September 4, 2024 | By Or Goldschmidt
Depending on your situation, you might be able to time your apartment search to take advantage of market lows. Alternatively, you might have a deadline that confines you to a specific season for your move.
In either scenario, timing your apartment search can help you find better accommodation or a lower rental rate. This guide will help you plan for any type of seasonal move.
Your success in finding a great apartment will depend on the time of year. That’s because there are specific periods when more people tend to search for apartments. While this leads to more property owners listing their vacancies at this time, it also means the competition for good apartments is higher.
What’s the best month to find an apartment? Generally, April through August is the ideal time for apartment hunting. People are more interested in moving during this part of the year for a number of reasons.
Here’s why spring is the best time to rent an apartment:
These are the most common reasons people opt to move in the spring. You might have other personal reasons for making a springtime move.
Fall isn’t usually considered the best time to rent an apartment. Since fewer people look for new apartments in autumn, property owners will be less likely to list their rentals from November through March.
Additionally, the holidays limit available housing and reduce the number of apartment hunters. As the weather worsens, these issues become more pronounced, and the market suffers through this part of the year.
Some experts advise against a fall move, but the question of when to start looking for an apartment ultimately depends on your specific situation.
If you have no choice but to move during the fall or winter, you might benefit from a lack of activity in the market. Less interest can force property owners to lower their rental rates, meaning you might be able to secure a cheaper apartment if you look earlier in the year.
Whether you choose the best time to rent an apartment or you’re forced to look during another time of the year, it’s essential to plan ahead. Similar to buying a house, finding and moving into a new apartment takes time. Even finding co-living for seasonal workers involves scouting for rentals in the right location at the right time of the year.
You might have to wait for a current tenant to vacate the unit in addition to going through a background check, credit check, and other verification processes.
To meet these demands, you should start searching for an apartment at least 60 days before you intend to move. Doing so will provide enough time for the current tenant to vacate and for the property owner to prepare for your arrival.
If you find an apartment 90 days in advance, you can enjoy a more relaxed timeline for your move. This will allow you to find a reliable moving company, pack your belongings, and gather important documents for the move without the need to rush. You’ll also have more time to transfer your utilities and subscription services to your new address.
Even though spring is generally the best time to rent an apartment, there are still a few caveats to keep in mind. Follow these tips for a more successful experience.
While the market is more active throughout the summer, an early spring search could help you get better results. You’ll still have access to the lower winter rates, and more properties will begin to flood the market.
If you wait until the snow starts to melt, you won’t miss some important maintenance issues. The melting snow will lead to increased water flow, which will make it easier to spot roof leaks and other issues that you might not catch later in the year.
As a parent of school-aged children, you might find a spring apartment search less stressful. You can browse apartments while your kids are still in school. By the time you sign a rental agreement and choose your move-in date, the school season will have come to a close.
Even if you know when to start apartment searching, you might have a deadline that doesn’t offer you the luxury of waiting. If you must move in the fall or winter, observing a few best practices can make for a shorter and more successful hunt.
Often, a property owner will list a vacancy in the fall out of desperation. They might have unsuccessfully marketed the unit through the spring and summer, or a tenant might have moved out unexpectedly. Make sure to ask questions about the vacancy and any potential issues with the apartment.
It’s easier to tour an apartment after dusk in the fall since the days are shorter. This can work to your advantage when you want to see how the neighborhood changes after dark. Check out exterior lighting and other safety features, and look for signs of a safe and active community. Pay attention to strange noises and disturbances as well.
You might have the upper hand when renting an apartment during the fall. While there will be fewer vacancies, the competition will also be considerably lower, as most college students will have already reserved their rentals by this time. Keep a few properties in mind, and don’t be afraid to negotiate for lower rent, sign-on discount, or other perks.
Roomrs offers room rentals throughout New York City, and all of our listings have the amenities and resources you want for your seasonal home. We also provide co-living options all year to help you move efficiently on your timetable. Explore our site to learn more about co-living or find your next rental.