When Should You Start Your Apartment Search?

Finding the perfect apartment is all about timing. Start too early, and you won’t find accurate availability or pricing. Start too late, and you might feel rushed into a decision. So when should you start looking? Let’s break it down.

How Far in Advance Should You Look?

Most apartment buildings only list available units 60-90 days before move-in — sometimes even less. The standard notice time for a tenant in a professionally managed building in Chicago, IL is 60 days notice, which means the current tenant has to let the building know if they are renewing their lease at least 60 days before the lease end date. Which means you would not see that available unit until 60 days before the tenants lease ends. If you’re browsing for a move more than three months out, you can get a feel for different properties and neighborhoods, but shouldn’t expect to see specific unit availability or accurate pricing. Anything listed too far in advance is subject to change. So, if you’re planning a June move, the best time to start seriously looking is around April.

Summer vs. Winter Pricing: Timing Matters

The time of year you move plays a huge role in how much you’ll pay in rent. Here’s why:

Summer Moves (High Demand, Higher Prices)

• More people are moving due to job changes, graduations, and school schedules.
• Apartments know demand is high, so they increase rent prices because… they can.
• You’ll likely find fewer specials or incentives since apartments don’t need to offer “discounts” to fill vacancies; people are already fighting to find an available spot.

Winter Moves (Lower Demand, Better Deals)

• Fewer people want to move in cold weather, so demand drops.
• To fill empty units, apartment buildings lower rent prices and offer better specials (think 1-2 months free rent or $1000 rent credits).
• If you’re budget-conscious, signing a lease in fall or winter can mean locking in a much better deal.

The Best Strategy?

If you’re flexible, consider moving between October and February to snag a lower price. If you must move in summer, try signing a 14-16 month lease so your next renewal happens in the off-season when prices drop again.

Timing your apartment search right can save you hundreds per month. Ready to find your next place? Let’s get started!