Looking for the perfect new rental home can be a major time commitment, no matter how long your lease is. If you’re wondering how to move and find a rental home while juggling your job, family responsibilities, and a social life, read on for a few tips that might make the experience a little easier.
Know Your Search Criteria
Before you look at a single rental property, sit down and take inventory of what you want — and don’t want — in your new home and the surrounding area. This list can be a real lifesaver if you start to feel overwhelmed by your options or if every place you visit begins to blur together.
Ava Kennedy, an associate broker with RE/MAX 100 who’s worked in the industry for more than 30 years, suggests pinpointing the neighborhood where you want to live as a key first step. “Many times, schools, commuting time, parks, and other lifestyle elements are deciding factors,” she says. Once you have a general idea of a few neighborhoods you like, you might consider using neighborhood Facebook groups or an online community platform, such as Nextdoor, to get a sense of how others feel about a certain location.
Use Online Resources
Once you have a general sense of the location you’ll be looking in, the best way to find rental homes is to start your search online. This is a convenient way to narrow your options without going on a wild goose chase.
Get started at websites like Zillow.com, Hotpads.com, Trulia.com, or Realtor.com, which are some of the best places to find rental homes. Many of these sites also have easy-to-navigate apps that make it simple to search and save right from your phone.
Get a Realtor Involved
Realtors aren’t just a go-to when it’s time to buy or sell. They’re also an excellent resource when you need help finding a rental home.
In addition to helping you select a neighborhood based on your interests, budget, and other criteria, agents can advocate for you in other ways. For example, they can line up multiple property showings on a single day to help you save time during the search process. Once you’ve found a rental you love, Kennedy says, “A realtor helps negotiate the lease and will also be able to review the lease with you and answer any questions.”
Even more good news: Most of the time realtor services are at no cost to the tenant, which means you have a handy resource at your disposal without having to add on to the cost of a move.
Pay Attention to the Details
Once you find a place you love, don’t gloss over the details in your excitement. Kennedy advises, “Ask about what other costs a renter is responsible for besides rent.” This might include monthly fees like trash pickup or an additional deposit if you’re moving with pets. “Some landlords require that tenants be responsible for the first $50 to $100 of any household repairs if something breaks,” Kennedy says. These are stipulations you want to be aware of before you sign.
With your questions about how to find rental homes answered, it’s time to get busy. After you find your next home, make the transition easier with CORT Furniture Rental.
