October 30, 2020

Three Pros of Renting an Apartment

About one-third of Americans are renters. That’s 100 million people who are renting homes, apartments, and other properties across the country. And the number is growing!

There are lots of reasons these 100 million people aren’t buying, and more and more people are recognizing the pros of renting an apartment. With lower upfront costs, less responsibility, and flexibility when it comes to moving, renting is a great option!

Lower Upfront and Long-Term Costs

In a recent study, 82 percent of renters said renting is more affordable than owning, and it’s easy to see why! Owning a home involves a lot of different expenses—some you can count on, but others come out of nowhere. On top of insurance and taxes, there are maintenance costs and often-unexpected repairs. On the other hand, renting has a set cost you can expect. 

Upfront costs are dramatically different between renting and buying. To purchase a home with a mortgage, you’d need to gather a down payment, earnest money, and then any funds you need for up-front repairs or upgrades. When you rent, on the other hand, all you need is a security deposit, which is usually equal to one month’s rent, and which you usually receive back when you move out. That low up-front cost is definitely one of the pros of renting an apartment!

Then there are your costs over time, like insurance and taxes. While homeowners need to pay property tax and homeowner’s insurance, renters can purchase renter’s insurance, which is much more affordable. According to a 2017 study by the Insurance Information Institute , the average renter’s insurance policy costs $180 per year, while the average homeowner’s policy costs $1,211.

No Worries about Maintenance or Repairs

Broken gutters, leaky faucet, and missing shingles? For a homeowner, these aren’t just problems—they’re expenses and chores. For renters, on the other hand, a leaky faucet is nothing to stress about . At Lantern Bay Apartments, for example, we have knowledgeable and friendly staff who are trained and certified to make repairs. When you report something that needs attention, our team will be sure to help.

Flexibility with Moving

One of the greatest pros of renting an apartment is the freedom it gives you to live wherever you want. While a mortgage can tie you down for 15 or 30 years, a lease is relatively short. 

“Mobility is one of the top reasons people decide to rent,” says Robert Pinnegar , president and CEO of the National Apartment Association. “For millennials just entering the workforce or in the process of building their careers, the ability to relocate is a major factor. Even if they are in a financial position to purchase a home, millennials may choose to rent to have the flexibility to take advantage of new job opportunities as they arise.”

If you decide to move out of Lantern Bay apartments, we want to be sure that you are taken care of wherever you go. If you move from here to another AMC property or vice versa, we’ll give you a $250 loyalty bonus to help you hit the ground running.

With a difference in costs, less responsibility, and more flexibility, it’s easy to see why people are choosing to rent more and more. At Lantern Bay Apartments, we want to make coming home the best part of your day; give us a visit and see how the pros of renting an apartment can benefit your life.

April 15, 2026
At  Lantern Bay Apartments  , we are committed to providing our VIPs with the best tools to manage their apartment homes effortlessly. We want to highlight the various ways you can handle your monthly rent, including some exciting benefits that help you build your financial future just by living with us. 1. The AppFolio Resident Portal App The easiest way to manage your living experience is through the AppFolio app. It is a one-stop shop for your most frequent needs: Convenient Payments: Set up one-time or automatic payments using a bank account (e-check), credit card, or debit card. Split Payments with Flex: We have integrated Flex directly into your AppFolio app. This service allows you to split your rent into two payments throughout the month. Flex pays your rent to us in full and on time, while you pay them back on a schedule that fits your cash flow. Full Transparency: View your current balance, previous statements, and full payment history anytime. 2. Build Your Credit for Free with Pinata Your consistent rent payments should work for you. We are proud to offer Free Positive Rent Payment Reporting to major credit bureaus through our partner, Pinata. How it works: You will receive an email invitation from Pinata to sign up for this service. Once you are enrolled, your on-time payments are reported to the credit bureaus. The Benefit: This helps you build your credit score over time without any extra cost. It is our way of rewarding your reliability and helping you reach your long-term financial goals. (Please note: we do not utilize any resident reward or marketplace features through Pinata; this service is strictly for your credit reporting benefit.) 3. More Ways the App Helps You Beyond payments, the AppFolio app remains your primary tool for staying connected with our Orange community. You can: Submit Maintenance Requests: Easily upload photos and descriptions of any needed repairs. Manage Renter's Insurance: Access your policy or update your provider details. Stay Informed: Contact the office via text or phone, update your contact preferences, and access your lease documents. At  Lantern Bay Apartments  , we treat every resident like a VIP. Whether you are looking for more flexibility with Flex or looking to boost your credit score through Pinata, we are here to support your lifestyle.
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