Renter guides
Know your rights. Rent smarter.
Practical, plain-English guides to the situations every renter runs into.
Security Deposit Return Deadlines, Ranked by State
How long your landlord can legally hold your security deposit after you move out, ranked for all 50 states plus D.C. - from 14-day states to 60-day states.
Read guideWhich States Actually Cap Rent Increases? (Only 3 Do, in 2026)
Most U.S. states let landlords raise rent by any amount. See the only 3 states with a statewide cap on annual increases - and what counts as rent control.
July 3, 2026 · 5 min readInsuranceHow Much Renters Insurance Do You Need? (2026 Guide)
A simple way to figure out how much personal property coverage to buy - plus the high-value items that standard policies quietly cap, and what to do about them.
June 26, 2026 · 6 min readLeases10 Lease Clauses That Should Be Red Flags
Before you sign, watch for these clauses - many are unenforceable, and all of them tilt the lease heavily toward the landlord.
June 24, 2026 · 7 min readScams7 Rental Scam Red Flags (and How to Avoid Losing a Deposit)
Rental scams cost renters millions every year. Learn the seven warning signs that a listing or 'landlord' is fake - before you send a cent.
June 20, 2026 · 5 min readRentIs My Rent Increase Legal? What Renters Need to Know
Most states don't cap rent, but there are real rules on notice and a few statewide caps. Here's how to tell whether your increase is allowed.
June 15, 2026 · 5 min readDepositsHow to Get Your Security Deposit Back (Step by Step)
A clear, practical guide to recovering your security deposit - including the deadlines, what landlords can legally deduct, and how to write a demand letter.
June 10, 2026 · 6 min read