Getting Started
What your agent needs to know
- When do you need to move?
- What is your price range?
- How many people will be living in the apartment? Working or going to school?
- Are you looking for a 1 bed, 2 bed, 3 bed etc...?
- Any pets? For dogs what is the breed and weight?
- Feel free to give them any other specific things you are looking for in an apartment (ie off-street parking, dishwasher, proximity to public transportation or specific area)
Be prepared ahead of time
Unlike apartment hunting in other cities, applying for any apartment in Cambridge is a time sensitive process that requires you to act fast. Apartments fly off the market so it's vital that you have all your documents and finances in order before you even see your first apartment.
When to start looking
Most apartments aren't listed until 30-60 days before the move-in date, though some places get listed months in advance. If you start searching too early keep in mind that what you have seen will likely be gone by the time you have made a decision.
Apartments rent fast
Once inventory hits the market the best deals disappear immediately so be prepared to start searching 30-60 days before your move-in date.
If you're working with an agent, keep in mind that what you saw yesterday may already have been rented. Time is of the essence and you need to be ready to act fast!
If you're working with an agent, keep in mind that what you saw yesterday may already have been rented. Time is of the essence and you need to be ready to act fast!
Expectations vs Reality
Be ready to adjust your expectations, especially if you're new to the Cambridge area. Cambridge rentals are high in demand and low in supply. What you may be accustomed to will often times greatly differ from what you can actually get.
Roommates
Nothing is worse than finding the perfect place only to find out that you can't rent it on your own or your roommate has decided to get their own place. Confirm your roommates ahead of time and lock down every roommate's information. Each individual will need to provide documentation and you'll all need to be ready to act fast. It's essential that you have responsible and trustworthy roommates, and in many ways, securing an apartment will be the true test of how trustworthy your roommates will be. Some landlords may not want to rent the apartment until they know exactly who will be living in the apartment.
If you have a roommate who is having trouble putting together all the necessary documentation to sign a lease, chances are that person won't be a reliable roommate. Suppose you sign the lease, and things are smooth for a while. If your roommate hits a rough patch and can't pay his or her share of the rent, then all parties are in violation of the lease (even those who are paying their share) and are at risk for eviction.
If you have a roommate who is having trouble putting together all the necessary documentation to sign a lease, chances are that person won't be a reliable roommate. Suppose you sign the lease, and things are smooth for a while. If your roommate hits a rough patch and can't pay his or her share of the rent, then all parties are in violation of the lease (even those who are paying their share) and are at risk for eviction.