Practical, plain-English guides for renters and first-time buyers. General information only, not legal or financial advice.
Renting guides
How to find, apply for and keep a great rental, plus your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
Breaking a Lease: Your Options and How to Minimize Costs
What to do if you need to break an apartment lease early: reading your lease, talking to your…
How to Negotiate Rent and Your Lease Renewal
Practical, respectful strategies for negotiating rent, move-in terms and lease renewals, including research, timing and what to ask…
Rental Application Tips: How to Stand Out and Get Approved
How landlords review rental applications and practical ways to strengthen yours: documents, credit, income, references, co-signers and fair…
Buying & mortgage guides
Rent vs. buy, pre-approval, closing costs, HOA documents and first-time buyer programs, in plain English.
How to Save for a Down Payment While Renting
Realistic strategies for building a down payment fund while you rent: setting a goal, automating savings, cutting housing…
First-Time Homebuyer Programs: Where to Look for Help
An overview of federal loan programs, state housing finance agency assistance and local programs for first-time homebuyers, with…
Buying a Condo? How to Review HOA Documents
What to look for in condo and HOA documents before you buy: CC&Rs, bylaws, budgets, reserve studies, meeting…
Decor & small-space guides
Renter-friendly ideas to make a studio or small apartment feel bigger, brighter and more organized.
Apartment Lighting Guide: Brighten Any Room Without Rewiring
How to light an apartment well without rewiring: layering ambient, task and accent light, choosing bulbs, color temperature…
Small Balcony and Patio Ideas for Apartment Living
Turn a small apartment balcony or patio into usable outdoor space with compact furniture, container plants, lighting and…
Renter-Friendly Kitchen Upgrades You Can Undo
Reversible kitchen upgrades for renters: lighting, hardware, storage, backsplashes, faucets and organization ideas that protect your deposit.
Neighborhood guides
Long-form guides to renting in specific Los Angeles areas.
Koreatown and Downtown LA: A Guide for Apartment Renters
A renter's guide to Koreatown and Downtown Los Angeles: neighborhood character, Metro access, apartment types and tips for…
Renting in Santa Monica: A Neighborhood Guide
A renter's guide to Santa Monica: its neighborhoods, beach and downtown, getting around by Metro and bike, and…
Living in Sherman Oaks and Studio City: A Renter's Guide
A renter's guide to Sherman Oaks and Studio City in the San Fernando Valley: neighborhood feel, Ventura Boulevard,…
Moving guides
Checklists, packing tips, choosing movers and moving with pets.
Moving With Pets: How to Make the Transition Easier
Tips for moving to a new apartment with a dog or cat: pet-friendly rentals, pet policies, vet records,…
How to Choose a Moving Company and Avoid Scams
How to compare movers, verify licenses, understand estimates and valuation coverage, and spot the warning signs of moving…
Packing Tips for a Smoother Apartment Move
Practical packing tips for an apartment move: supplies, a room-by-room plan, labeling, fragile items, an essentials box and…