background checkConsumer Financial Protection Bureau
Found a changed rule or a broken link? Report a correction for this guide.