It seems like anything can be done these days with a cell Phone, and if you know where to look, that is true of the entire process of successfully renting and maintaining an Apartment or house. Apps for renters range from tools that help you budget to keep your finances in order, to useful apps for renters who are still searching for that perfect property and want to apply for a new lease.

The best phone apps for managing apartment finances

Mint – No matter how well-planned a move is, there is usually some time in which the financial dust is settling after a big change, and the budgeting tool Mint is a useful app for renters who want to stay on top of their new payments, insurance rates, and other budget line items. Mint links to all of your financial accounts securely, so that just opening the app on your phone gives you an instant snapshot of your money situation. You can organize your bills and make sure that they get paid on time, as well as setting budgets and tracking spending trends over the months. Looking back at past years in Mint is a great way to keep track of potential upcoming expenses and making sure that your rent still makes it on time, keeping your credit score high. Get it for iOS or Android.

Venmo – If you are splitting bills with a partner or roommate, then you need Venmo. This app allows you to easily send money between friends, taking the hassle out of splitting common apartment finances such as rent, utility bills, insurance, internet, and groceries. Users can send a charge to the recipient for the desired amount, and once complete you can initiate a transfer of the funds directly into your bank account. The best part is that you can look back on your history to keep track of who paid for what and can send reminders for any outstanding requests for payment. Get Venmo for IOS or Android.

Splitwise – Similarly to Venmo, Splitwise is a useful phone app for renters living with others. Splitwise allows users to split expenses, track lending and borrowing, and organize expenses within groups. Top features include the option to split by percent or shares, categorize expenses, and add reacquiring expenses and payments. You can also export expense reports as a CSV file to keep on record. Get it for IOS or Android.

The best phone app for apartment projects and maintenance

Taskrabbit – If you’ve ever struggled while mounting a TV or installing shelving in your apartment, you should need to give Taskrabbit a try. Users can choose from a number of ‘taskers’ who can complete any home project quickly and effectively. From cleaning and organizing your space, to moving boxes and assembling furniture, there’s a tasker available to assist with pretty much everything in your apartment. You can choose your tasker by reviews, skills, and price, and are even able to schedule services for a window that works best in your schedule. All payments and communication are done exclusively through the app, making each transaction safe and simple. Get the app on IOS and Android.

The best phone apps for planning your move

Sortly – Sortly is the perfect iOS and Android app for the moving process. You can do everything from organizing your packing lists to managing large collections of important items, to inventorying your home for insurance purposes. As far as renters’ apps go, this one is easy to use and has a $4.99/month options to “go Pro” and get access to premium features like syncing with another phone in your family so that you both can work together on photographing and documenting your items and keeping track of your items when you move to a new apartment.

Encircle – Encircle is another iOS and Android app that allows you to do some of the same tasks as Sortly, but specifically for documentation purposes. Why document your apartment? Easy – you want to be able to get everything you deserve if you use your renter’s insurance policy, so having this application allows you to easily make clear what was in your apartment if any damage occurs that requires you to file a claim. (Don’t have renters’ insurance yet? Check out the mobile renters’ insurance app, Lemonade!)

Want to take photographs of the shape your apartment is in when you move in? Encircle allows you to sign up as your particular role as a renter, and create a detailed report of exactly what you found when you got into your apartment. Taking more images over time allows you to keep clear photos, videos, and notes to use in the future. It’s also a great app for figuring out your decoration plans for the new apartment, since bringing a comprehensive video tour of your apartment with you to the furniture store is a great way to make sure that none of the colors clash or you forget the angle of a particular sunbeam through the window.

The best phone apps for buying and selling apartment furniture

Facebook Marketplace – Mostly everyone knows that Facebook is a great application to connect with family and friends, but did you also know that Facebook Marketplace is one of the best places to buy and sell furniture? Users can filter search results by top categories, price, and location. Renters can find great deals on apartment furniture while supporting a sustainable option for retail. Even better, if you’re planning a move and looking to get rid of your unwanted items, you can make some much needed cash in the process. Marketplace can be accessed directly in the Facebook app, but you will need an active user login.

Offerup – Similarly to Facebook Marketplace, Offerup allows users to buy and sell furniture online. Find everything from furniture to home appliances and electronics. Find the app on IOS and Android.

The best phone app for connecting with the community

Nextdoor – Another free app for iOS and Android, Nextdoor’s social networking app is only for people with addresses in your neighborhood. Get to know your neighborhood quickly with this must-have app for renters. Like an old-fashioned bulletin board, people post about missing pets, local festivals, items for sale, and upcoming meetings so that you can get plugged in as a good neighbor.

The best phone app for apartment security

Canary – Perhaps the simplest home security system out today, Canary is a security camera paired with an iOS or Android app. This robust app for renters allows you to view live video from your home remotely, checking to make sure that nothing is amiss. Your camera is motion-sensitive, so it will update you when it catches sight of movement, and from your phone, there are options for calling the police or sounding a loud and surprising alarm to frighten intruders and get them to leave without harming your home. The app makes it possible to take your security system easily to a new place, which is a great feature and a must-have app for renters.

The best phone apps for finding an apartment

Zumper – This app allows you to get a great snapshot of where you want to live and explore nearby options based on the many things that matter to renters: parks, weather, landmarks, culture. It’s possible to shop from all the way across the country and still pick the neighbourhood that fits your style and easily explore what properties are available. On iOS or Android, it’s free to download and you can submit applications and fees for apartments from the app itself, saving time and headaches.

Padmapper – The apartment hunting app that makes searching for an apartment actually interesting, fun and relevant. Their mapping interface and the quick ways to contact landlords make searching on Padmapper and finding a great rental unit easier than you would ever think possible. A good feature is that it also pulls from other sites to give you an aggregate picture of what is available in the area you are looking. Want to be able to narrow down your search? Use the app to hide and favourite properties, as well as mark places you’ve already seen. It’s available on iOS or Android and is free.

While no application alone covers the entire renting process, just a small screen full of buttons can represent the entire process of locating apartments and properties, the packing and documentation process, and getting to know your neighborhood while you decorating your new pad. Use these applications to make sure you never miss out on renting in your dream location, at a price that you’ve budgeted for and with all the helpful renters’ apps in tow for the length of your lease.

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