Tips for Finding the Perfect Rental Home 

Searching for your next rental home? This is your chance to explore new neighborhoods, discover spaces that match your lifestyle and create the perfect place to call home! With the right approach and a little preparation, the search can be fun, rewarding and full of possibilities.  

Use these tips to navigate the process and find a rental home that checks all your boxes. 

Before starting your search, identify exactly what you’re looking for in a rental home: 

• Budget: Determine your maximum monthly rent. Don’t forget to factor in other costs like utilities, internet, and renter’s insurance.  

• Location: Decide on which neighborhoods and areas fit your lifestyle. Consider the distance to work, schools, public transportation and amenities like grocery stores, malls or parks. 

• Size: Think about the number of bedrooms, bathrooms and overall square footage that will accommodate your needs. 

• Amenities: Make a list of must-haves. Do you need a pet-friendly home with a fenced yard? Is having a garage essential? Consider other extras like outdoor space or Smart Home features.  

• The majority of Progress Residential homes now come with Smart Home devices. Learn more about that here! 

Understanding the rental market helps ensure you get the best deal. 

• Compare Prices: Research average rental costs in your target neighborhoods. Look for patterns to determine what’s reasonable for the area. 

• Visit the Area: If possible, explore the neighborhood in person to get a feel for safety, amenities and general vibe. 

Tip 3: Set a Realistic Timeline 

Good planning is key to a stress-free rental search. 

• Start Early: Begin searching at least 30–60 days before your desired move-in date. This gives you enough time to explore options without feeling rushed. 

• Act Quickly: Rentals in competitive markets go fast. Be ready to tour homes and submit applications as soon as you find one that matches your criteria. 

Having all the necessary paperwork ready can make the application process go more smoothly and quickly. Progress, for example, requires:  

• Valid photo ID 

• Social Security Number (or Tax ID, if applicable) 

• Proof of income  

• Vehicle information (if parking is provided) 

• Payment information for deposits or fees 

• Pet documentation (if applicable)  

Once you find a rental home that feels right, have applied and paid your deposit, take the following steps: 

• Read the Lease Carefully: Ensure you understand all terms, including rent amount, lease length and policies on pets, guests, maintenance and late payments. If something is unclear, ask for clarification. 

• Do a Walkthrough: Before moving in, inspect the home thoroughly. Document its condition with photos or videos, noting any existing damage. This helps protect your security deposit when you move out. 

• Set Up Utilities: Arrange for electricity, water, internet and any other necessary services in advance to avoid delays after moving in. 

• Plan Your Move: Coordinate transportation, packing, and unpacking for a smooth transition. 

Avoid Scams: Unfortunately, rental fraud is common. Protect yourself by: 

• Being wary of listings with prices that seem too good to be true. 

• Never wiring rent payments or paying via cash/cash apps. 

• Reporting suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission. 

• Stay Organized: Create a spreadsheet or checklist to track the homes you’ve viewed, their details and their application deadlines. 

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to finding a rental home that’s perfect for your needs. Good luck and happy house hunting!