Finding apartments during the winter is not easy. There aren’t as many rental properties open this season as during the summer because renters would rather stay in. Moreover, very few would be willing to go touring new places during the chilly weather.
But it’s worth it because there is less demand for Highlands Ranch Apartments this season. So you can find a new place to stay with ease. You might also negotiate for better prices. Here’s how you can go apartment hunting this season:
Be Flexible
There aren’t as many vacancies during the cold month as during the warm ones. So you might not find exactly what you want. If you need to relocate soon, then you need to be flexible. Identify what your needs are and focus on them.
For example, your needs may include proximity to the workplace and pet-friendliness. Prioritize them over wants like gym or tennis lawn. The lease term might be another aspect you need to be flexible with. Some landlords may prefer longer leases while others might prefer a shorter one.
Consult Apartment Locators
A good number of vacancies are hidden. You might not find them through websites or classified ads alone. An apartment locator can help you find suitable LoDo apartments within a few hours rather than the days you'd need. They have a large database of apartment complexes in the cities they work in.
Their database may include prime locations and exclusive information on recent vacancies. They don't charge the renter any fee for the service.
Take Advantage Of College Breaks
Most American universities take a break between mid-December and mid-January. Many students relocate during this time leaving vacancies. So if you’re moving close to a university, then check for vacancies in the area. Students, professors and other university staff members can use many resources for the search like student social media pages.
Brave The Cold
Most people aren’t willing to tour apartments this season if they don’t have to. Especially with the threat of the second wave of the Covid-19 looming over. So if you’ll find less competition if you visit landlords.
Wear warm clothes and take precautions recommended by local authorities such as wearing a mask. Request contact less tours if possible to avoid contact. Make sure that you’re the only one touring at a given time.
Try Virtual Tours
If you aren’t willing to brave the snow or rain to tour different apartments, then you can request virtual tours. Here the landlord or the locator gives you a tour of different places through video calling apps. It’s a good solution when you also factor in the pandemic.
But keep in mind that the video might make the place seem different from how your eyes perceive it. So if you like a place, visit it once before signing the lease.
Negotiate For Good Prices
While fewer vacancies should mean higher prices, the demand for vacancies also drops this season. So you may be able to negotiate a favorable price for the vacant place. The landlord may agree because they want to fill the vacancies as soon as possible to earn the monthly rent. Of course, it’s not true for all landlords.
Check Heating System
Many renters relocate only to find out that the water heater isn’t working. When touring, check whether the heating system is working or not. Also, check whether you have to install your own system or the landlord will provide it.
Read Lease Terms
Always read the lease before signing it. It contains all the terms and conditions like rent amount, whether the landlord needs permission to enter or not, etc. Study local rent laws to know your rights. Though not necessary, you may consult a lawyer before signing a lease to know how it affects you legally.
Avoid Subletting
Normally subletting would be a good option during winters but the pandemic should make you rethink. Germs survive longer indoors, so chances of infection are higher through subletting. Sharing is still an option if you are relocating with people you already share space with.
