Renter Resources

If your lease includes heat, you might think you have a free pass to crank the thermostat. However, heat-included rentals are often priced based on usage, meaning excessive heating can lead to higher future rent. Learn how to conserve energy, reduce your environmental footprint, and keep your apartment costs under control this winter.

In 2018, Steve Brown Apartments proudly supported The Beacon, a Dane County resource center for individuals experiencing homelessness. By donating toward a new shuttle, we helped ensure guests could easily access critical services in one convenient location. We remain dedicated to supporting organizations that address homelessness and provide dignity to those in our community.

SBA Gives is proud to sponsor a family through The Road Home of Dane County’s Second Chance Apartment Program. By providing ten thousand dollars in annual rent support, we empower families to gain financial stability and secure permanent housing. Discover how our charitable grant program creates lasting change throughout the Southwest Wisconsin community today.

Saving for college is a priority for many families, but knowing how to use your funds correctly is essential. Can you use 529 plan money to cover off-campus rent? We explore the rules regarding qualified education expenses, including rent, utilities, and food, with insights from professional advisors to help you avoid potential tax penalties.

Thinking about using Airbnb or VRBO to earn extra cash from your apartment? While it sounds like a lucrative side hustle, renting your home out as a micro-hotel comes with significant risks. Before you list your place, you must understand the City of Madison ordinances, tax requirements, and potential lease violations that could cost you.

Bringing a pet into your life is a rewarding experience, but renting adds a layer of complexity to the process. From understanding the true costs of ownership to navigating pet deposits and finding animal-friendly housing, our complete guide helps renters make responsible decisions. Learn how to prepare your apartment and your budget for a new companion.

Struggling to find a subletter before you head out of town? When standard listings fail, it is time to get creative. From holding signs at sporting events to offering unique incentives or slashing your rent, these 17 unconventional tips will help you stand out and finally secure a subletter for your apartment in record time.

Finding the right apartment is about more than just the amenities. Before you sign a lease, you need to ensure your property manager is professional, communicative, and empathetic. From assessing their patience during tours to understanding their maintenance policies, discover eight essential signs that indicate you have found a truly great landlord.

Nobody wants to be the person driving their neighbors crazy, but you might be unknowingly guilty of annoying habits. From loud music and slamming doors to late-night vacuuming, apartment living requires a level of consideration for those around you. Check out these ten common mistakes to ensure you are being a respectful, neighborly resident today.

Sharing an apartment can save money, but choosing the wrong person can lead to a living nightmare. Before you sign a lease, avoid common roommate pitfalls by asking the right questions early. From managing finances to setting guest policies and cleaning expectations, our guide helps you spot red flags and secure a peaceful home.