The fastest way to find an apartment is to have all your application documents ready to go, search online, and tour your top contenders within the same week.
Experts suggest you should start looking for a new apartment 60 to 90 days before your ideal move-in date. But when life happens—a new job, an unexpected breakup, a new chapter—time isn’t exactly on your side. Having some structure makes all the difference.
| Step | What To Do | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Define what you need | Clarify your budget, amenities, and the location you want/need to live in. | One hour |
| 2. Get your documents ready | Collect all the necessary documents for your application, including financial statements. | One to two hours |
| 3. Search for apartments online | Use tools like Apartment List’s quiz to personalize your search and save time. | 5mins. to start |
| 4. Schedule tours | Set up a time to see the unit in-person or virtually; ideally, schedule all tours within the same week. | Varies |
| 5. Arrive prepared to apply | Have your documents ready in case you’re ready to move forward after your tour. | Varies |
| 6. Consider a short-term lease | Not ready to commit to a 12-month lease? See if short-term lease options are available. | N/A |
Let’s walk through these strategies step-by-step so you can find your new home ASAP.
First things first: your rental application. Most landlords will make their decision within one to three business days. If additional verification is needed—like contacting a past landlord or reviewing self-employment income—you may not hear back until five days after submitting your application.
Pro tip: submitting a complete application (no missing documents) is the single biggest speed lever you can control.
Once your application’s approved, standard leases can be signed on the same day (many are now fully digital), with move-in dates typically one to 14 days after signing, depending on unit availability. If the unit’s vacant and you’re ready, you could have keys within 48 hours.
Make sure you’ve also budgeted for the costs that come with a rental application:
| Cost | Typical Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $25-$75 per application | Non-refundable; covers credit and background checks |
| Security deposit | 1-2 months’ rent | Refundable at the end of your lease; paid upfront to protect a landlord against damage or unpaid rent |
| Admin/move-in fees | $100-$500 | More common in larger apartment communities; varies by city and state |
| Pet deposit | $200+ | Separate from the security deposit; usually refundable as long as there’s no damage to the unit |
Once you’ve accounted for your move-in expenses, you’re ready to start your search.
Don’t start your apartment search until you know what you’re looking for. Get clear on the basics, like rent budget, amenities, and location, and it’ll save you from touring places that don’t fit.
Ask yourself:
Answer each of these questions, then share your criteria with anyone helping you search. The clearer you are, the faster everything moves.
A missing document is one of the most common reasons applications stall. Organize all the necessary documents, including financial statements, before you start your apartment search.
Apartment application processes may differ from landlord to landlord, but typically require a similar set of documents.
Standard document checklist:
Keep both digital and printed copies of your documents ready so you can apply online or in person without delay.
Students If you don’t have income history, a co-signer (usually a parent or guardian) is the standard path. Some landlords will accept an offer letter from an employer. Student loan award letters can sometimes substitute for income verification, but ask before sharing with a potential landlord.
Freelancers and Gig Workers Gather your last two years of tax returns (Schedule C), three to six months of bank statements showing consistent deposits, and a profit-and-loss statement if you have one. If your income varies month-to-month, write a brief cover letter explaining your average monthly take-home over the past year.
No SSN or ITIN Some landlords—especially individual owners and properties with international residents—will accept a passport and Visa in place of a Social Security number. You can also offer a larger security deposit (sometimes two to three months) or a co-signer as an alternative. Ask about requirements before applying to avoid paying a non-refundable fee.
Once the above steps are complete, start searching on rental platforms. Look for listing sites that update frequently so you’re seeing units 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 save even more time by taking Apartment List’s quiz. Receive personalized results and get new listings sent to you when they’re listed.
One big thing to note: not all online searches are created equal. Here’s what to know before you start:
| Platform | Listing Updates | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment List | Updated continuously; tailored to your preferences | Ready-to-move renters who are short on time, but still want a perfect lifestyle fit |
| Zillow Rentals | Updated daily; large inventory | Renters who have months worth of time to browse listings across price ranges, location, etc. |
| Apartments.com | Frequent updates; options to filter | Renters searching for a place within a large apartment community |
| Craigslist | Updated manually; unfiltered | Short-term rentals, or apartments owned by private landlords. Higher scam risk |
| Facebook Marketplace | Updated manually; community-based | Renters searching locally, either for entire units or rooms for rent |
Always confirm availability directly with the property before investing time in a tour. Platforms with real-time alerts, like Apartment List, keep you one step ahead.
Once you’ve narrowed down the contenders, start scheduling tours and walk-throughs, ideally within the same week. Don’t waste your time visiting rental units that don’t fit your criteria; you don’t have time for that.
If you can’t schedule an in-person tour, ask about virtual walk-throughs. Most properties can accommodate this. At the very least, plan a brief visit before signing your lease to scope out the building exterior and neighborhood, even if the full tour was conducted remotely.
During tours, come prepared with questions and take written notes. If you’re touring multiple apartments in the same day or week, you’ll want those notes for comparison.
Ready to schedule? We’ve put together the following scripts to take you from pre- to post-apartment tour:
Hi [Name],
I’m interested in the [apartment type] listed at [address] for [price]/month. I’m looking to move by [target date] and would like to schedule a tour. I’m available [Day] between [time range] or [Day] between [time range]—whichever works better for your schedule. I’m also happy to do a virtual walk-through if that’s easier. Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you.
After your tour, but before paying the application fee, ask the leasing agent or landlord directly:
Hi [Name], thank you for showing me the [unit type] at [address]. I’m very interested and ready to move forward. Could you send over the application link? I have all of my documents ready and can submit today. Please let me know if there’s anything else you need from me.
When you’re short on time in a competitive rental market, you’ll want apply for an apartment you love ideally on the same day you tour.
How to be prepared:
The goal is to remove every obstacle between you and a decision, so when the right apartment comes up, you’re ready to act on it.
If a long-term lease isn’t the right fit for your timeline or situation, look at short-term or flexible rental options, such as subletting or shorter leases, to secure a lease quickly.
Short-term rental options include:
| Option | What It Is |
|---|---|
| Sublet | An option where you take over someone else’s lease; 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 | 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 | Not available everywhere; 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. Great for those relocating to a new city for a job opportunity. |
Any of these options can buy you more time until you find a place you’ll actually want to stay in.
This day-by-day plan keeps you on track and gives you a fallback for each stage.
| Day | What To Do | If You Hit A Roadblock |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Clarify budget, amenities, and neighborhood. Take the Apartment List quiz. | If your budget is unclear, follow the 30% rule. |
| Day 2 | Gather all documents. Scan and save digital copies. Organize a folder you can access quickly. | Missing a pay stub? Bank statements showing consistent deposits are often accepted. |
| Day 3 | Search and shortlist five to ten apartments. Send tour requests to all of them on the same day. | Not enough listings? Expand your search radius by one to two miles, or revisit one amenity requirement. |
| Day 4 | Tour your top three to five choices. Take written notes on each. | Can’t arrange in-person visits? Virtual tours are acceptable. Visit the neighborhood separately. |
| Day 5 | Apply to your top choice and your backup on the same day. | If your top choice is no longer available, apply to your second pick immediately. |
| Day 6 | Follow up with the leasing agent to confirm your application is under review. | No response to email? Call directly and introduce yourself. Reiterate your timeline. |
| Day 7 | Review the lease carefully. Sign if it meets your needs. Arrange payment for deposit and first month’s rent. | Still waiting on a decision? Start exploring short-term options as a backup. |
Seven days is enough time to go from overwhelmed to under contract, just as long as you stay organized and keep moving.
When you’re searching under pressure, it’s easy to overlook the red flags. A listing that seems ideal—priced well, available immediately—deserves extra scrutiny, not less.
Look out for these common red flags:
Want more? Check out our resource on how to spot and avoid rental scams.
If you apply to a vacant unit with a complete application, approval can come within one to three business days. From there, a lease can be signed digitally the same day, and move-in can follow within 24 to 72 hours. The most common delays come from incomplete applications or references who are slow to respond, so have everything prepared before you apply.
If you’re prepared (with documents, funds, and the application, etc.), you can move into a new apartment within 24 to 72 hours of approval. If the unit has a current tenant, you’ll need to wait until their lease ends, typically 14 to 30 days. Ask about current occupancy status before applying.
You’ll need proof of income, a photo ID, references, rental history, and occasionally additional documents such as a credit report or employment history.
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.
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.
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.
Expand your search radius—even one or two miles can make a difference. Revisit your must-have list and see what you can be flexible with. Consider a room share or sublet as a temporary solution while you continue searching.
Application fee: A non-refundable charge, typically $25–$75, that covers the cost of a credit and background check.
Background check: A review of your rental, criminal, and sometimes eviction history, conducted as part of most standard rental applications.
Co-signer: A person, often a parent or family member, who agrees to be legally responsible for rent payments if the primary tenant cannot pay. Commonly used by students or applicants with limited credit history.
Credit check: A review of your credit report used to assess your financial reliability. A hard inquiry may affect your credit score slightly.
Lease: A legally binding contract between you and the landlord specifying the rent amount, lease term, rules of tenancy, and responsibilities of both parties.
Lease break fee: A penalty for ending a lease before the agreed-upon end date. Terms vary by lease, but fees commonly range from one to three months’ rent.
Month-to-month rental: A rental agreement with no fixed end date. Either party may terminate with proper notice, typically 30 days.
Move-in special: An incentive offered by a landlord or property to attract tenants, such as one month of free rent or a reduced security deposit. Most common when vacancy rates are elevated.
Proof of income: Documentation demonstrating that you earn enough to cover rent. Commonly includes pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements showing regular deposits.
Rent-to-income ratio: The relationship between your monthly rent and your gross income. Most landlords require rent to be no more than one-third of your gross monthly income.
Security deposit: Money held by the landlord to cover damages beyond normal wear and tear. Returned after move-out, minus any documented deductions. Typically equal to one to two months’ rent.
Sublet (sublease): An arrangement in which the original tenant rents the apartment to a third party. Subletting is not permitted under all leases—always confirm before pursuing this option.
Vacancy rate: The percentage of available rental units in a given market that are currently unoccupied. A low vacancy rate signals a competitive market where acting quickly is important.
In unit laundry, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, 24hr maintenance, Stainless steel, Walk in closets + more
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Pet friendly, Stainless steel, Walk in closets, Gym + more