Apartment hunting can be overwhelming. Whether you’re moving for the first time, relocating for a job, or simply searching for a better fit, the process can feel like a whirlwind of decisions, paperwork, and endless scrolling through listings. The rental market moves fast, and finding the right place means knowing when to start, where to look, and how to present yourself as the ideal tenant.
This guide is here to help. We’ll cover everything from the best time to find an apartment to strategies for securing a lease. We’ll also answer common questions about roommates, pet-friendly rentals, moving in with a partner, and even how to determine what amenities matter most to you.
If you’re ready to take the stress out of apartment hunting, let’s get started.
When’s The Best Time to Find an Apartment?
Timing plays a crucial role in your apartment search. Rental seasonality affects everything from rent prices to availability, and choosing the right time to rent could mean the difference between snagging a great deal or competing against dozens of other applicants.
Peak vs. Off-Peak Rental Seasons
Most apartments become available during the summer months (May–September). This is when people graduate, relocate for jobs, and move for school. While you’ll find the most listings during this time, competition is fierce, and monthly rent tends to be higher.
If saving money is your priority, consider looking in the winter months (December–February). Fewer people move during the colder months, which means landlords are more likely to negotiate on rent. The trade-off? There are fewer available listings, so you may need to compromise on location or amenities.
When Should You Start Looking for an Apartment?
Ideally, you should begin searching 30 to 60 days before your desired move-in date. If you’re moving in a competitive market, start even earlier—some renters begin their search three months in advance to secure the best deals.
How Long Does It Take to Find an Apartment?
Apartment hunting is rarely an overnight process. On average, it can take two to six weeks to find and secure a place, but this varies based on your budget, location, and must-haves. If you’re searching in a highly competitive city, expect the process to take longer.
How to Speed Up Your Apartment Search
Get Your Paperwork Ready
Landlords typically require a rental application, proof of income, credit score, references from previous landlords, and sometimes bank statements or a tax return. Having these documents prepared in advance can help you move quickly when you find a place you love.
Set Up Alerts
Many listing websites allow you to set alerts so you’ll be notified as soon as a new apartment that fits your criteria becomes available. This is one of the easiest ways to get a jump on new listings before other renters.
Be Ready to Tour Quickly
If you find a place you love, schedule a showing immediately. Apartments in high-demand areas can disappear within hours, and waiting even a day could mean losing out.
How Do You Find an Apartment That Fits Your Needs?
Your apartment is more than just a place to sleep—it’s your home. Before diving into listings, take time to determine what’s most important to you.
Consider Your Must-Haves
Think about your lifestyle. Do you need a community gym? Would you prefer a quiet neighborhood or somewhere in the heart of the action?
Commute and Location
How far is the apartment from work, school, or public transit? A longer commute might be worth it if it means a lower monthly rent, but if you rely on public transportation, easy access to a subway or bus stop could be a priority.
Amenities That Matter
Do you need a washer/dryer in-unit, a balcony, or covered parking? Some buildings offer luxury perks like rooftop lounges and community gyms, while others focus on essentials like 24/7 maintenance or package lockers.
Space Considerations
If you work from home, you might need an extra room or a dedicated office space. If you love entertaining, an open-concept kitchen or a large living room could be important. Identifying these priorities will help narrow down your options.
How Do I Know Where to Find Apartment Listings?
Luckily, apartment hunting has never been easier, thanks to technology, but knowing where to look is key.
The Best Places to Search for Rentals
Apartment Listing Websites
Platforms like ApartmentSearch allow you to filter results by price, location, and amenities, making it easy to find places that match your criteria.
Property Managers’ Websites
Many large apartment complexes list availability directly on their websites, often before they hit major listing platforms.
Local Facebook Groups and Craigslist
Private landlords often list their apartments on social media and classified sites, sometimes at lower prices than managed properties.
Word of Mouth
Tell friends, coworkers, or family members you’re looking—some of the best apartments are never even listed online! Your friends may have someone that needs a roommate too, just be sure to vet them first!
How to Find an Apartment With Roommates
Living with roommates can be a great way to save money, but it’s important to find the right roommate match before signing a lease. Be sure to ask smart questions and craft a compelling roommate-wanted ad.
Where to Find Roommates
Roommate-Matching Apps
Apps like Roomi and Roomster pair you with compatible roommates based on lifestyle preferences, budget, and habits.
Social Media Groups
Many cities have dedicated housing Facebook groups where people post roommate searches.
University or workplace message boards
If you’re a student or professional, check school or office bulletin boards for potential roommates.
How to Divide Rent and Expenses
Once you find a roommate, discuss how you’ll split rent payments, utilities, and security deposits to avoid conflicts later. Consider using apps like Splitwise to track shared expenses.
I’m Moving in With a Partner: Do They Need to Be on the Lease?
If you’re moving in with a significant other, you may wonder if they need to be on the lease. The short answer: It depends on the landlord’s policy.
When They Should Be on the Lease
If they’re contributing to rent, most landlords require them to be on the lease. Having both names on the lease also protects both parties in case of a breakup or disagreement.
When They Don’t Need to Be on the Lease
If they’re staying only temporarily (a few months or less), many landlords allow an additional occupant without paperwork. Always check your lease agreement and clarify with your landlord.
Finding an Apartment When You Have Pets
Not all apartments allow pets, and some that do have breed restrictions, weight limits, or additional pet deposits.
How to Find Pet-Friendly Rentals
Finding a rental with a pet (or two!) doesn’t have to be hard! Start by filtering search results on apartment websites to show only pet-friendly options. This will save you time by eliminating properties that don’t accept pets.
Additionally, be sure to ask about pet policies upfront to avoid surprises later. Even if a building is pet-friendly, there may be restrictions on breeds or the number of pets allowed.
Don’t forget to prepare your pet references! A letter from a previous landlord stating that your pet is well-behaved can help convince a new landlord to approve your application.
Need a Fully Furnished Apartment?
Once you’ve secured your lease, furnishing your space is the next big step. Debating furnished or. unfurnished? If you don’t want the hassle of buying furniture, CORT Furniture Rental offers flexible options that let you move in seamlessly. CORT provides stylish and hassle-free solutions when you need a full apartment setup without the muss and fuss of buying, assembling, or moving furniture.
Start Your Apartment Search Today
Ready to find an apartment that fits your lifestyle–and your needs? ApartmentSearch helps you browse listings based on budget, location, pet-friendliness, and more.
Whether you’re moving solo, with roommates, or searching for a furnished space, the right apartment is out there—and ApartmentSearch is here to help you find it. Start searching today and find your perfect home!
