Best Websites for Finding Rental Housing?

[Tortoise]

I will be starting a new job next month in a new geographical area, and I was hoping some of you could suggest websites for housing rental searches that you've had luck with (or know people who have had luck with). The company I'm joining is reimbursing my moving expenses, but since they are very small they can't offer much in terms of services to help me find a place to live. It's pretty much up to me to perform the search.

I'm planning on using a combination of Zillow, Trulia, Craigslist, and maybe a couple of other sites, but if certain websites/services are known to be a lot more helpful or reliable than others, that would be good to know. Can be either free or paid services. Also, if there are any hidden gems I may not know about I'd very much like to hear about them.

Thanks in advance for any tips or suggestions you might have!

[Pointedstick]

housingmaps.com is craigslist + Google maps, and works fairly well for larger cities that are supported.

[whatchamacallit]

I recently had to find a new apartment myself. The place I ended up I already knew about since it is close to my work so I just checked their website for listings.

I personally like apartments owned by management companies. The easiest way to find these to me is just searching google maps in the area you are looking at for 'apartments' but that may not find the newest complexes. Maybe one of the major apartments websites would find complexes just built.

If you want to rent an actual house, there is one thing I noticed that may give you an edge when searching.

The houses that are listed by property management companies are not necessarily listed on craigslist. I think this may be because demand is already plenty high where I am at.

I found a lot of different property management companies from their listings on craigslist and then found that they had  more properties on their direct website. You may also just search for property management companies in the area to check their website as well.

I would think you would have less competition for a property if you can catch it before it hits craigslist.

[Libertarian666]

For an apartment, you must use apartmentratings.com. That site has saved us from some horrible situations. The fact that a lot of the comments are hilarious is just a side benefit.

[dragoncar]

Padmapper (an aggregator) used to be really good, although it might have gone downhill if it no longer supports craigslist.

[Pointedstick]

For an apartment, you must use apartmentratings.com. That site has saved us from some horrible situations. The fact that a lot of the comments are hilarious is just a side benefit.

Thanks a lot for this. I just found out that my apartment complex screws people over when they move out--and I'm preparing to move out. Good to go into it with my eyes open; maybe I can wriggle out of their slimy behavior.

[l82start]

what exactly do they do to screw people when they move out? i am familiar with the app t management business, maybe i can give you some ideas..

[Pointedstick]

Thanks l8! It says that for pet owners (we have a dog), they withhold the entire security deposit over the condition of the carpet no matter what condition it's even in, then on top of that, after you move out, they send you a bill for some super-expensive "enzyme cleaning" of the carpet, but then they just replace the ratty thing anyway. And since you're gone, it's much harder to verify this or fight the bill. Apparently they're pretty aggressive about sending it to a collections agency if you resist.

[Tortoise]

I personally like apartments owned by management companies. The easiest way to find these to me is just searching google maps in the area you are looking at for 'apartments' but that may not find the newest complexes. Maybe one of the major apartments websites would find complexes just built.

[...]

I found a lot of different property management companies from their listings on craigslist and then found that they had  more properties on their direct website. You may also just search for property management companies in the area to check their website as well.

I would think you would have less competition for a property if you can catch it before it hits craigslist.

Great idea! I don't think I would have thought of that myself. Thanks!

For an apartment, you must use apartmentratings.com. That site has saved us from some horrible situations. The fact that a lot of the comments are hilarious is just a side benefit.

Another great idea. Long live candid ratings websites! Another example: I discovered recently that Glassdoor.com has some interesting reviews of different companies by current and former employees.

Thanks l8! It says that for pet owners (we have a dog), they withhold the entire security deposit over the condition of the carpet no matter what condition it's even in, then on top of that, after you move out, they send you a bill for some super-expensive "enzyme cleaning" of the carpet, but then they just replace the ratty thing anyway. And since you're gone, it's much harder to verify this or fight the bill. Apparently they're pretty aggressive about sending it to a collections agency if you resist.

Do you have the option of having the carpet professionally steam-cleaned yourself when you move out, so the management company doesn't have to take care of it? Sometimes apartment complexes offer to reduce your move-out cleaning bill (often significantly) if you do that.

[l82start]

Thanks l8! It says that for pet owners (we have a dog), they withhold the entire security deposit over the condition of the carpet no matter what condition it's even in, then on top of that, after you move out, they send you a bill for some super-expensive "enzyme cleaning" of the carpet, but then they just replace the ratty thing anyway. And since you're gone, it's much harder to verify this or fight the bill. Apparently they're pretty aggressive about sending it to a collections agency if you resist.

It sounds like they are pushing the limits on what they are allowed to do... they can withhold a pet deposit for cleaning and damages to the apartment caused by pets, and they can take some money from the deposit for rug cleaning whether there is a pet or not, but there are limits...  wear and tear can't be charged to a tenant... walls need painting and rugs need replacing every now and then. The rules for wear and tear vary from state to state so you can look them up for where you live, and if you have been a resident long enough they cant charge you for anything but the damages you have done... in these situations a camera can be your best friend, clean the apartment once you have emptied it and photograph everything you think might be charged against your deposit including your cleaning work, a copy of your move in walk through is another helpful tool to keep you from being charged for preexisting damages.. If you have a separate pet deposit (keep or find those receipts) and if you have lived there long enough you probably have a good defense for a small claims case against the full deposit being taken especially in states like CA where the law tends to strongly favor the tenants side...

[Pointedstick]

Sent you a PM, l82start.

[l82start]

some tips on getting a full as possible deposit back..

clean after the apartment is empty
a mix of water simple green (or other degreasing soap) and bleach is your best buddy
start high and work your way down on cleaning projects
base boards, light switches, door handles, walls, window sills and corners all come clean pretty easy with the above solution and a bit of elbow grease
pay special attention to the stove, oven and fridge..
remove and clean behind veggie drawers, dust the top and unplug the fridge and prop door open to air out when done.. hidden crud will be found and charged for.
oven cleaner and a razorblades will clean the oven, (don't forget to clean the racks),
if the stove top is a fairly standard model it is easier and cheaper to buy new fresh cups for under the elements then it is to clean them
don't forget inside kitchen/bathroom drawers closet shelf's etc (top to bottom in sections helps keep spots from getting missed)

having the rug cleaned yourself can be a bit problematic for landlords, if big repairs/remodeling, painting need to be done then they can get stuck cleaning the rug again anyway, if the apartment is in good shape, doesn't need an overhaul and the rug cleaner you use is reputable  (trying to use the same one they do might help) it can as tortoise mentioned some times save you money..