The summer brings so much happiness.
Kids are out of school, the possibilities for outdoor activities are endless, relaxation takes precedence and the sun stays up an extra-long time for it all to happen.
But, one area where everything is not-so-hot? Apartment hunting in the summer.
If you find your apartment search taking place in June through September, follow these simple tips to make sure your apartment search is not a summer bummer.
Summer is plagued by heat – literal and metaphorical
Summer is hot and we don’t mean just the temperature. Apartment hunting in the summer means competing with every other renter that wants to move before school starts.
What makes moving in the summer so great? For many it is simply the easiest time to move. It’s easier to plan time off during the summer, there are fewer holidays than the fall and winter months and the weather is warm.
For that reason, in your summer apartment search you may encounter some competition.
Be prepared to rent an apartment
This seems obvious but it’s especially important in the summer months. When the market is hot, you cannot count on a rental you see today to still be available tomorrow. That's why being prepared is key to a successful search when apartment hunting in the summer.
An important part of renting an apartment is providing documentation to your potential landlord. This documentation will likely include proof of identity and proof of income, but you may also be asked to provide reference contacts, information regarding your credit score or even your most recent tax return.
Gathering these important documents ahead of time can help you secure an apartment faster than other renters and save you time in the long-run.
On the same note, it’s important that you have your security deposit in order prior to beginning your apartment search. In the summer months, saying, “I just need a few weeks to get my deposit together and then I’ll be back to rent this apartment,” might not cut it.
Plan your apartment search intentionally
Though apartment hunting in summer is inherently busy, there are intentional actions you can take to help improve your summer renting experience.
One step that will better your chances of renting an apartment in the summer is to avoid the weekends. The weekends tend to be more convenient for most households to view apartments for rent. Though it isn’t possible for everyone, if you’re in a position to view apartments during the week, securing a unit might be more likely.
Even if you can only get away for an hour or so using a lunch break from work, meeting with landlords during off-peak hours could work in your favor.
Beware of the challenges
It’s a common misconception that summer is exclusively the best time to rent an apartment. While summer is a fantastic rental season, that’s not necessarily the case.
The fall and winter may offer more savings for renters but there will likely be fewer available apartments. In contrast, the summer may not be the most budget-friendly time to rent, but there will almost certainly be more apartments available and a faster-moving market. What season is best for you to rent is dependent on your specific needs and contractual agreements.
Regardless, if you find yourself apartment hunting in the summer, you can help yourself out by following our tips.
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