How to Find the Perfect Rental Property

When searching for rental houses, there are several tips you can keep in mind to help make the process of finding a rental home or apartment that much easier.

Stay within your budget

Budgeting for rent is one of the most important points to keep in mind when looking for the right rental. You don’t want to fall in love with a rental apartment home only to find out that it doesn’t fit in with your budget. Sticking to a budget range when touring rental properties can help make finding your new place less stressful. Also make sure to factor in one-time costs like a security deposit, application fees, moving costs, utilities costs, and more.

Search for apartments 60 days in advance

If you’re including apartments in your search for a rental, it’s critical to know that many apartment complexes don’t have their inventory until 30-60 days before a tenant’s lease is up. In some cities, tenants don’t have to notify their landlord they’ll be leaving until 30 days before their lease expires. When apartment-hunting, consider searching no sooner than 60 days before your intended move-in date. It can save you time in the long run, rather than starting your search too early.

Make sure to tour the rental property in person or over video-call

When looking for a rental property, it’s tempting to be swayed by the pictures you see advertised online. However, it’s important to tour the property in person or over video-call. That way, you can see the property’s condition, ask questions, or spot any red flags. Whether renting or buying, touring a home in person can help you avoid any potential scams or problems down the road. Read more about how to avoid rental scams.

Consult with a real estate agent in competitive markets

Just as the housing market can be competitive when you’re looking to buy a home, the rental market can be equally, and sometimes more, competitive. If you live in an area where the rental market is competitive, consider speaking with agents familiar with the city. They may be able to give you insight into strategies for finding a rental in your city or region. Whether they know landlords looking to fill vacancies or a former client is about to rent their single family home, a real estate agent may be able to make your search that much easier.

Ask questions

As you would when making any other big life decision, it’s critical to ask questions before signing a lease or rental agreement. You should always ask questions about the properties and apartments that you’re touring. Is it pet-friendly? What is the neighbourhood like and is it close to public transit? Are utilities included in the rent price, or are they an additional cost?

Asking questions can also reveal whether you’ll be able to communicate well with the landlord or property manager. You may even find out that a property that looks great in person may secretly have issues that need updating. The more questions you ask when touring a rental home, the fewer surprises you may encounter after signing the lease.