Whether you’re a recent college grad or simply seeking a new place to call home, finding the perfect apartment in downtown Phoenix can seem like an overwhelming task. Between adjusting to a new job, exploring the city, and carving out a social life, the housing search often takes a backseat.
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At Moontower, we understand the challenges of finding the perfect apartment in a competitive market and we’ve helped numerous individuals navigate the rental landscape.
That’s why we’ve written this article to help you determine when to start your apartment search in downtown Phoenix. By understanding the housing timeline, you can make informed decisions and secure your ideal living space with confidence.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- When is the best time of year to rent?
- How far in advance should I start my search?
- What is the typical housing search timeline?
When Should I Start Looking for an Apartment near Downtown Phoenix?
When is the best time of year to rent?
In general, from August to April is going to be the best time to search for an apartment in downtown Phoenix. The winter months are especially ideal for renting an apartment because demand (and therefore rent) is low. Because of the holidays, many people aren’t looking to move, so competition is the lowest this part of the year.
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However, if you’re looking for more options and don’t mind a higher price tag, summer might be a good time for you. Since college kids and out-of-town folks are moving out, demand (and therefore rent) is highest at this time of year.
Before beginning your housing search, you’ll want to consider which of these times best suits your needs.
How far in advance should I start my search?
After you’ve identified which time of year you’re going to move, you should identify your move-in and move-out dates. Typically, you’ll want to provide your landlord with at least 30 days written notice of your move-out. However, some require 60 days notice. Check with your current landlord for their policy.
For a comprehensive guide on renting an apartment in downtown Phoenix, download our ultimate Renter’s Guide to Living in Downtown Phoenix:
What is the typical housing search timeline?
The housing search timeline runs approximately 30 to 90 days from your anticipated move-in date. There are different steps you should complete at each stage of the timeline: 90 days, 60 days, and 30 days.
At 90 days out, focus on creating a list of preferences you want in an apartment. Make a list of properties you’d like to tour next month that meet your qualifications. This will help you narrow down properties that meet your needs. A few starting points include ideal location, optimal price, and preferred amenities. At this stage, it’s not recommended to start touring apartments yet. Because it’s so far out, you’ll have trouble finding properties with availability.
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Between 30 to 60 days out, you’ll want to start touring properties that peak your interest. If you need help finding potential properties to consider, you can use an apartment locator who will assist you with your search, often free of charge.
It’s important to tour the building you’re interested in so you can get a feel for the atmosphere and overall vibe of the property. Make sure to bring a list of questions to ask the leasing agents so you can decipher if the property would be a good fit for you. After you tour several properties, it will become easier to narrow down your list.
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Once you’ve decided which property will be your new home, it’s time to apply. This 15-20 minute process can be completed online or in the leasing office. You’ll fill out your basic personal information, provide bank account statements, as well as your Social Security Number in order to determine if you qualify. At this time, you’ll pay the application fee, which typically ranges from $50 to $100 in downtown Phoenix.
Read Next: How to Lease a Downtown Phoenix Apartment If You Don’t Qualify
With less than 30 days to move-in, if you haven’t already, it’s time to sign your lease and complete any other paperwork required for your move-in. Inquire with the property about any fees due before move-in and pay those so you’re squared away with the property.
Read Next: How to Lease a Downtown Phoenix Apartment: A Step by Step Guide
The other endeavor to tackle during this time is the moving process. You can anticipate a couple costs when preparing for a move, such as a cleaning service, a moving company, and storage space. To help make this process easier for you, we’ve compiled lists of:
We hope that this article helps you get started in exploring downtown Phoenix apartments. For more information on Moontower, you can book a tour or contact our leasing staff, who are more than happy to answer any questions you may have about housing.
