Las Vegas is a popular place to go to, whether you intend to live there, stay there for a short amount of time, or you’re going there for work. With that in mind, here are some tips to help you find short-term housing when moving to Las Vegas.

Look Online

When you need to find short-term housing in Las Vegas, the best place to start is online. Here you’ll have all the information you might need at your fingertips, and you can do all your research from the comfort of your own home, so it’s ideal even if you don’t have a lot of time to spare.

Short-term housing comes under a few different names, and you could look at apartments for rent on something like Craigslist, for example. If you opt for Craigslist or a similar listing site, you must be careful, as not all listings are legitimate ones, and if you are moving to Vegas. If you want short-term housing, you need to know you are choosing well right from the start – we’ll discuss this in more detail later in this article.

You can also look at specific property listing sites, such as Air BnB. You do still need to ensure you are careful with any property you might choose, but this can be a safer option than something that is less regulated, even if it can be more expensive. You’ll need to weigh the pros and cons to see what will be best for you.

Ask Your Employer

If you are moving to Vegas for work, it can be worthwhile speaking to your employer. They might have a scheme in place that helps their team members find somewhere to live, or they might offer information from an apartment guide in Las Vegas that helps you know what to look for.

Unless you ask, it could be that your employer doesn’t realize there is an issue. If you let them know that you’ll need help, they may be able to put measures in place for you, but even if they can’t, they can help you to work out what it is that matters most and ensure you have somewhere safe to live that falls within your budget (or theirs, if they are paying for your accommodation).

Ask Friends And Family

If you are lucky enough to know people who live in the area you need short-term housing, why not ask them for advice? They might not have room to take you in, but they will undoubtedly know which areas are best and which to avoid, and they might even have some insight into potential properties that would suit you.

How To Know Short-Term Housing Las Vegas Is Legitimate?

As we mentioned earlier, it’s vital that you only consider legitimate short-term housing for your move to Las Vegas. There are many scams online, so although this is perhaps the very best option when it comes to finding somewhere to live, it also has its negative points.

One of the first red flags that should make you avoid a listing altogether is if there are no photos both inside and outside. Not only will the photos help to show you the listing is legitimate, but they will also give you an insight into the property, and you’ll know whether you would be happy living there or not.

You should also always ask a lot of questions. Don’t worry that you’ll irritate the landlord if you do this; a legitimate landlord is going to be happy to answer any query as they’ll want to ensure you’re happy with the apartment and will stay there and pay rent. If someone is evasive or doesn’t have the answers, that’s a place to avoid.

And finally, once you have found short-term housing and you’re happy, you must have a contract. Don’t make any plans or arrange to move anywhere – and certainly don’t transfer any money – until you have this contract signed by both parties. If you don’t understand it thoroughly, get some advice from someone who does, as it’s essential you only sign a contract that works for you.

Use A Credit Card

It might seem strange to say that to improve your credit, you should use a credit card regularly. Wouldn’t that cause your credit to go down? The truth is that if you use the credit card sensibly, it can help you with your credit score because it shows that you can borrow and pay back the money without any problems.

The key is to only use the card for small purchases and then pay back the entire amount each month. The problems start when you use the card for much larger purchases, or you only pay the minimum each time – this can hurt your credit, and it will push you deeper into debt, which you’ll want to avoid as much as possible.

Close Some Old Accounts

Perhaps you have a lot of old credit cards and store cards that you no longer use but that have credit amounts available on them. If so, it’s worth closing most of these – just not all of them.

When you are looking at how to improve your credit score because renting with bad credit isn’t ideal, reducing the overall amount of credit available to you certainly has its advantages. Lenders like to see that you don’t have a lot of old cards because even if you’re not using them, having the credit there will make them think you could use it in the future, and that would be problematic.

It’s a good idea to keep one or two old cards as emergency funding options, but everything else that you no longer use should be closed. Your credit score should improve as a result, and you’ll look like a much better prospect to landlords.

Look For Mistakes

No one and nothing is perfect, and that means automated systems, including credit score bureaus. It could be that there are mistakes on your credit report that are causing your credit score to be lower than it should be. This is why you need to regularly check your credit report to make sure there are no mistakes.

If you do spot an error (which could be anything from the wrong address, to a misspelling of your name, to a missed payment when you know – and have proof – that you made it on time, as well as much more), you’ll need to contact the credit bureaus and potentially the lender in question immediately. These mistakes can take some time to put right and even longer show on your report, so the sooner you act, the better if you want to improve your credit.

Don’t Use A Credit Card In An ATM

Even though we mentioned earlier that it was good to use your credit card once in a while as it shows you can borrow money responsibly, it’s not so good if you use it to withdraw cash from an ATM.

Not only will this cost you a lot in fees and interest, but it shows lenders (and therefore landlords through your report) that you don’t know how to handle money – or at least, that’s how it will look. Having to withdraw cash on a credit card rather than from your bank account could make lenders think that you have mismanaged your funds and have run out, thus you’re turning to emergency measures. It’s not a good sign to them, and you should avoid it if you don’t want to try renting with bad credit.

Don’t Apply For Too Much Credit

When you apply for credit, the lenders will carry out a hard check on your finances. This hard check will be noted on your credit report, and although it’s not a bad thing in itself – if you want to borrow money, it’s necessary – too many of them in a short space of time, and particularly too many refusals for credit after a hard check, will reduce your credit score, and that’s not something you want to happen when you’re trying to rent a property.

If you are looking for a new loan or credit card, it’s best to wait until you have been through the checks needed to rent somewhere, as a dip in your credit report won’t be so harmful.

Natural Air Fresheners

Citrus Plants

If you are not keen on using air freshener sprays as they aren’t natural and you are worried about harmful chemicals then believe it or not, you can use certain plants around your home to make it smell nice. There are not many apartment plants that let off fragrant smells, citrus plants not only look lovely, but they also have a wonderful scent. Take a look at the Meyer Lemon and the Trovita orange plants for your apartment.

Herbs

If you enjoy cooking then you may already be familiar with the scent that comes from certain herbs. You can use these as natural air fresheners as they will waft through your apartment. The choices are endless when it comes to natural herbs, you can get lavender, mint, thyme, basil, and oregano.

Air Purifiers

Weeping Fig

This plant can be somewhat tricky to look after. However, they look amazing filling a large space in your apartment. If you are wanting to reduce the amount of formaldehyde in your home or are planning on using paint thinners then this is your plant. It will get rid of all the airborne toxins found in these.

English Ivy

If you are on the lookout for a great bathroom plant, you might be wondering why. It reduces airborne fecal matter and combats mold. English Ivy is such an adaptable plant, it can grow just about anywhere.

Peace Lily

This is one of the best plants for indoors and they are becoming increasingly popular. They are easy to look after and keep your air clean. One thing to remember when you own this plant is to keep it out of direct sunlight and keep it well watered.

Boston Fern

This is one of the best apartment plants as it acts as a natural humidifier. This means it will add necessary moisture into the air around you so you will never have trouble with air pollutants or dirty air inside your apartment. Boston Ferns love filtered sunlight and humid conditions.

Hardy Plants

Spider Plant

If you have never owned indoor plants before then this spider plant is one of the easiest options out there. It requires minimal care and will let you know when it needs watering, the leaves will droop. Spider plants are non-toxic so are wonderful for pet owners. Something to remember when you own these plants is not to overwater them or let them become soggy. The soil may dry out between watering and that is okay.

Aloe Vera

You may have used aloe before as healing for burns or other skin irritations but it is also a great house plant for filtering out harmful chemicals found in the home. Aloe plants prefer indirect sunlight and moderate temperatures. If you think your aloe vera plant needs to be watered regularly then you are mistaken. Aloes will only need watering every three weeks. This makes it a wonderful plant if you are going on holiday, as you won’t need to ask your neighbors to look after it.

Prayer Plant

Do you want a house plant that contains some patterns and colors? The prayer plant grows best when the environment is humid and moist. This one could live and thrive in your bathroom. Remember, just because this plant enjoys moist areas doesn’t mean it can get by without being watered. You must water it frequently for it to be healthy and strong.

African Violet

Finally, if you are looking for a plant that will add a splash of color to your apartment then look no further. This is one of the best apartment plants as it can go in any room while requiring very little care. This one doesn’t need direct sunlight and can get by at room temperature. You could make this gorgeous plant the centerpiece of any table.

We hope you found this article helpful and that it gave you some ideas on what the top 10 indoor plants are and how you can own and look after them. Remember, the best plants for apartments are yet to be discovered, but there are some pretty amazing ones out there.

Access To Amenities

One of the benefits of renting vs buying is that you have access to all amenities that would otherwise cost you a small fortune to have installed in your own home. This can include a local shop, an in-ground swimming pool, and an on-site fitness center. Many people own a home that can only dream of having access to all these amazing things. You will get access to these at no extra cost to yourself, and it won’t be a secret fee that is sprung on you while living there.

No Maintenance Costs

One of the most cost-effective benefits of renting is that you will never have to pay for any repairs or maintenance on things in your home. This is all covered by the person that owns the house, commonly known as your landlord. They will have insurance that covers them in case of anything major that breaks down, the boiler for instance. The boiler is a huge cost that homeowners have to cover themselves if it breaks down, sometimes costing 1000s of dollars. If something in your home stops working then all you need to do is contact your landlord or real estate agent to get it fixed.

Flexibility

Another benefit of renting your home is that you have total flexibility to choose where you want to live. Buyers can’t do this as they need to stick to places that they can afford. This means as a renter you are far more able to find a place to live in an expensive state. Take Las Vegas for instance, if you are looking to move there then you are much more likely to find apartments for rent than those looking to buy a home for a reasonable price. While the cost of rent can be expensive, it will be nowhere near the cost of mortgage repayment.

Decreasing Property Value

One problem you can run into when you own a house is a decrease in your property price. This means homeowners are at risk of losing money when the time comes to sell the house. As a renter, you won’t have this trouble as it makes no difference to you how the property market is going. The cost of rent will only differ slightly depending on the type of property and the area you are living in.

Fixed Rent

When you rent a property rather than buying it you know you are safe and stable with the amount of rent you are expected to pay. This will be fixed for the duration of your lease agreement. This means, if your lease is for 12 months then you will pay that amount for a year and then it may go up at the end of this period. However, landlords have to give you around a month’s notice before they change the rent amount. This gives you more time to prepare and budget for any changes in your expenses.

No Down Payment Needed

Other benefits of renting vs buying include no down payment needing to be paid when you sign the lease. When you rent it will sometimes be necessary to put down a security deposit, which is usually equal to the cost of one month’s rent. Those buying a home need a minimum of around 20% of the property value, this can be extortionate. Another great thing about renting is that if you look after the property you’re living in then you will get this deposit back.

Lower Insurance Costs

Finally, when you rent your home you will need to purchase a renter’s insurance policy. The cost of this is usually a couple of hundred dollars compared to around $1,250 which it costs homeowners for their insurance. The renter’s policy is cheaper as it just covers the inside of the property and the renter’s furniture. Whereas homeowner insurance covers everything from the inside to the exterior and everything in between.

We hope you found this article regarding renting vs owning helpful and that it gave you all the necessary information you needed. Remember, something that works for others may not work for you so you must weigh up all the options.

One way to express your creativity is to use space-saving tricks to optimize your home. Here, we’ll share some space-saving ideas to help you maximize your apartment. From creative storage options to fun art, we want to help you make your small space uniquely yours.

Take Advantage of Vertical Storage

In a small space, you only have so much floor space to store things, which means that you have to get creative. One way to do that is to take advantage of vertical storage. Look into installing shelving or buy a tall storage rack that doesn’t take up too much floor space. You will be surprised how much you can store on a beautiful shelf or rack! From books to kitchen utensils to plants and more, vertical storage is your friend in small spaces.

Turn Mounted Items into Wall Art

Speaking of vertical storage, another way to save space in your apartment and create unique wall art is to mount items on the wall. If you can find a stud and a safe place to mount heavy items, you can even mount things like a bike, guitar, ironing board, or even a foldable dining table. Before you mount anything on your walls, though, make sure to research how to mount things as a renter.

Buy Furniture That’s the Right Size

One of the simplest things you can do to free up space in a small apartment is to buy furniture that’s the right size for your space. Sure, that beautiful L-shaped couch would look great in a huge family room, but something like that will be too big for your space. If you buy furniture that’s too big for your apartment, you’ll lose out on valuable storage space. Instead, measure your space and shop for furniture made for small spaces.

In addition to buying furniture that’s the right size, also consider dual-purpose furniture to save space and create multi-functional spaces. The most popular choice for dual-purpose furniture is a pull-out couch, but there are so many other options to help you save space. Some chairs and ottomans have storage inside, soft lounge chairs that fold out into beds, or shelves that are also speakers. Dual-functionality is key when you’re trying to save space.

Decorate With Storage Cubbies

Storage cubbies are a classic choice when you want to decorate and also store things. There are so many options when designing your storage cubbies that you can make them your own with the shelves and storage cubes. Plus, not only are these storage cubbies fashionable and customizable based on your interior design style, but they are also functional and will help you keep things organized in your apartment. To keep your cubbies organized, consider putting things in categories so you always know where to find them. For example, one storage cube might have gym stuff, one might have books, and one might have small tools. Even more, you can buy organizers that go inside the storage cubes. With a storage solution like this, you can free up a lot more space in your small apartment and everything stays organized.

Moving to a city like Las Vegas means that you’ll be in the middle of the action, but you may have to sacrifice space. But with these creative space-saving ideas, you can have the best of both worlds: a beautiful, organized apartment and the thrill of living in Downtown Las Vegas. Looking to make the move? Contact us today to explore our unique and creative floor plans!

If you’re looking to rent a home in Downtown Las Vegas, there are some things to know if you’re bringing your pooch. Let’s look at some helpful information when renting with a dog.

Location, Location, Location!

Of course, the first step when renting with a dog in Las Vegas is to find a pet-friendly place to live. Luckily, there are a lot of choices in Downtown Las Vegas. All of our homes are pet-friendly and we have many amenities for dogs.

In addition to finding a pet-friendly place to live, consider other amenities that make renting with a dog more manageable. For example, for some renters having a yard is non-negotiable but for some, they are fine with living in an apartment and taking their dog out regularly. Check out local restaurants, dog parks, and other outside spaces near your potential new home to ensure there are plenty of places to take your pup.

Check Your Community’s Restrictions

While Downtown Las Vegas is relatively dog-friendly, each community will have its restrictions and rules regarding renting with a dog. For example, we require a $300 non-refundable pet fee and each additional pet is $150. We also charge $30/month for pet rent (per pet). We also implement specific breed restrictions. These pet policy guidelines are pretty standard for those renting with a dog in Downtown Las Vegas.

Explore Your Neighborhood

One of the best things about having a dog is getting out and meeting other dog owners! Dogs are a great reason to go outside, explore your neighborhood, and meet your neighbors.

If you’re planning to rent with a dog, spend some time exploring your neighborhood to find dog-friendly bars, local dog parks, and other things to do with your pooch. Spoiler alert: Downtown Las Vegas has countless options!

Here are a few of our favorites:

Dog-Friendly Bars & Restaurants in Downtown Las Vegas

Big Dog’s Brewing Co.

Big Dog’s Brewing Co. is all about including our four-legged friends. In fact, it’s even in their name (and their logo, branding, and design)! They have a large outdoor patio with plenty of space for both dogs and humans and the location on Rancho Drive.

Triple George Grill

If you’re looking for a classic Downtown Las Vegas experience, head to Triple George Grill with your pup! Not only is the food delicious, but the restaurant has beautiful outdoor seating for you and your dog. Having a great dog-friendly restaurant that’s steps away from the excitement of Fremont Street is one of the best parts of renting with a dog in Vegas.

Dog Parks in Downtown Las Vegas

Barkin’ Basin Dog Park

Barkin’ Basin Dog Park in Downtown Las Vegas is a great place to bring your dog because they have three separate areas for small dogs, big dogs, and all dogs to play together. Plus, there is plenty of shade for the dog parents, too. It’s about 15 minutes away from Habitat, making it a convenient choice for those renting with a dog.

Kellogg-Zaher Sports Complex Dog Park

If you have a dog that loves to run, you will love Kellogg-Zaher Sports Complex Dog Park. This park has three dog runs, including a vast area for them to get their energy out. Plus, the park also has soccer fields, playgrounds, and a multi-use track. Bring the whole family, including your dog, to this fun dog park in Vegas!

The Children’s Memorial Dog Park

If you have kids and dogs, look no further than The Children’s Memorial Dog Park in Las Vegas. Not only does it have a fenced-in area for dogs, but it also has a fun jungle gym for kids. Plus, it has a running track and softball field. Las Vegas is a beautiful city to explore, especially with a dog.

Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Downtown Las Vegas

Las Vegas offers so much to residents, from Michelin-star restaurants to underground clubs. Beyond that, we also have some of the most beautiful hikes and outdoor adventures in the country. Bring your dog along to some of these dog-friendly hikes near Downtown Las Vegas:

• First Creek Canyon Trail
• Lone Mountain Loop Trail
• Little Falls Trail
• Exploration Peak Trail
• South Oak Creek Trail

For more dog-friendly hikes, check out AllTrails.

In this article, we will discuss some of the most sought-after and frequently included amenities in Las Vegas apartment communities to help guide your apartment-hunting process.

In-Unit Laundry

Though washers and dryers have become standard in most modern Las Vegas apartments it is still best to confirm that your prospective home comes with them installed. And even though in-unit laundry rooms have become standard, there are still some things to check for based on your needs.

• Interior washers and dryers. Even some newer apartment communities have laundry rooms located in a closet off of the main patio or balcony. Though the weather in Las Vegas is generally favorable compared to other regions, it can still get cold (and extremely hot) here. It’s also nice to not have to worry about what you’re wearing or how presentable you look when handling household chores.
• Stackable vs full-size laundry. Stackable washer-dryer combos are nice for saving space, but not very convenient when you have larger items like blankets to wash frequently. Some communities with in-apartment stackable laundry units do offer a shared laundry space for residents that feature commercial-sized appliances. This can be crucial if you may occasionally need to wash larger items and do not want to make trips to a laundromat to do so.
• Location. If you rent a two-story or more apartment home, then you may also want to consider if having your laundry room on the same floor as your bedrooms is a deal-breaker.

Furnished Units

Furnished apartments can be good for short-term leases or even to accommodate a speedy relocation for work. They can also be good for professionals that like to live minimally and do a fair amount of traveling. Furnished units tend to be more expensive; but you can walk into them and start living, and working, right away.

Pet-Friendly Units

Pets are important, they are part of the family and enhance your life, so you need to consider this carefully when searching for a new apartment. In addition to finding a home that is pet-friendly, location to nearby amenities such as walkable parks is something to consider.

When you find a pet-friendly unit, you can expect there to be a larger deposit or monthly pet rent; there is also less chance of you receiving your deposit back due to pet damage. Still, most pet owners view this as a small price to pay for having their furry family members in the home.

Outdoor Spaces

For many inner-city apartments, space comes at a premium, and outdoor spaces can be especially hard to find. That said, you should be able to source an apartment with a balcony that gives you access to the outside air, the ability to dry laundry, and a place to toast the new find.

Apartments tend to have outdoor balconies that are large enough to keep plants and flowers; you can also use this area for additional storage if you have the right units for outdoor storage. Many apartments come with shared outdoor spaces, but a balcony is private and worth having.

Parking Areas

A dedicated, covered parking space for your new apartment is convenient and practical; it will reduce your daily stress and help preserve your car’s interior against the damaging Vegas sun. Even if you don’t have a car, parking space is a useful amenity. Guests can use your parking space without having to park far away in community spaces when they visit.

Garages are less common, but they are available. In some communities, they are included, while others provide a select number as an added amenity for a fee. In these instances, and in some cases where they are included, garages will be detached. While it only rains approximately 50 days per year in Vegas, a connected garage is a handy amenity and something else to consider in your hunt.

Community Amenities

Finally, don’t forget to keep an eye out for some bonus spaces in the apartment community you choose. These can include fitness centers, swimming pools, playgrounds for the kids, or even dog parks. In addition to their convenience, having an amenity such as a gym can help to save on monthly quality-of-life costs.

Las Vegas is a special market when it comes to choosing a home to rent. Based on the location you choose, your experience can vary drastically. Thankfully with an abundance of options, you can generally find the features and amenities you desire in the neighborhood you choose.

Consider the Location

One of the primary decisions you will need to consider when you are looking for a new apartment is the general location. For added convenience, you will likely want to find an apartment with plenty of amenities, such as a grocery store and gas station nearby.

Another important consideration to make is proximity to work. Keep in mind how much time you are willing to spend getting to and from work, along with what route you would take. If you have school-aged children, you will want to consider the quality of the schools in the area ahead of time.

Available Appliances

One of the best aspects of renting an apartment is the wide range of appliances available. Having the right appliances in your apartment will ensure you can use and thoroughly and conveniently enjoy your new home.

If you are someone who enjoys cooking homemade meals, you will want to establish the apartment has a top-quality oven. Other popular appliances to look out for include a washer and dryer in the unit, a garbage disposal, central air conditioning, and a fireplace among others. Having the appliances you consider to be essential will make your home much more enjoyable.

Extras

Another great aspect of apartment homes is all of the extra amenities included. Often, these bonuses can end up being the deciding factor on whether you should rent a specific apartment over another. Depending on what you like to do, here are some popular amenities to look for when deciding on an apartment.

• Pool and hot tub
• Fitness facilities
• Private patio
• Ample guest parking
• Reserved parking space
• Park or play areas
• Business center

These are only a few of the most popular amenities available at apartment homes. Keeping the extra features and amenities in mind when comparing apartments is important, as even those seemingly minute differences can become quite meaningful once you’ve made the apartment your home.

Although these basic guidelines will help decide what apartment is right for you, there are a handful of other considerations to be made. You may also want to ensure there is on-site emergency maintenance, gated entry, security services, and anything else you think is important. Taking the time to select a unit based on your specific needs will ensure you can fully enjoy your new apartment home.