Housing & utilities

Rent an apartment, understand your lease and deposit, know your tenant rights, and set up electricity, gas and internet.

Rent an apartment
What the total move-in cost really is, what a U.S. lease commits you to, and the deposit rules that decide whether you get your money back.
Set up electricity, gas, water and internet
Why utilities want a deposit from you and how to avoid it, what a credit check has to do with electricity, and which bills are already in your rent.
Your rights as a tenant
What a landlord may and may not do, in every state — and where the rules differ enough that you must check locally.
Rent a place with no credit history
What landlords are actually screening for, the offers that substitute for a credit score, and the arrangements that leave you with no rights at all.

Official links · Housing & utilities

Select a state to see the offices and websites that apply to you.