How To Find an Apartment Fast: Steps to Secure Your Lease

Online searches on rental platforms are the most effective way to find an apartment quickly.

Traditional timelines for an apartment search can span from one to three months (and up)! But you don’t always have the luxury of time. Whether you’re moving to the city for your first real job or have had an unexpected breakup and need to find a new rental unit quickly, sometimes you need to find a new place to call home ASAP.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step strategies, tools, and tips on how to find an apartment fast.

TLDR: How to Find an Apartment ASAP

1. Clarify what you need, including must-have amenities, budget, location, etc.
2. Prepare your documents and get your finances in order.
3. Search on multiple rental platforms with up-to-date listings, like Apartment List.
4. Set up tours, appointments, walk-throughs, etc. Schedule these online or call a rental management team/landlord to set them up this week. Pro tip: Write everything down during your tours so you can remember each place after you’ve visited them all.
5. Be ready to apply on the spot. Arrive with documents and a filled-out application.
6. Consider subletting or other short-term rentals.

Step One: Know What You’re Looking For

If you want to find an apartment fast, you need to know what you’re looking for. Narrow that down by asking questions to help you decide what you need in your next place.

Questions to ask yourself:

• How much rent can I afford?
• What type of neighborhood do I want to live in?
• Do I need apartment amenities? If so, what kind?
• Does it need to be pet or kid-friendly?
• How long would your commute be?
• What quality of life am I looking for?
• Are there public schools, universities, or major employers nearby?

Answer each of these questions, or questions like these, to determine exactly what you’re looking for. You can share this information with friends, family, or rental companies to help you get a head start on housing.

Step Two: Gather Documents and Check Your Finances

Collect all the necessary documents for your application, and ensure you have financial statements to secure a lease. Apartment application processes may differ from landlord to landlord, but typically require a similar set of documents.

Documents to gather for applications:

• Official photo ID
• Contact information (name, phone number, email address, current address)
• Social Security number
• Rental history
• References (previous landlords or personal)
• Cover letter
• Proof of income (bank statements, pay stubs, etc.)
• Employment history

Keep multiple copies (both digital and print) so you can apply to an apartment listing online or in person, without wasting time. One of the keys to securing an apartment quickly is to ensure your apartment application is easy to process and it isn’t missing anything. If your application is missing any information, this could delay the process by days or even weeks. Yikes.

Step Three: Search on Apartment Listing Sites

Once the above steps are complete, start searching for apartments on rental platforms. Apartment listing sites, especially those that update availability every hour, can help you find apartments that are actually available.

Some listings appear on sites and remain there for months before being taken down, but they’re no longer available. Apps with instant alerts can help you stay up-to-date on active listings.

Apartment List is a great tool to follow active listings, and the search tools can help you filter out all the noise to find exactly what you’re looking for. Use filters to set your maximum budget, find your must-have features, such as on-site laundry or parking, and search for the correct size apartment, like a one-bedroom.

You can also save even more time by taking Apartment List’s quiz. Receive personalized results and get new listings sent to you when they’re listed.

Step Four: Schedule Tours (and Woo Your Potential Landlord)

After filtering through your options online, start scheduling tours and walk-throughs for your top picks. Don’t waste your time visiting rental units that don’t fit your criteria; you don’t have time for that.

Try to schedule tours the same week you find a place online, or, if necessary, the following week. Anything that prolongs your tour will also set back your move-in date. If a potential rental can’t accommodate your fast timeline, ask about a virtual tour. Maybe someone can do a quick virtual tour and still answer all of your questions about the rental. If you're considering a virtual tour, we recommend taking a brief visit to the property for a few minutes before signing the lease.

During your virtual or in-person tours, write down your thoughts. That way, if you have multiple options, you can select one based on facts instead of just your memory.

Step Five: Be Ready to Apply on the Spot

If you need to find an apartment fast, arrive prepared to apply immediately during an in-person or virtual tour. Some rental markets are highly competitive, meaning a new listing could be leased within hours.

How to make it happen:

• Ask the leasing agent in advance (typically by email or phone) about their application process and what you might need
• Have all necessary documents with you (including photo ID, references, bank statements, etc.)
• Fill out an application in advance (if available on the rental company's website)
• Ensure you have funds for the security deposit, first and last month’s rent, and possible admin fees

Step Six: Consider Subletting or Short-Term Options

Look at short-term or flexible rental options, such as subletting or shorter leases, to secure a lease quickly. It’s often easier to find a temporary rental, as they allow you to move very quickly while still having a roof over your head.

Short-term rental options include:

• Sublets - Instead of finding your own place, you can take over someone else's lease. Sublets are often popular for a few months at a time when the original renter is traveling for work, leisure, or even visiting family. They usually have lower upfront costs, as you’re just paying the monthly rent and come furnished.
• Month-to-month rentals - While they’re often more expensive per month, they do offer more flexibility, especially if you need more time to find the perfect place.
• House share or room rentals - Moving in with roommates can be a quick, budget-friendly way to get fast housing, and you can still continue your apartment search.
• Extended hotel stays - Although not available everywhere, some hotels offer extended stay options. They are typically more expensive than renting an apartment and may be available on a weekly or monthly basis.
• Corporate housing - If you have access to corporate housing, you can often move into a fully-furnished, move-in-ready apartment fairly quickly. They’re especially great for those relocating to a new city for a job opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Find an Apartment Fast

What’s the fastest you can get an apartment?

Rental applicants can expect to hear back within one to three business days after submitting their application. This timeline may vary if additional information is required.

How fast can I move into an apartment?

If you’re prepared (with documents, funds, and the application, etc.), you can move into a new apartment within a few days, especially for rental units that are vacant.

What documents do I need to rent an apartment quickly?

You’ll need proof of income, a photo ID, references, rental history, and occasionally additional documents such as a credit report or employment history.

Can I get an apartment without a credit check?

Yes, you may be able to get an apartment without a credit check. Private landlords or short-term rentals often don’t require a credit check, but you may need to pay a larger deposit.

What’s the 50/30/20 rule for renting an apartment?

The 50/30/20 rule is a budgeting tool that helps people determine how much rent they can afford. In terms of finances, the 50/30/20 rule stands for 50% of your income going to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings/retirement/debt.

How can I avoid rental scams when searching for apartments quickly?

Never send money before viewing a property in person or through a verified virtual tour. Use trusted listing sites and verify landlord identities before signing a lease or sending money.