Renter FAQ

Common Renter Questions

Renting has its own set of rules, hidden costs, and negotiating opportunities that most tenants never learn about. Whether you’re signing your first lease or your tenth, these questions cover what actually matters.

How much rent can I actually afford?

The standard guideline is 30% of gross monthly income, but that’s a ceiling, not a target. On $60,000/year ($5,000/month gross), that’s $1,500/month max on rent. Problem is, that 30% rule doesn’t account for student loans, car payments, or the fact that you should also be saving 15-20% for retirement and emergencies. A more realistic approach: total housing costs (rent + utilities + renter’s insurance) should be under 25% of take-home pay. On $60,000/year with normal deductions, take-home is roughly $3,800/month, so aim for rent under $950. That’s tighter than 30% of gross, but it leaves money for everything else.

What credit score do I need to rent an apartment?

Most landlords look for 620+ for standard apartments. Luxury buildings and corporate-managed properties often require 680-700+. Below 580, you’ll likely need a cosigner, a larger security deposit (2-3 months’ rent), or both. Some landlords weight income more heavily than credit — if you earn 40-50x the monthly rent (e.g., $60,000+ annual income for $1,500/month rent), a mediocre credit score might not disqualify you. Small private landlords are generally more flexible than property management companies because they can make case-by-case decisions.

Is renter’s insurance worth it?

Absolutely. Renter’s insurance costs $15-$30/month and covers your personal belongings (theft, fire, water damage), liability (someone gets injured in your apartment — $100,000-$300,000 coverage), and additional living expenses (hotel costs if your unit becomes uninhabitable). Your landlord’s insurance covers the building structure only — not your stuff. If your apartment floods or catches fire, every piece of clothing, furniture, electronics, and cookware you own is uninsured without renter’s policy. Most people own $20,000-$50,000 worth of personal property and don’t realize it until they have to replace everything at once.

Can I negotiate my rent?

Yes, and most renters never try. Best times to negotiate: during renewal (landlords prefer keeping a good tenant over finding a new one — turnover costs them $1,000-$5,000 in vacancy, cleaning, and marketing), in off-season (November-February in most markets, when fewer people are moving), and when comparable units in the area are priced lower. Come with data: show listings for similar apartments in the neighborhood at lower rents. Ask for a longer lease in exchange for a lower rate — a 15-18 month lease at $50 less/month costs you nothing but saves $600-$900 over the term, and gives the landlord guaranteed income.

What should I look for before signing a lease?

Beyond the obvious (rent amount, move-in date, lease length): early termination clause and penalties (typically 2 months’ rent, but some leases require you to pay through the entire term), subletting rules (can you sublet if you need to relocate for work?), maintenance responsibilities (who handles minor repairs?), pest control (who pays?), guest policies, parking details, utility responsibilities (which utilities are included and which are your responsibility?), noise/pet policies, and what happens if you break the lease early. Read every page. Landlords don’t expect you to read the lease. That’s exactly why you should.

How do I get my security deposit back?

Documentation is everything. Take timestamped photos and video of every room, every wall, every appliance on move-in day. Email them to yourself (creates an unalterable timestamp) and to your landlord. At move-out: clean thoroughly (or hire a cleaner for $200-$400), patch small nail holes, replace burned-out bulbs, and do the same photo documentation. Most states require landlords to return deposits within 14-30 days with an itemized list of any deductions. If they don’t, many states allow you to sue for 2-3x the deposit amount. Know your state’s specific rules — they vary significantly.

What are my rights if my landlord isn’t making repairs?

Every state requires landlords to maintain “habitable conditions” — working plumbing, heating, electrical, structural integrity, and pest-free environments. If your landlord ignores repair requests: (1) document everything in writing (email creates a paper trail), (2) check your local tenant rights laws for “repair and deduct” provisions (in many states, you can hire a repair person and deduct the cost from rent for urgent issues), (3) contact your local housing authority or tenant’s rights organization. Never withhold rent without following your state’s specific legal process — illegal rent withholding can get you evicted even when the landlord is in the wrong.

Can my landlord raise my rent at any time?

During a fixed-term lease, no — your rent is locked for the lease period. After the lease expires (or on a month-to-month arrangement), your landlord can raise rent with proper notice: typically 30 days for month-to-month, 60-90 days in some states. The amount of increase is unlimited in most of the US — only a handful of cities and states have rent control (New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland, and parts of New Jersey). Even in rent-controlled areas, there are usually exemptions for newer buildings. Your best defense against large increases is being a great tenant (pays on time, no complaints, maintains the property) and negotiating at renewal time.

Should I rent or buy in this market?

Run the math, not the vibes. In many markets as of 2024-2025, renting is substantially cheaper than buying on a monthly cash-flow basis because home prices and interest rates are both elevated. The rule of thumb: if the price-to-rent ratio (home price divided by annual rent for a comparable property) exceeds 20, renting is likely the better financial decision for the next 3-5 years. At a ratio above 25, renting is almost certainly better. The national average is currently around 18-20, but individual markets range from 12 (buy-favorable) to 35+ (rent-favorable in coastal cities).

What’s the best way to find an apartment?

Cast a wide net then narrow. Start with Zillow, Apartments.com, and Craigslist (still active for private landlords). For the best deals, check Facebook Marketplace and local Facebook housing groups — private landlords often list there first because it’s free. Drive through neighborhoods you like and look for “For Rent” signs — some landlords still don’t list online, especially older property owners. In competitive markets, be ready to apply immediately: have your credit report, pay stubs, bank statement, photo ID, and references pre-assembled in a PDF. First qualified applicant often wins.

Explore more in our complete renter’s guide, tenant rights guide, and lease agreement explainer.