Your Guide to Navigating the Busy Renting Season

Trying to find a new apartment in the spring can be hard. Here are some tips for how to prepare.

Spring is the time when renting season is in full swing. Colleges and universities are ending for the semester, leases are up, and it is finally warm enough outside to make moving your mattress and heavy furniture bearable. So many apartments will pop on the market and off just as fast. In this season of apartment hunting, we’ve got you covered with tips and planning tricks to help you stay on top of it all and get into your perfect apartment.

1. Plan ahead. Start looking for an apartment 2-3 months in advance. When property management companies receive notice from a tenant, they will post the available unit as soon as possible (even if the apartment isn’t open for a couple months). This allows them to find a qualified renter as soon as possible and allows you to secure your new apartment and eliminate that stress.

2. Be ready to act fast. Have all of your documents ready if you find an apartment you love. Submitting your application the day you tour the building can speed up your rental process, reduce the risk of losing out on the unit, and some apartments will even give incentives for applying or signing a lease the same day.

3. Make sure to tour the property. Even though it is a busy time and you don’t want to lose out on what you think is your dream apartment, pictures can be deceiving. Here’s our 10 questions we think every renter should ask before signing on the dotted line.

4. If you are planning on renting with roommates, make sure they are all prepared for the application fees, have their previous rental history and contacts ready to go, and are prepared to decide when you find the one.

5. Found an apartment online that you like but you aren’t moving for a couple more months and it has no current vacancies? Reach out to the building property management company and see if they expect any leases to be up in the coming months. If the answer is yes, ask if you could tour the apartment and if all looks good, sign the lease now. Your proactiveness will save the property manager the headache of listing and filling the unit and you will have just landed your coveted apartment. It’s a win-win!

6. Finally, let the property management companies help you. Tell them what you are looking for (bedrooms/bathrooms/allows pets/etc.) and they can work their property manager magic to find you some options that suit your needs!

While renting season can be a busy time, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Plan ahead, know what you want, and let the property management companies help you.

Want help finding your perfect apartment? Contact us today!