Finding a great place to live in a big city can be challenging. Have you ever pulled up to an open house ten minutes before it starts to find a line of other prospective tenants already waiting? Or called the number on a listing that was posted to HotPads two hours ago to be told that the unit has already been rented? In these places you need a competitive edge to unearth a gem rental that isn’t already on everyone else’s radar.
1) Check ALL the Apps and Sites
In addition to apps that specialize in rentals in your area, like Apartments and HotPads, be sure to check apps traditionally used for home buying, such as Zillow and Redfin. Scour listings on individual real estate agency web sites. Many of these sites feature rentals that are not listed elsewhere. And now that we mention it…
2) Work with a Realtor
Many people don’t realize that some realtors are willing to work with landlords and renters, at no cost to the renter. They receive a commission from the landlord when the lease is signed. Working with a realtor not only grants you access to listings you wouldn’t otherwise be able to view, but it lends you the expertise of a professional who can troubleshoot potential issues within a unit before you sign your lease.
Some realtors are not willing to work with renters, because commissions are comparatively low, so you may have to make a few calls to find someone willing to take you on as a client. One way to find a realtor who works with rentals is to check rental listings on realty websites to see which agents are representing landlords on open rentals in your general price range. Find the agent’s contact information on the listing and ask if they’d be willing to help you find something. Some realtors will work with you by simply emailing you listings. Others will book viewing appointments and attend them with you to ensure you’re getting all the information you need to find a good match.
3) Look for Handwritten Signs
Believe it or not, even in 2024, some of the best deals you’ll find on housing will come from hand-written signs posted in front of buildings. Spend an afternoon driving around your desired neighborhood looking for these. A lot of these units belong to independent owners who care more about finding a responsible tenant who will take care of the unit and get along with the existing tenants in the building than they do about charging the maximum rent possible in the neighborhood.
These are generally buildings that were paid off many years ago, owned by people looking for the smallest amount of involvement possible in maintaining the building. Just make sure you inspect carefully for existing damage before signing a lease, and you could be moving into a fabulous space at a steep discount.
4) Find Property Management Signs
As you’re cruising the area you’d like to move to, make note of the names of property management companies from their signs posted on buildings. Even if the buildings you see have no vacancies, check each company’s web site for a list of their available units. This is one way that you could get the scoop on a new listing before it is posted to larger rental sites. If you like more than one listing on the same site, you could set up multiple viewings with one phone call.
5) Ask a Friend
If you know someone who loves their unit and their landlord, find out if they’d be willing to ask about any upcoming vacancies that their landlord might have. Many landlords appreciate getting potential tenant referrals from tenants with whom they have good working relationships. It saves them time and money. It’s not unheard of for a landlord to arrange an early viewing of a unit before it’s listed for a friend of an existing good tenant. This is probably not something you should ask for, but it does happen.
6) Beware of Scams, But Not Everything is a Scam
Beware of anything that seems too good to be true, especially if someone is requesting money before your lease is signed. Do not sign anything until after you have toured the unit. Do not agree to any under-the-table or cash transactions. If you are considering subleasing, you still need a contract for the sublease, and you are entitled to see the original tenant’s lease. Read your entire lease carefully, and look out for anything surprisingly strict or unusual.
If the only suspicious thing you see in a listing is lack of information, consider reaching out to learn more. It’s possible that it’s a scam, but it’s also possible that it’s a listing made by someone who is not tech-savvy. You can try to discern once you’re in contact with the poster. If you’re not absolutely sure that something is legit, walk away.
Always trust your gut. It’s better to miss out on a great place than to become a victim of theft or end up in a living situation that isn’t what you thought it would be. Whenever possible, bring someone with you to all of your viewings, both for safety and for a second set of eyes.
Happy Hunting!
Best wishes on finding your new place, armed with these strategies. Remember to keep your eyes and mind open for an off-the-beaten-path find.
