How to Find Available Apartments with Move In Specials

The notion of seeing something offered for free is enough to elicit excitement in almost everyone, even if the freebie isn’t something we need or particularly want. This isn’t lost on landlords and property managers; they, too, have come up with irresistible deals like move-in specials that tenants find hard to turn down.

1- What Are Move-In Specials Apartments
2- Common Move In Specials
3- Where to Find Move-In Specials
4- Tips for Finding Move-In Specials

What Are Move In Specials Apartments?

Move-in specials are often special offers that the landlord extends to prospective tenants that will hopefully entice them to rent an apartment. The move-in special is usually a one-time offer that’s offered at the start of the lease. Move-in specials are usually offered when the rental market is not very strong, like during off-peak renting seasons like winter and fall.

Tenants may have a hard time understanding how move-in specials can be offered in more metropolitan markets like New York City and Los Angeles. But the reality is move-in specials are always offered when the demand is low.

Common Move In Specials

The nature of move-in specials differs from one city to the next.  They even vary by apartment building. Here are the most common types of move-in specials that exist:

• No Application Fees

Tenants usually have to pay an application fee when they submit their rental application.  Depending on the city, this fee can be anywhere from $50 to $80. With no application fee move-in specials, landlords waive the application fee, which saves prospective tenants money.

• Reduced or No Security Deposit

The security deposit is often the largest expense when moving into a new apartment. Security deposits indicate to landlords that the tenant intends to move into the vacant apartment unit. Reducing the fee or removing it altogether also saves tenants money.

• Free Rent

Another attractive move-in special is free rent. All this means is the landlord waives the monthly rent for the first month or two after the tenant signs the lease. This may be one of the most popular move-in specials.

Finding Move In Specials

1- Real Estate Websites

Visit any real estate website, properties that offer move-in specials will often say so in the property description. You can also filter search results to show only those properties that are offering move-in specials.

2- Social Media

Social media is not only a way to stay in touch—but it also can highlight move-in specials for apartments in your area.  Consider following certain rental property’s social media pages so that you can stay updated and know when they’re offering a new move-in deal.

3- For Sale By Owner

For sale by owner, properties are usually not listed alongside traditional rental properties. To attract potential tenants, homeowners may offer incentives to anyone willing to occupy the property quickly. Look for “for rent” signs in neighborhoods, as these are almost always homeowner listed properties.

4- Hire an Agent

You can always solicit the help of a real estate agent in finding move-in specials. They are very familiar with the real estate market and may be privy to move-in specials that the general public is unaware of.

More Tips for Finding Move In Specials

• Consider moving during a major holiday season or when the weather is colder. These are popular times to find great move-in incentives.
• Keep an eye open for deals, and be ready to move on any deal you find!
• It’s not uncommon to find move-in deals in newly built apartment buildings, as the owner wants to fill it quickly with tenants in order to maximize profits.
• If you know the rental market is slow, don’t hesitate to negotiate your own move-in deal with the landlord or property manager.
  

Final Takeaway

Move-in specials are great for increasing demand, but conversely, the supply will drop. Don’t sleep on a good deal, especially if you’ve found an apartment you love.

Read Also: What are Move-In Specials? Everything You Need to Know About It