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Get guidance throughout the rental process

Renter Resources

From preparing to rent a home to eventually moving out, we have tips, information, and resources to help you make the most of your experience as an informed renter.

The rental process

Here’s an overview of the rental process in four basic steps.

1 Prepare to rent
2 Apply and sign a lease
3 Make the most of renting
4 Moving Out

1

Step 1 — Prepare to rent

Renting comes with costs beyond the monthly rental payment. As you search for your rental, make sure you understand what you can afford and learn about the importance of credit history.

Prepare for the costs of renting

Learn about the up-front and ongoing costs you may have as a renter, so you can budget accordingly.

Understand credit basics

Find out how credit can impact your ability to rent. It’s never too early to start building credit.

2

Step 2 — Apply and sign a lease

When you find a home that fits your needs and budget, you’ll typically submit a rental application. If you’re approved, you’ll sign a lease.

What to know before applying for a lease

If you ask the right questions and understand the process, you may be able to reduce the number of applications you’ll need to submit — and potentially save yourself time and money.

Understanding your lease

The lease agreement is a legally binding document, so be sure you read it and understand what you’re signing.

Submitting your security deposit

Most rentals require a security deposit. Learn what it is, what you’re responsible for, and how to get it back.

3

Step 3 — Make the most of renting

Have a better renter experience by understanding your options and rights as a renter and making informed decisions.

Know your renter rights

As a renter, you’re protected by a number of federal, state, and local laws — and your landlord is too.

Make Your Rent Count

When you’re ready to buy a home, your on-time rent payments can help you build credit while renting.

If you’re facing a difficult financial situation and struggling to pay your rent, help may be available. Explore your relief options.

4

Step 4 — Moving Out

When it’s time for your next move, plan ahead for a successful transition.

When will I get my security deposit back?

Here are some tips on getting your deposit back when you move out.

Rent vs. buy — what’s right for you?

What’s your next step? Here are some things to consider when deciding whether to rent a new place or buy your own home.

Step 1 — Prepare to rent

Renting comes with costs beyond the monthly rental payment. As you search for your rental, make sure you understand what you can afford and learn about the importance of credit history.

Prepare for the costs of renting

Learn about the up-front and ongoing costs you may have as a renter, so you can budget accordingly.

Understand credit basics

Find out how credit can impact your ability to rent. It’s never too early to start building credit.

Step 2 — Apply and sign a lease

When you find a home that fits your needs and budget, you’ll typically submit a rental application. If you’re approved, you’ll sign a lease.

What to know before applying for a lease

If you ask the right questions and understand the process, you may be able to reduce the number of applications you’ll need to submit — and potentially save yourself time and money.

Understanding your lease

The lease agreement is a legally binding document, so be sure you read it and understand what you’re signing.

Submitting your security deposit

Most rentals require a security deposit. Learn what it is, what you’re responsible for, and how to get it back.

Step 3 — Make the most of renting

Have a better renter experience by understanding your options and rights as a renter and making informed decisions.

Know your renter rights

As a renter, you’re protected by a number of federal, state, and local laws — and your landlord is too.

Make Your Rent Count

When you’re ready to buy a home, your on-time rent payments can help you build credit while renting.

If you’re facing a difficult financial situation and struggling to pay your rent, help may be available. Explore your relief options.

Step 4 — Moving Out

When it’s time for your next move, plan ahead for a successful transition.

When will I get my security deposit back?

Here are some tips on getting your deposit back when you move out.

Rent vs. buy — what’s right for you?

What’s your next step? Here are some things to consider when deciding whether to rent a new place or buy your own home.

Support is available for renters

How to find rental assistance

If you’re struggling to pay rent or meet housing costs, there are rental assistance resources available.

Get to know your renter rights

If you’re facing eviction it’s important that you understand your protections.

Did you know?

MAKE RENT COUNT

Your rent payments can help you get a home loan

A consistent record of paying rent can help first-time buyers qualify for a home mortgage, even with a limited credit history.

couple on couch

BUILD AND MANAGE CREDIT

Learn about credit and how to use it

Brush up on the basics and discover how you can build credit and work toward bigger goals — like homeownership.

Interested in learning about homeownership?

Seven steps to homeownership

Buying a home can seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s a quick look at the seven steps on the path to homeownership.

Homebuyer readiness checklist

Use this checklist to see if you may be ready to buy and own a home.

Download the checklist

Helpful resources and tools for renters

Explore tools for more informed renting and homebuying decisions.

See all resources & tools