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This is a video talking about some common concerns and/or secrets of renting an apartment for the first time. The man in the videos talks about some common problems you may encounter and would be inexperienced with if you have not rented before. He also talks about some unforeseen costs you may encounter and how one might go about avoiding this. He also discusses renters insurance and its importance. Overall he covers many things that would be extremely useful to know, but that you would not know unless you had rented before.

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This article talks about how to get an apartment plus the dangers that can happen. First, it talks about searching for an apartment 60 days before moving and what to look for. It informs us not to be fooled by scams that are very common throughout rentals. It explains that it is safer to work with a licensed and bonded real estate broker when trying to rent a home. The article also explains that you should consider some roommates therefore you won't have to pay as much rent so you can safe that extra money for other things.

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Finding the right apartment or home to rent can be difficult and stressful. You can be competing with many others for a quality unit in a prime location.

The secret, real estate brokers say, is to plan ahead. Often renters will wait until the last minute to look for another apartment. However, when renters are in a hurry they tend to take apartments they don't really want, says Lance Macon, co-founder of Metro Home Managers, a Washington, D.C.-based, full-service rental property management firm.

Here are eight tips for finding the best rental homes and apartments in your area.

1. Start your search 60 days before your move

The best rentals, in terms of price, location and amenities, go earlier in the month, so don't wait until midmonth to look for a new place to live, Macon says. It's best to start searching 60 days before you need to move, especially if you are looking for a rental property where there isn't as much available.

The second and third weekends of the month tend to be the busiest. If you start your search the first weekend of the month, there will be less competition and the best properties will still be available.

2. Search for rental listings online

About 90% of renters will start apartment hunting on Craigslist or Zillow, Macon says. Looking online is a good way to start your search. You can get a sense of pricing and apartment amenities. However, if you're moving to a new city, apartment rental sites won't tell you enough about neighborhoods and the local amenities of each, such as public transportation or grocery stores.

3. Use a real estate broker

In most cases, real estate brokers are available to help renters find properties free of charge. The key is to find a broker who specializes in rental properties, not home sales.

If you're looking in areas where there is generally tight competition for apartments, you'll want to talk with a number of real estate agents before committing to one because different agents have different relationships with different buildings. Make sure you are talking with an agent who has access to the apartment buildings in neighborhoods where you want to rent.

4. Don't be fooled by scams

Be aware of online scams, particularly ads on Craigslist that require you to provide your credit card to pay a deposit fee to be shown the apartment. No one should require a deposit to show you an apartment.

Also, be careful if you are renting an apartment directly from a private person because you will be giving a total stranger your Social Security number and your bank account information, and they will likely run a credit check on you. It's safer to work with a licensed and bonded real estate broker.

5. Consider roommates

If you're considering sharing an apartment, make sure you know who your roommates will be and consider asking the landlord for separate leases. If you have a joint lease and the rent is $2,000 a month, you are liable for the entire amount if your roommates don't pay their share, Macon says. But if you have a separate lease, you're liable only for your portion of the rent.

Don't be afraid to ask for references if you don't know your roommates. You can also use social media - LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook - to find out more about them.

6. Offer to take a 13-month lease

If you're in a competitive marketplace, one way to get a landlord's attention is to negotiate a 13- or 14-month lease, says Todd Lee, co-founder with Macon of Metro Home Managers. This is particularly helpful if a traditional 12-month lease would expire in November or December because it is often difficult to rent properties in those months.

7. Tour smaller buildings

Generally, an apartment in a 300-unit managed building with a swimming pool, 24-hour front desk, computer lounge and weight room will cost significantly more than the same size apartment in a six- to eight-unit building. If you're paying for amenities, Lee says, make sure you will use them.

8. Use social media

Don't be shy about posting on Facebook that you're looking for an apartment. Let people know you are searching for a new place to live.

Once you find the perfect apartment or rental home, you'll want to consider renter's insurance. A landlord's insurance doesn't cover your belongings, so when the unexpected happens you want to be covered.

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Finding the right apartment or home to rent can be difficult and stressful. You can be competing with many others for a quality unit in a prime location. The secret, real estate brokers say, is to plan ahead. Often renters will wait until the last minute to look for another apartment.

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The article begins talking about looking 4 months before you move is ideally because you can make sure which rental home best suits you. After, the article informs us to be clear-sighted about your maximum rent so that you do not overexert your wallet. A home is generally considered affordable if it takes up no more than 30% of your monthly income. It also states that if your market is super competitive, consider searching on the periphery of your preferred neighborhood to see if you can find a better deal while still being in proximity to your desired location.

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Finding an apartment when everyone else seems to be looking for one, too, can test anyone's optimism. Knowing how to find an apartment for rent quickly and with the least hassle can put you back in the positive zone so you can shift your energy from hunting for a home to moving into one. Below are 11 tips for how to get an edge on finding apartments, along with insights to help you gauge when your landlord or property manager might be open to negotiation.

1. Start your research ASAP - ideally at least four months before your move date

This may seem obvious, but it's nonetheless important: As early as you can, make your wish list and begin looking at rental listings that meet your priorities. The sooner you start your search, the more time you have to readjust your expectations and hone in on the best fit. For example, you might discover that an in-building fitness center isn't as important as you thought if it means you can save a little extra cash each month, or that you actually really do love living a 10-minute bike ride from work. The more you're crunched for time and fiercely competing with other hopeful renters, there's a higher chance you settle and have renter's remorse.

2. Focus your apartment search about two months before your move date

Now that you have a sense of what's realistic, it's time to get serious. When looking at listings, pay special attention to apartments that become available in the first two weeks of the month because that is when you are likely to have the most to choose from. The end of the month is likely to be the most competitive. Keep your wish list and priorities top of mind. If budget is your primary concern, focus on neighborhoods that have the largest share of units in your price range. (We show you how to do that below.)

3. Be clear-sighted about your maximum rent

In times where both competition and rents are high (by October 2023, the typical U.S. monthly rent increased by 3.2% from last year to $2,011), it can be tempting to stretch your budget in order to land your dream apartment. Being clear sighted about your maximum spend ahead of time can help ensure you're not overexerting your wallet. Try our Rent Affordability Calculator to determine what monthly payment would comfortably fit in your budget. Experts say a home is generally considered affordable if it takes up no more than 30% of your monthly income. Don't waste time and application money on apartments that will leave you with little cash for fun, savings and other expenses.

Tip: Zillow's Local Legal Protections tool gives you information about local laws that protect renters from housing discrimination based on the source of income used to pay the rent, such as housing vouchers.

4. Set reasonable expectations for the locations you're searching in

You don't need to be an expert in economics to understand what typical rent should look like in your area or when conditions lend themselves to getting a better deal by negotiating. Use Zillow's Rental Market Trends tool to see the number of available rentals and their price range in any given zip code or metro area. Search for rentals based on the number of bedrooms they have, and compare rents and availability in two different areas. The tool also will tell you the median rent in the area you're searching.

5. Save time with a single application

Application fees can add up and prevent you from casting a wide net. Zillow gives renters the option of applying online to an unlimited number of participating rental properties for 30 days for a single $29 fee. The option doesn't include every rental listed, only those properties that participate in the program. The application includes credit and background reports.

Tip: If your gut feeling is telling you that you've found "the one," consider filling out an application online if the option exists before you tour in person. This shows the property manager you're already a serious applicant when you visit the property.

6. Use filters and alerts

The Zillow app can alert you to new listings that match your home preferences in your preferred area. Use search filters to narrow your choices by price, home type, bed and bath preferences, pet requirements, laundry access and other amenities - and then save that search.

Don't forget to use floor plans and 3D tours to help refine your search and focus your in-person visits to apartments that have the most appeal for you. That way, you're not waiting in line to tour a home with poor natural light, while the perfect townhouse around the corner is getting snapped up by someone else.

7. Let friends, co-workers and family know you're looking for a place

The rental market is in a constant state of churn. The people in your networks may know of units opening in their buildings or know someone who is moving out. You could nab a place before it even hits the market. Get one step ahead of the competition over a listing, and consider posting in Facebook or Nextdoor groups for the neighborhoods you're interested in to ask about any rentals coming on the market.

8. Consider negotiating lease terms and conditions

In a hot market, negotiating the terms and conditions of a lease might seem like a waste of time. It's not. Property owners manage complex businesses. Finding stable, reliable tenants takes time and effort. If you fit the bill, you might consider the following:

Offer to sign a longer lease. If you plan to stay for two or three years, offer to sign a longer-term lease. You could stand out as an applicant while also locking in your rent for several years.

Offer flexibility. If you have the flexibility to move in quickly or on a timeline that is convenient for the landlord, mentioning that could also lead to a potential discount or give you a leg up in the screening process.

Ask about rent concessions. If lower rent is not an option, a landlord may be open to discussing other perks and amenities that can save you money. For instance, consider asking for lower pet or gym fees or free parking.

9. Search just outside your preferred area

If your market is super competitive, consider searching on the periphery of your preferred neighborhood to see if you can find a better deal while still being in proximity to your desired location.

10. Walk the neighborhood(s) where you want to live

Owners of small buildings sometimes hang "for rent" signs or post notices in local coffee shops to attract people already living in the neighborhood.

11. Stand out from the pack by being prepared

Landlords often use credit scores when qualifying potential tenants so make sure yours is in good shape. A few months before you move, consider checking your credit score with all three credit agencies, correct any errors and consider not racking up large amounts of credit debt or making a large purchase before you find a place. Line up references and collect paperwork that shows you have the income to pay the rent they're asking.

Pro tip: Use Zillow's Renter Profile to introduce yourself to landlords and let them know what you're looking for. Create a personal profile outlining your renter qualifications, such as a personal bio, employment, self-reported income and credit score, as well as your desired move-in date and lease duration. A profile allows you to stand out even with properties not accepting applications.

For more resources to help you find your next home, visit our Renter Hub.

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How to Find an Apartment: 11 Ways to Beat the Hot Rental Market

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Learning how to find an apartment for rent in a hot housing market can save you time and money. Use our tips to make your search easier.

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This is a video about the steps you should take in renting an apartment. He has a 7-step plan, included in the linked doc labeled "Steps to Renting an Apartment". He also talks about some fees you may experience that would otherwise be unexpected, such as a fee for background checks the owner of the apartment does. The man also talks about some compromises you might have to make based on how much rent you can afford and your expectations of the apartment. Some of these include if you wish to live in a nice area that is close to wherever you may be working or attending school, then if you cannot afford the rent along with all the costs involved you may consider roommates.

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Steps to Renting an Apartment

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To start off, the article informs us to use verified real estate websiites when inding a rental home so that you do not go in contact with scamers. After the article says virtual tours are found on most apartment rental websites but are no substitute for visiting a community in person. Instead walking aroudn the neighborhood of the rental home will give you a better feel about the enviorment of the home. When renting a apartment some landlords include electric, water, and heating cost in a "monthly rent premium.

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Six tips can help you find the apartment that meets your needs at the best price.

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In this video the woman talks about how to find an apartment in a tough rental market. She talks about how nowadays the rental market has extreme prices with very low quality. She proposes that you might consider subsidized housing based on your household income, most of the time 30-80% lower than the median income in your area. She also talks about looking for rent stabilized and/or rent controlled housing. This type of housing stops owners from raising rent every year and at extreme prices. These could allow you to find an apartment that you enjoy at a price that you find affordable.

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How to find an apartment in a tough Rental Market #money #apartment #rent #roommate #house #home

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To begin the article states that you need to know your credit score because having a high or low credit score can be the reason they reject or approve you. The article then states to know what you want, what you need, and what's the difference. Don’t be blinded by love of a great rooftop deck or a spectacular clubhouse – those types of amenities often come with fees attached. Make sure you ask how much it costs to rent out the clubhouse or the deck for parties and events. You can avoid the fees by never using these amenities, but then those "extras" shouldn't factor into your decision-making. Lastly, the article says what you should do is offer a 13-month lease because apartment properties would rather have someone who is willing to live at their property for a longer period of time. You can negotiate your lease! Be prepared – research similar rentals in the neighborhood to see what the price difference is. Try to rent near the end of the month – landlords are more likely to make a deal then.

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It’s an exciting journey, renting your first place – and one you shouldn’t make in the dark! So let’s shine a light on leasing.…

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Knowing your budget so you can pay rent is the most important factor according to the article. Knowing if you want a roommate is important as well for financial reasons. Living with a roommate will allow you to lessen the amount of rent you pay to save money. Once you do that you want to begin filling out a application form. That is things such as your personal contact information, your drivers license, proof of income and pay stubs, tax information, and the non-refundable application fee. You want to also complete a credit and background check to make your chances at getting approved for the apartment higher.

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The Rent. Blog : A Renter's Guide for Tips & Advice

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Renting an apartment isn't stressful if you follow a checklist outlining every to-do item. Here's ours.

Whether it's your first apartment or your 10th, finding and renting an apartment is an overwhelming process. You have to consider everything from your monthly income and budget to the ins and outs of the rental application itself. While finding potential apartments is a lot of work, you can simplify it if you're organized and know exactly what you need to do.

Don't let the stress of finding and renting an apartment get in the way of your decision to move. We'll walk you through everything from the rental application to the responsibilities the landlord owns. By following these 10 steps, you'll figure out how to rent an apartment in no time.

1. Know your budget so you can pay rent

First, it's important to understand how much you can comfortably afford to pay. Typically, no more than 30 percent of your monthly income should go towards your rent payments, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. For example, if you make $65,000 a year, you'd allocate $19,500 annually - or $1,625 per month - toward rent payments. Use our rent calculator to find out how much you can reasonably afford.

When breaking down your budget, you'll also need to consider other elements of housing costs. This includes expenses like the application fee, first month's rent, the security deposit, utilities and renters insurance. These expenses are not usually included in the rent itself so you'll need to add this into your budget before you start looking for your ideal apartment.

Also, you'll likely need to run a credit check to find out our credit score, which can influence the rental agreement. Most landlords prefer to rent to people with high credit scores because it's a good indicator of your financial history. Before you sign the lease or rental agreement, the landlord will run a credit report to ensure you have good credit and can fulfill your financial renter responsibilities.

Once you have your financial ducks in a row, you can start looking for your own place to rent and move on to the next phase of the apartment hunt.

2. Decide if you'll have a roommate

People have roommates for a variety of reasons. Some people like the companionship that comes with having a roommate. Others choose to live with a roommate for financial reasons. And sometimes, it's a combination of both.

If you're worried you can't afford an apartment on your own, you may want to find a roommate to share the security deposit and monthly rent, utilities and household expenses. Splitting a place with one or more roommates means you could get a bigger apartment in a building with more amenities.

Roommates are also a good option if you have poor credit and need a co-signer on the rental agreement. A co-signer is someone who signs the lease agreement, too, and is legally responsible for paying the rent in full should the other renter not be able to pay the month's rent. Co-signers should understand their legal and financial responsibility before committing to signing the lease.

Regardless of your reason for wanting a roommate, you should choose someone who is financially responsible and whom you'd be comfortable living with for at least a year. Unless your rental agreement is month to month, you'll likely be locked into a lease for 12 months.

3. Determine where you want to live

Next on the list of things to do when looking for a rental unit, is to determine where you want to live. You need to decide which apartment complexes to look at in certain neighborhoods and cities.

When making these decisions, consider things like safety, walking distance to work or public transit and how many restaurants, parks or recreational facilities are nearby.

Once you've found the location you want to live in, you need to decide what type of place you want to rent and what amenities are important to you. You could rent anything from a studio apartment to a two-bedroom apartment to a single-family home. Check out the property's amenities, such as an onsite fitness center, laundry, pool, security or parking. Make a list of your wants versus needs. Your rent will likely increase if the property management company offers more amenities and on-site perks.

Make sure you take time to learn about the neighborhood you're thinking about moving into, as well. Sign up for a virtual tour or make an appointment with a leasing agent to take a walk through the area. This could help you make up your mind about which unit you'd like to rent, especially if a few places are similar in cost or size.

You'll want to visit the neighborhood during the day and also later at night to determine if it's a good fit. This way, you'll get a sense if there's a bustling café or restaurant scene, whether it's quiet at night or too rowdy for your taste and how safe it feels.

Generally, you can expect to pay higher rent if you want to live close to major metropolitan areas. However, your transportation costs and commuting time will increase if you move further away - so consider what's more important to you.

4. Take apartment tours to see your options

The apartment hunt is equal parts exciting and overwhelming. If you're searching for your first apartment, take the time to see a variety of options before you rent an apartment.

Whether you are taking a virtual tour or a self-guided tour, you'll want to visit different apartments to find the one that best suits your needs. Try to limit your tours to no more than five at a time. Otherwise, the units will blur together and the process can become overwhelming.

It's a good idea to snap photos of the exteriors and interiors of each apartment and take a few notes during your tour so you can compare them later. Don't forget to ask questions about the building as you visit, so you can collect as much information as possible that will help you decide which place works best for you.

One other thing to consider is that your first apartment isn't necessarily your dream apartment. You want to find a place that meets your needs and budget, so try not to fixate on finding the dream apartment and skip over places that are good choices, too.

5. Line up personal references in advance

First-time renters often need to convince landlords they'll be excellent tenants. Since you may not have a rental history or credit history yet, you'll need some solid personal references who can vouch for you and help boost your chances of getting the apartment.

You can get reference letters from a variety of people, but typically, references from friends and family don't impress landlords because their recommendations will likely be biased. Instead, ask someone like your work supervisor who can confirm you're dependable and trustworthy. Or, ask your former resident advisor if you lived in a dorm to act as your personal reference.

By having these personal references lined up in advance, you'll be one step ahead of any other tenants who are looking to lease the same space.

6. Fill out an apartment application

In hot housing markets, the first qualified applicant usually wins the apartment, so you'll need to have everything to fill out an application form to move the process ahead quickly. Make sure to read the apartment application thoroughly so you don't miss any important line items.

Landlords and property managers determine whether or not you're a good candidate based on the information on your application forms. They look at things like salary, after-tax income, job history, credit and background checks to help make their decision.

The more paperwork and information you have on hand, the easier this step is. To complete an apartment application form, you will need things like:

Your personal contact information

Your driver's license

Your personal references

Proof of income and pay stubs

Tax information and tax returns

The name of the co-signer

Your roommate's name and information, if you have one

Proof of renter's insurance, if you have it

The non-refundable application fee (these range from $25 to $100, depending on the apartment and the city)

7. Complete a credit and background check

A property management company and most landlords will conduct background checks on you to make sure you're a qualified candidate for the potential apartment. They'll look at your rental history to see if you've defaulted on loan payments or rental payments to ensure you can pay the monthly rent on time. They're also using the credit check to see if you have bad credit as this can indicate your ability to pay rent on time. Lastly, they'll also look to see whether you have a criminal history or not. Any of those things could cost you the unit.

The rental application and credit and background checks are the easiest ways for property management to determine if you can pay rent on time and if you'll be a qualified, responsible tenant.

8. Review the lease or rental agreement in detail

It's crucial that you read through the entire lease agreement before signing on the dotted line. Like any contract, this legal document has important information and rules that you have to understand before agreeing to move into the building. Understanding your basic rights as a tenant is part of renting an apartment, too.

Usually, the lease will lay out whether or not they allow things like pets or smoking. It will also outline the tenant-landlord checklist that highlights what you need to do and what the tenant needs to do. This is a good time to confirm which utilities come included in your rent, and how much other utilities cost. Some apartment buildings cover the cost of heat, hot water and electricity, while others also include things like Wi-Fi or cable TV.

Your lease will also detail things like if you get a parking spot and how much you need to pay for parking. It's smart to ask about past car break-ins so you can understand the safety at the apartment complex, too. Break-ins can increase the cost of your car insurance, so it's smart to know about the history of parking lot safety. Likewise, ask the landlord about any past property damage. Most apartments will keep a record of them for you to review.

If there are any clauses you don't understand, ask the landlord or property manager what they mean before, and, if applicable, a co-signer, sign the rental agreement.

9. Pay your security deposit and fees

Most apartment buildings will ask you to pay a security deposit equal to the monthly rent at the same time you sign a lease. This fee will cover any future damage you cause to the unit during the time you're living there.

You may also need to pay either one month's rent or both the first and last month's rent upfront. Some apartments also require additional fees if you have pets. Also, landlords may require you to have renter's insurance and show proof of payment for that. These fees are in addition to the initial application fee you paid.

Make sure you ask what fees you're responsible for paying in advance. You want to have them on hand when you're finalizing your budget and when it's time to sign the lease. You can bring a debit card, check or sometimes a credit card to pay these fees.

10. Plan your move

Now that all the paperwork is complete - start planning your move. Find out the exact move-in date. And ask your landlord or property manager where the moving truck can park on moving day. Also, find out if you have to reserve an elevator for the day of your move. Some buildings restrict moves to certain days or times, so plan yours accordingly.

Then, book your movers or truck rental, making sure to leave yourself enough time to pack. Contact the utility companies to put the contracts in your name. Then, everything's turned on once you move into the apartment.

The bottom line

Figuring out how to find an apartment and live on your own means taking care of lots of details. But, if you get the basics taken care of early on, it's easier to follow your plan and stay organized. After sorting out all the paperwork and moving details, you can enjoy the freedom and fun of having your own unit.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or financial advice. Readers are encouraged to seek professional legal or financial advice as they may deem it necessary.

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10 Steps To Follow When Renting an Apartment

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Renting an apartment isn't stressful if you follow a checklist outlining every to-do item. Here's ours. Whether it's your first apartment or your 10th, finding and renting an apartment is an overwhelming process. You have to consider everything from your monthly income and budget to the ins and outs of the rental application itself.

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This article takes you through a step by step through the rental process of an apartment. It lists some common items required on a typical rental application such as a photo ID, name, address, email, etc. They also give you some tips and tricks that you may need for renting. They inform you of some things you will need to do and/or expect as a renter. These may include providing proof of income or background checks and being an agreeable renter.

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This article gives 8 quick tips to help you find an apartment. They recomend that you start early, preferably 60 days before you plan to move in. It would also be beneficial to start online, with online listings being easier to view a bunch of things all at once. Make sure to also watch out for scams such as those that would require you to give your credit card info in order to make a deposit before having seen anything. Considering roommates can also be of a great help in order to afford a nicer apartment while still maintaining the same price for yourself. You may also want to be competative by offering a slightly longer lease which can be especially helpful if your 12-month lease expires in November to December.

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Finding the right apartment or home to rent can be difficult and stressful. You can be competing with many others for a quality unit in a prime location.

The secret, real estate brokers say, is to plan ahead. Often renters will wait until the last minute to look for another apartment. However, when renters are in a hurry they tend to take apartments they don't really want, says Lance Macon, co-founder of Metro Home Managers, a Washington, D.C.-based, full-service rental property management firm.

Here are eight tips for finding the best rental homes and apartments in your area.

1. Start your search 60 days before your move

The best rentals, in terms of price, location and amenities, go earlier in the month, so don't wait until midmonth to look for a new place to live, Macon says. It's best to start searching 60 days before you need to move, especially if you are looking for a rental property where there isn't as much available.

The second and third weekends of the month tend to be the busiest. If you start your search the first weekend of the month, there will be less competition and the best properties will still be available.

2. Search for rental listings online

About 90% of renters will start apartment hunting on Craigslist or Zillow, Macon says. Looking online is a good way to start your search. You can get a sense of pricing and apartment amenities. However, if you're moving to a new city, apartment rental sites won't tell you enough about neighborhoods and the local amenities of each, such as public transportation or grocery stores.

3. Use a real estate broker

In most cases, real estate brokers are available to help renters find properties free of charge. The key is to find a broker who specializes in rental properties, not home sales.

If you're looking in areas where there is generally tight competition for apartments, you'll want to talk with a number of real estate agents before committing to one because different agents have different relationships with different buildings. Make sure you are talking with an agent who has access to the apartment buildings in neighborhoods where you want to rent.

4. Don't be fooled by scams

Be aware of online scams, particularly ads on Craigslist that require you to provide your credit card to pay a deposit fee to be shown the apartment. No one should require a deposit to show you an apartment.

Also, be careful if you are renting an apartment directly from a private person because you will be giving a total stranger your Social Security number and your bank account information, and they will likely run a credit check on you. It's safer to work with a licensed and bonded real estate broker.

5. Consider roommates

If you're considering sharing an apartment, make sure you know who your roommates will be and consider asking the landlord for separate leases. If you have a joint lease and the rent is $2,000 a month, you are liable for the entire amount if your roommates don't pay their share, Macon says. But if you have a separate lease, you're liable only for your portion of the rent.

Don't be afraid to ask for references if you don't know your roommates. You can also use social media - LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook - to find out more about them.

6. Offer to take a 13-month lease

If you're in a competitive marketplace, one way to get a landlord's attention is to negotiate a 13- or 14-month lease, says Todd Lee, co-founder with Macon of Metro Home Managers. This is particularly helpful if a traditional 12-month lease would expire in November or December because it is often difficult to rent properties in those months.

7. Tour smaller buildings

Generally, an apartment in a 300-unit managed building with a swimming pool, 24-hour front desk, computer lounge and weight room will cost significantly more than the same size apartment in a six- to eight-unit building. If you're paying for amenities, Lee says, make sure you will use them.

8. Use social media

Don't be shy about posting on Facebook that you're looking for an apartment. Let people know you are searching for a new place to live.

Once you find the perfect apartment or rental home, you'll want to consider renter's insurance. A landlord's insurance doesn't cover your belongings, so when the unexpected happens you want to be covered.

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Finding the right apartment or home to rent can be difficult and stressful. You can be competing with many others for a quality unit in a prime location. The secret, real estate brokers say, is to plan ahead. Often renters will wait until the last minute to look for another apartment.