Simple strategies may help get you in the door sooner
Hunting for a new place to call home?
The rental market has tightened in the last year, especially since spring, according to the National Multi-Housing Council, which surveys apartment-related firms from across the country.
What does that mean to renters? Less apartment supply and more tenant demand.
There are ways to improve the odds of nabbing a dream space. Keep in mind that the less expensive units go first, while the higher-end rentals may be vacant and waiting.
No matter what you’re looking for, start by checking with people you know from school, work or the community. Many universities and colleges have bulletin boards and apartment listing services. Bulletin boards also can be found in community grocery stores or even the local post office.
Next, learn to read a map. Not just a map of the area you’re looking to rent in but a zoning map of the area. Most cities have site-specific zoning maps, such as ZIMAS in Los Angeles (available online at zimas.lacity.org), which shows where apartment zoning is located. Check with your city planning department for maps and zoning definitions.
Surprisingly, some great rentals tucked in residential areas are well-kept secrets. In many neighborhoods, these “mom-and-pop” properties only advertise with small yard signs. Why? “If they know my neighborhood, they’ll see my sign,” said longtime Westwood landlord Kitty Marks.
Hand-lettered and small, some signs are sometimes hard to read from the street, but they’re worth pulling over to check out. Driving around, map and notebook in hand, is a worthwhile way to search. Be prepared to spend a few hours on the project.
Not looking for hardwood and charm in a small building? A rental in a larger building is preferable for those who want extras such as swimming pools and gated parking. Some areas are zoned with dozens of such properties, and just walking door to door may yield vacancies to check out.
Most cities, including Los Angeles, require a manager phone number to be posted conspicuously by the mailboxes or entry of properties. Calling the manager directly can be a good way to find a new place.
Some managers or owners screen their calls, so prepare a basic and clear message in a friendly tone to improve the odds. Because some landlords or managers handle more than one type of unit, be specific about the number of bedrooms sought and basic location. Leave your phone number slowly and clearly, with area code, and repeat it. Returning calls is made easier for landlords and managers when the message is clear.
Worn out the sidewalk looking? Check local papers and classified sections. Online sources abound too, some linked with newspaper listings; others are separate rental agencies that display their inventory online.
If an agency charges a fee, make sure that approach is cost effective. Some services provide written guarantees within a time period, such as “90 days or your money back,” while others only charge if a rental is found. In prime areas, leasing agents sometimes charge a fee or commission when the renter signs the lease. Ask if a fee is charged before looking at a rental.
Another place to check is the local phone directory. Buildings of various sizes are listed under “Apartments.” “Property Management” will lead to other sources too. Note the name of the person you spoke with, as well as the price and unit number. This should help avoid surprises when previewing a rental.
Beware of being invited to a showing along with other potential renters because this increases competition for a unit. Try to make an individual appointment or, when attending an open showing, get there as early as possible.
Bringing along picture identification, checkbook and any credit information is sometimes helpful. Some agencies include a free credit check, which can be printed out and presented to prospective landlords. Although not all landlords will take a hand-delivered copy, it’s a foot in the door for some renters.
H. May Spitz is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer. Reader comments may be sent to hmayspitz@AOL.com.
