Whether you’re moving out of your current apartment or planning to move into a new one, finding the right place to call home requires a lot of time and effort. That’s why it’s important to start your search as soon as possible.
Ideally, you’ll want to begin looking for apartments about one to two months before your lease expires. That way, you’ll have plenty of options when it comes time to make your decision.
January
Traditionally, most people look for apartments in January, but with so much competition for apartments, you may want to start looking early.
If you’re planning to move in December, for instance, start your apartment hunt in the last couple of weeks of November.
This is the best time of year to find apartments because most leases expire at the end of the month or within a few days of the next month.
During this time, property managers will be posting new listings for recently vacated apartments. It’s also the optimal time to start your search because you can strike while the iron is hot!
February
When it comes to finding the right apartment, timing is key. You should begin your search at least two months before your lease ends to ensure you have plenty of time to find the perfect place.
You should also consider the rental seasonality in your city. Rents tend to rise during the summer and fall, and decline in winter.
If you’re looking for a cheap apartment, the best time to start your search is in February, when rents are at their lowest.
You’ll likely have a much easier time finding apartments that are available at this time of year because many people are signing up for one- or two-year leases during the winter months. If you’re able to secure an apartment during this time of year, it could save you up to $2,000 annually on your rent!
March
If you want to find the best apartments, start looking for them about a month before your move-in date. This way, you’ll know what price range and inventory are available.
Apartment hunting is a notorious time suck, and it can be frustrating. If you plan ahead, however, you can save yourself a lot of stress and hassle by timing your search right.
The best times to start your apartment hunt will depend on where you’re moving and what type of apartment you’re looking for. High season (May to September) is usually the busiest and most competitive, but it can also lead to some great deals.
In New York City, you’ll often see a flood of apartments on the market about a month before your desired lease start date. This is because current tenants have to give their landlords 30-60 days notice if they’re going to renew or move out.
April
If you’re moving in April, it’s best to start looking for apartments in the first few weeks of the month. This is because most leases expire at the end of a month or within the first few days of the next one, and landlords will be scrambling to find new tenants for their vacant units.
During the peak season, May to September, apartment inventory is high and rental rates are higher than other months. However, you’ll also have more choices and room to negotiate. During the low season, October to April, the number of available rentals is much lower and prices are lower.
June
If you’re looking to move in June, it is important to start your apartment search early. The ideal time to begin your apartment hunt is 60 days prior to the date you’d like to move into your new apartment.
It is also a good idea to search within the first couple of days of the month. During this time, many current renters will have given or are giving their 30-day notices.
These apartments will be on the market and ready to move in, so if you look for them within that 60-day window you’ll have a higher chance of getting the space. Landlords don’t want their apartments to sit empty, so they will be more willing to accept lower rental rates during these times.
July
The best time to start looking for apartments is around two months before your desired move-in date. This gives you a little time to learn the area, peruse local listings and make your decision on which properties to tour.
Summer is a busy time of year in the real estate market, especially in markets that are home to college campuses or major job centers. The demand for rental space increases, which means that landlords will often increase rents and fees.
In addition, the summer is a time when tenants with children or new graduates want to move out as school starts up again. Because of these factors, rents tend to rise from July to September.
August
If you want to find the best apartment for you, start searching at least 60 days before your target move date. This will give you the time you need to pick your ideal place without getting under pressure.
Summer is generally the busiest rental and moving season because it’s when kids get out of school and families make moves to be closer to schools or new jobs. This makes it easier for property managers to fill their apartments, but they’re also more likely to charge a higher rent.
The best time to start your apartment hunt is during the month prior to your target move date, when property managers typically begin new leases. However, do keep in mind that if you wait too long to start your search, there might be fewer apartments available for your desired move-in date.
September
If you’re looking for the best apartment rentals, it’s important to start your search early. This will help you find a home within your price range and moving deadline.
For this reason, the best time to rent an apartment is between May and September. This is the busiest rental season for college students and recent graduates who are seeking real estate close to their new school or job.
This is also a popular move time for families with kids who want to relocate during the summer. The weather is generally less likely to get in the way, and the moving process is easier.
October
If you’re planning to move out of your current place and into another apartment, the best time to start looking is two months out from your move-out date. This will give you plenty of time to find an apartment that fits your needs and budget.
October is an ideal time to start searching for apartments. This is because rent prices are at their lowest during this time of year.
In addition, the market dries up during this time of year, so you should be able to find more choices than during peak rental seasons (May through September).
The low season also offers the opportunity for renters to negotiate and ask for concessions. This can save you a significant amount of money on your monthly rent.
November
If you’re looking for a new apartment, it’s important to start your search at least 60 days before you want to move in. This will give you enough time to see a wide variety of potential rentals and find the perfect one for your needs.
The best way to do this is by starting your apartment hunt early, before the rental season has started. Generally, you’ll have the most options and rent prices will be lower during this time.
You may also be able to negotiate your lease term during the off-season, as landlords are more willing to rent out an empty unit. This could save you money on your monthly rent and help you negotiate your other terms, like roommates or concessions such as waiving fees.