When to Start Looking for Apartments: A Renter's Guide [2025]

Experts say you should start looking for a new apartment at least 60 to 90 days before you want to move in.

It’s normal to feel stressed about a move. Research shows that of 2,000 people surveyed, six out of 10 people cited moving as the most stressful life event, with divorce or a breakup coming in a close second.

The good news is that there’s a sweet spot for a smooth transition to find a new apartment, giving you enough time to look before your lease ends. We took the guesswork out of apartment hunting with our guide of top tips, strategies, and the best time for your next move.

When to Start Looking for Apartments

Apartment Search Timeline: When's the Best Time to Start Looking for Apartments?

The best time to start looking for a new apartment is a minimum of 60 to 90 days before your current lease ends. Most landlords require 60 days' notice to vacate, so it's advisable to give yourself a solid 60 days to find a new apartment.

However, we suggest a more comfortable timeline of at least 90 days. That way, you have flexibility in selecting a unit that truly meets your needs without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. You'll also minimize the chance of running into places that don't know their availability because you're too far out from your move date.

And if you’re living at home, with friends, or you don’t have a lease that you need to break, you can start looking for apartments at any time.

What to Do Before Your Move-In Date

To help you get everything done before your move, we've created 30-, 60-, and 90-day checklists that you can complete. Feel free to adapt these lists to your own needs.

90 Days Before Your Move-In Date

Here's a list of things you should do 90 days before your move-in date.

• Begin your search: This is the time to decide what neighborhood you want to live in, how much you want to budget for rent, and any other important considerations that matter to your search. Aim to sign a lease by the 60-day mark. You can use tools like Apartment List to help you explore your options, allowing you to find neighborhoods, amenities, and pricing bands that fit your needs.
• Decide on the moving window: This is the time to lock in the timeframe in which you want to move. Consider flexibility to accommodate any unexpected changes. You'll use this approximate date in your apartment search as well.
• Notify your landlord: Notify your landlord of your moving date about** **60 days in advance. Ensure that you provide the required notice as stated in your lease agreement.
• Start decluttering: Start going through every room in your apartment, deciding what to keep, donate, sell, or throw away.
• Research moving companies: Look up reviews, ask for recommendations, and get estimates from at least three different moving companies.
• Create a moving budget: Consider all your possible moving expenses, like movers, packing materials, potential repairs, travel expenses, and more.
• Collect important documents: Gather and organize essential documents such as medical records, passports, and social security cards.

60 Days Before Your Move-In Date

Here are some essential tasks you need to complete 60 days before moving into your new apartment.

• Secure a new unit: At this point, you will hopefully already be in the process of securing your new apartment. This could involve signing a lease and providing a security deposit.
• Book a moving company: After thorough research, finalize your choice of movers and book them for your moving day.
• Inform friends and family: Let your close friends and family know about your move.
• Start packing nonessentials: Begin packing items that you don't use daily.
• Submit change of address: Update your address with USPS using your final move-in date.
• Connect/disconnect utilities: Schedule a date to disconnect your current utilities and set up utilities at your new apartment.
• Plan for cleaning: Schedule a deep cleaning of the apartment after you've removed your belongings.

30 Days Before Your Move-In Date

Below is a 30-day action plan that will take you straight to your new front door without a hitch.

• Confirm move details: Double-check the details with your moving company.
• Finish packing: Make sure everything is packed and labeled.
• Service your vehicle: If you're using your vehicle for the move, ensure it's in good shape.
• Pack an essentials bag: Pack a bag with basics that you will need for the first few days after the move, before you're fully unpacked.
• Final walkthrough: Conduct a thorough check of your old apartment to ensure that nothing is left behind.
• Return keys: Arrange to hand over keys to your landlord or property management company.
• Take photos: Document the state of the old apartment once you've moved everything out for your records.
• Finalize change of address: Submit your change of address to your bank, credit card company, phone company, and any other institution that requires a current address.

What About Waitlists?

Some desirable apartment complexes have waitlists that span several months or even years. Such cases obviously are an exception to the general 90-day rule for apartment hunters.

To that end, if you want to keep waitlisted communities open as an option in your search, you can start looking several months in advance. Just know that if you do find a community that you like, but they don't have a waitlist, they may not be able to service you until closer to your move date.

What Is the Best Season to Look for an Apartment?

In a typical year, nationwide rents increase during the summer and decline in the winter, reaching their highest point from July through September. The best time to find deals on rent is during the low season, from October through March. However, the best time to find availability is during the high season, which begins in spring and extends until mid-fall.

While there's not always a “best time” to rent an apartment, depending on your needs, keep apartment seasonality trends in mind.

What's the Best Day of the Week to Search for an Apartment?

Saturdays are considered the best days to visit apartment complexes as they’re usually open for tours. It’s a busy day for rental companies, but some renters believe that rental quotes may be higher on weekends.

However, many complexes now choose to list their prices online, and apartment deals and offers are frequently handled through listing websites. These deals will be clearly visible when you inquire about the apartment and are primarily impacted by seasonality and availability, among other factors.

5 Things to Consider About the Neighborhood When Apartment Hunting

If you haven't committed to a neighborhood and are moving to a place you've never lived, you’re likely curious about how to learn more about prospective neighborhoods.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a neighborhood (and where you can find the information):

1. Commute and transportation: How far is your drive to work or other areas that you will spend a lot of time in? How much is your commute likely to cost, and will you actually save money by living farther away? Is there public transportation nearby that you can use? Is the area walkable and bikeable? Use Walk Score to find walking, biking, and public transit scores, and use Google Maps for average commute times.
2. Location and convenience: Can you easily get groceries and other necessities? Are there shopping centers nearby? If you enjoy nightlife or entertainment, is that available as well? You could read through city blogs or simply use Google Maps to determine how many bars, shopping centers, grocery stores, and clubs there are nearby.
3. Affordability: For many people, neighborhood choices are determined by what they can afford. If you're limited in your options due to your budget, that's OK! You can still find a great neighborhood using the tools we mention below.
4. Schools: If you have children, the strength of the local school system will generally play a big role in where you choose to live. Sites like Niche provide public school ratings and overall ratings for specific neighborhoods.
5. Amenities: More specific to apartment neighborhoods, but there are definitely several community amenities that can make a neighborhood very attractive. For instance, a common clubhouse with a pool or gym, a place to grab coffee or a bite to eat, or a business or work-from-home center are all important features that can sway a renter's decision when choosing one neighborhood over another.

Where Can You Find Local Advice to Help You Choose a Neighborhood?

Finding the right neighborhood for you should be simple. Below are the best ways to find local advice on neighborhoods and help in deciding where to move.

Browse Neighborhood Guides on Listing Websites

Many listing websites, like Apartment List, offer guides to neighborhoods in major metropolitan areas. For instance, our Best Neighborhoods in Atlanta guide covers rent prices, transportation, location, and great local insights into each area.

You can find neighborhood guides like these on our website or other sites through Google.

Watch YouTube Videos

We love YouTube for local insights into cities across the United States, such as this one from Ruth Krishnan on living in San Francisco. You can watch videos from locals who have lived in the city for decades or find content (like the video linked above) from local real estate agents who often have specific insights into the cost of living in the area, schools, safety, and more.

Read Cost of Living Guides

Similarly, you can also find many cost-of-living guides on our website (search by city), which provide insights into neighborhoods and offer a better understanding of what it's like to live in a state or city.

A rent calculator can also help you decide if you can afford to live in a particular area and provide a skeleton for what your budget will be.

Take Advantage of Crime Data

While you can generally find crime information in local guides, you can also use Google to see if your prospective city offers a crime map so you can visually survey which neighborhoods are safest.

These crime maps typically show the type of incident that occurred (e.g., robbery, car theft, homicide) and the corresponding address.

12 Things to Do When Looking for a New Apartment

Our tried-and-tested list of when to start looking for an apartment and what you need to show up prepared and ready to pounce on the apartment of your dreams.

1. Determine Your Move-In Date

There are several logistical considerations to think about for your upcoming move. Your move-in date will significantly impact almost everything, so it's essential to consider the following when timing your move: your employment, current lease agreement, and rental industry activity.

Of course, if you need to move as soon as possible, these factors may not be a concern.

2. Plan Your Budget

Get your budget in order before you start looking for an apartment by following the 50/30/20 rule to begin planning. You can also check out a rent calculator to give you an idea of the rent you can afford and show you apartments within your budget in your desired city.

3. Check Your Credit Score

The minimum credit score required to rent an apartment is usually 650.

A higher score will typically put you in a favorable position among your competition, while a lower score may reduce your chances of landing an apartment.

4. Consider the Amenities You Want

The right amenities can make or break your apartment-hunting experience. Come prepared with a list of priorities, ranging from must-haves to nice-to-haves, such as walk-in closets, hardwood floors, updated appliances, and outdoor space.

If you’re wondering, “How fast do apartments get rented?” note that those with the top amenities tend to go first.

5. Understand the Application Process

Now that you've figured out how far in advance to look for an apartment and how much to budget, the next step is applying for a unit. Applying for an apartment typically involves submitting an application and providing the required supporting documents.

You can also learn more about the apartment application process.

6. Research Average Rent Prices

If you're wondering when you should start looking for an apartment, remember that time is of the essence. Knowing when to start apartment hunting is often impacted by rental seasonality.

To understand the average rent prices in your preferred area, check out our average rent reports and our national rent report.

7. Create a List of Rental Questions

Before you begin your tours, take the time to prepare a list of questions to ask when looking at apartments. It’s easy to get distracted when an apartment has all the bells and whistles you’re looking for, but you can stay focused by preparing your questions.

8. Make a List of Top Choices

Apartments become available throughout the year, with seasonal fluctuations, so it’s essential to make a list of your top choices ahead of time. Having your list ready helps you put one foot ahead of the competition.

9. Inquire About Leasing Terms

Whether you're on a month-to-month or annual lease, review your rental terms to confirm the notice period required to vacate before your new move-in date. Then start lining up appointments to tour apartments one to two months before your lease ends.

10. Begin Touring Apartments

Try to schedule all your tours on the same day and take a day off from work to complete them quickly. The number of apartments you should tour varies, depending on your budget, wish list, and how much time you have before moving.

11. Prepare All Your Documents

An apartment checklist can help with a smooth transition. Prepare all necessary documents, such as your apartment application, identification (e.g., driver's license or state identification), previous rental and address history, employment information, and proof of income.

12. Watch Out for Rental Scams

Many renters are unaware of how common rental scams are, leaving their guard down.

Tips to help you avoid rental fraud scams during your apartment hunt:

• Tour the apartments in person.
• Rent from reliable property management companies.
• Ask to speak with current tenants.
• Avoid rent payments via cash or wire transfer.
• Protect your confidential information.
• Confirm apartment details before signing a lease.

You can't stop rental fraud, but you can help avoid it.

Start Your Apartment Search Today!

As a few final apartment-hunting tips, read your lease agreement before you sign, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Ensure you understand whether you are signing a long- or short-term lease agreement.

Ready to find the perfect place for you? Start using Apartment List and get matched with your future home today. With us, you’ll spend five minutes and save 50 hours searching.

Apartment Hunting FAQs

Is four months out too soon to look for an apartment?

No, four months is not too early to look for an apartment, particularly if you're considering places with waitlists. However, because many apartments only require 60 days' notice, the apartment you're interested in may let you know that you need to wait a couple of weeks to learn about availability.

Is three months too early to start looking for a new apartment?

No, three months isn’t too early to start looking for a new apartment. It’s recommended to start looking for a new apartment one to three months before you want to move.

Is one month enough time to find an apartment?

One month may not be enough time to find an apartment. Most renters will sign a lease one month before their move-in date, meaning you should start looking for a new apartment at least two months in advance.

What is the best month to look for an apartment?

October through January are the best months to find an apartment at lower prices, and the summer months between May and July are the best times to see more apartment availability, but they also experience higher competition.

What is the hardest month to find an apartment?

It can be hard to find an apartment during the summer months (June to July) due to a higher volume of people moving. But it also depends on the rental market in the place you’re moving to.

How fast can you move into an apartment?

Moving into an apartment takes about one to two months, but you may be able to secure a rental property in as little as one week.

What time of year are rents highest?

Summer is when rent prices are highest, but there is also the most availability. According to our national rent report, for the past few years, national rent prices have typically peaked in June. However, summer may also be the best time to look for apartments because there are more units available. Unlike in winter, when rents are typically cheaper.

What month do most leases start?

Most rental leases start between May and August, and this trend holds true across the U.S. During this time, kids are out of school, and the weather doesn’t deter people from moving to new locations.

How much notice do you need to give your landlord?

The amount of notice your landlord requires will depend on your lease and local laws. However, it is very typical for landlords to require 60 days' notice to vacate.

What’s the earliest age you can get an apartment?

Usually, a renter must be 18 years old to rent their own apartment. In certain situations, individuals under 18 may be permitted to rent an apartment if specific conditions are met.

How many months of income do landlords typically require?

Landlords or rental management companies require two to three months' worth of pay slips or bank account statements to verify income. They may also require a 3x rent-to-income ratio, where tenants must earn three times the rent to qualify. For example, if you want to rent an apartment that costs $1,000, you will have to earn $3,000 pretax every month to qualify.