Finding housing at the last minute can feel like a race against time, but there are still plenty of ways to secure a place to stay. Whether you’re a procrastinator or dealing with unexpected circumstances, these strategies can help you find housing fast.
Make a list and check it twice
Before you start frantically searching for available housing, it’s important to be clear on exactly what you want and what you can live without to help make faster decisions. Are you looking for a private room or are you open to sharing? What is your budget and how flexible can it be? How close do you want to be to campus? Having a set of deal breakers like a lack of an in-unit laundry facility can further help you narrow down your options right off the bat.
Landlords are more inclined to favor applicants who have all their paperwork in place. Organizing your documents such as government-issued IDs, proof of income or financial aid, rental history, renter’s insurance and guarantor information, can give you an edge over other applicants.
Listings move fast so move faster
Different platforms have different listings. Cast your net as wide as possible and utilize multiple websites like Zillow.com, Apartments.com and Rent.com. If notifications aren’t an option, manually check listings several times a day. Facebook groups can also be instrumental in finding subleases residents post.
If you find something that checks most of your boxes, be prepared to act quickly. Reach out to the listing’s associated contact over the phone or by email immediately, schedule an in-person or virtual tour, submit an application and have your deposit ready. Be open to scheduling as many viewings as you
can in one day to save time. If it’s a sublease, be sure to inquire about the leasing process.
Let a real estate agent do the heavy lifting
If you aren’t seeing any listings you want, the process is too overwhelming or you just don’t have the time or patience to scroll through listings endlessly, real estate agents can be a game changer. Agents know what’s available and can line up multiple showings much quicker while also guiding you through lease agreements, deposits, legal terms and other paperwork. A good agent might also help you get a better deal on the rent. The more specific you are, the faster they can help.
Real estate agents typically charge a broker’s fee, which is usually one month’s rent. Before committing, ask upfront about their fees and conditions. Apartment listing sites often have agent contact info. Other students or university housing services may know agents who help with student rentals. Agents work with multiple clients so once they send you a listing, don’t sit on it.
Desperate times call for desperate measures
If luck isn’t in your favor, there are plenty of short-term fixes and alternative housing options that can keep you covered while you keep looking.
Expanding your search to localities further from campus can open up a wider array of options. If a bus route can get you to class easily, don’t rule out places a few miles away. In fact, rent is often cheaper the further away the property is from campus.
Students who constantly move in and out for internships, study-abroad programs or midyear transfers — look for their
subleases on Facebook groups. As a last resort, consider a temporary stay at Airbnbs or hotels to give you an extra few weeks on the house hunt.
Watch out for listings with suspiciously low rent or anyone asking for payment before you’ve seen or confirmed the place. Never wire money, send deposits through Venmo or gift cards or sign a lease without verifying the landlord and property.
