This past year has been tough to say the least. The pandemic has not only affected the health of people, but also the wealth of people. Housing has become an issue for many, and paying rent has become harder. Luckily, something’s being done about it.

If you have been financially impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are struggling to pay rent, be sure to take advantage of the brand-new emergency rental assistance. Applying is as easy as a few clicks, and applications only take 15 minutes.

If you’re in search of a new home, you may have come across the term “affordable housing” during your research. Finding a home can seem expensive or impossible to some, but affordable housing is made available to help those who need a little assistance. Affordably priced, energy-efficient and high-quality housing is all made possible through South Dakota Housing Development Authority. So, before you sign on the dotted line, be sure you’re familiar with the ins and outs of your affordable-housing options.  

Finding an apartment should be an enjoyable and stress-free experience. Before you dive right into rental-hunting, though, keep in mind that you may be eligible for an affordable rental based off of your household income. SDHDA happens to host a search portal that highlights housing that is affordable for low-income families, seniors, individuals and persons with disabilities. (Check it out here.)

Looking for an apartment? A one-room or studio apartment may be a great fit. Living in a studio apartment is often more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient, as rent and utilities are typically less expensive.

The biggest con when it comes to a studio setup is the amount of space, as you often don’t have the luxury of housing your excess belongings in the basement or converting a spare room to a storage space. Optimizing your living space is a must.

Here are some things to look for in your next one-room apartment.

Less is more, right? For some, small living quarters aren’t ideal, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t valuable. Knowing how to maximize a single-bedroom living space can save you a lot of money in the long run. There are plenty of tips and tricks to help you make the most of a small home or apartment. With the right attitude and perspective, maximizing your living situation can be an enjoyable experience.

Here’s how you can make the most of your single-bedroom space.

Not sure what apartment is right for you? Apartment hunting can take time, patience and a little bit of homework. At any given moment in the United States, there are millions of apartments from which to choose. That’s a lot of choices! Narrowing down your options is the first step to finding your next home.

Read on for tips on how to find the right South Dakota apartment for you.

If you’re new to living on your own and are a first-time renter, it may be difficult getting used to paying and budgeting for rent. In fact, a Gallup poll found that only 32 percent of Americans maintain a household budget. To be on top of the budget game, it’s important to track and record your earnings and expenses.

Follow these tips for managing a monthly budget as a renter.

Whether you’re in Brooklyn or Brookings, sometimes apartments can feel cramped. And if you’re living with other housemates, space can be even harder to come by. This especially takes place in one of the most important rooms in the house—the bathroom.

Whether you call a studio, a two-bedroom or a multi-level unit home, apartments can sometimes feel low on space—particularly when children enter the picture. So what can you do as a renter to make your space more hospitable for a larger family?

Here are a few easy tips to try out to make your apartment feel more spacious once you have kids.