RentCafe Reviews 499

TrustScore 3.5 out of 5

3.4

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Looking at 453 reviews, most reviewers were somewhat happy with their experience overall. Many customers find the website easy to navigate and appreciate its straightforward layout, which helps in finding property information and managing rent payments efficiently. Reviewers also highlight the usefulness of features like virtual tours and helpful filters for specific amenities, making the apartment hunting process smoother and more organized. However, some people were dissatisfied with the contact experience, noting difficulties in reaching staff or receiving responses to inquiries. There are also mentions of issues with login and registration, and some users found the email notifications to be excessive or not tailored to their preferences. A few other people also felt that the website could provide more detailed information on each property.

What people talk about most

Website

Users describe ambiguous interactions with the website. While some customers find the site straightforward,... See more

User experience

Customers had ambiguous experiences with user experience. Many reviewers found the site straightforward, easy... See more

Location

Clients share ambiguous opinions on location. Many reviewers express frustration with irrelevant listings,... See more

Customer communications

Reviewers highlight negative aspects of contact. Customers consistently report difficulties reaching staff,... See more

Staff

Consumers find staff to be ambiguous, with some reviewers praising certain staff members for being patient,... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

I need a place to live like yesterday. ForestRidge rejected me for four months, no one was at Hartsville Gardens never was in to get an application. Magnolia Senior Village advised there was an apartm... See more

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

I was initially frustrated about the inability to log in or register. I was able to only find minimal properties, I had to use other search tools like Google to find anything. I emailed about login... See more

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

I love seeing so many choices for rentals but it just makes it harder for me. I have to find a rental with income assistance. Either section 202 or tax credit as my income is very very low. It would... See more

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

It works well if you are looking for ourself, the suggestions that they email never seem to match what you are looking for. Example. 2bed 2 bath is what we have been looking for, but we constantly get... See more


Company details

Written by the company

RentCafe.com is an apartment search website that offers the right tools to make your rental search simple and efficient. We are trusted by millions of renters who appreciate the smooth experience, from starting a search to moving in. You can easily go from browsing rental listings to contacting property leasing offices, to scheduling tours and applying online, all on RentCafe.com.


Contact info

  • 430 S. Fairview Avenue, 93117, Santa Barbara, United States

  • rentcafe.com

3.4

Average

TrustScore 3.5 out of 5

499 reviews

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Hasn’t replied to negative reviews

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Gorgeous place and very, very helpful staff with questions!

I was able to pull up their website as I am looking for a
#1 safe place to live (for my son and I) , #2 there were plenty of pictures so you know exactly what you’re getting, beautiful place…and people I’ve had to deal
with there were extremely helpful when I had questions
In answering them and very helpful when completing their application on line! Beautiful place and very very
Reasonable rental and I did my due diligence in checking
“All the boxes” in searching for a home for us!
Cathy Allred

Cathy Allred

25 February 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Disappointed in this app

Every time I apply at an apartment I find out the apartment are much more than what Rentcafe.com lists. Also, they list some as affordable housing that are not. Do you know how disappointing that is when you're trying to find a place that you can afford?

25 February 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 2 out of 5 stars

This is one of the worst programs it…

This is one of the worst programs it has ever been my misfortune to be forced to use. My property manager, that idiot Scott Litton who is abusing his tenants, told me I have to sign up for Rentcafe to pay my rent. But I can't. There is no sign up to pay rent. All I can do is look for apartments. How perfectly useless!

22 February 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I have had nothing but frustration with…

I have had nothing but frustration with this app. I’ve logged in repeatedly and input my user name a password and get nothing but error messages. I got in after leasing group sent me an invitation but have never been able to log in since to finalize my lease agreement. . I’ve called all the tech people and still no success. My leasing manager wants me get this finalized asap.

20 February 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

First Key Homes is a SCAM

First Key Homes is a rental SCAM! They'll change the tentative move-in dates on you and lock you into paying a $500 holding fee before you even tour the property. Rent.cafe states you are allowed to tour the property for a small fee. I paid the fee; however, I was denied the tour. FKH stated that electrical work was being done on the property, and it wasn't safe to tour- after I placed the holding fee and admin fee. Nevada Power stated they were not working on that property. When I finally toured after calling them for the tenth time, there were TWO Ring cameras on the inside of the property, along with TWO large signs reading "Beware of Rental Scams". If I would have continued to wait on First Key Homes, a single mom, medically fragile baby, and a young bioy would be on the streets with no place to live. Shame on First Key. NEVER EVER deal with this fraudelent company.

17 February 2026
Unprompted review

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