7 Places Where Houses or Apartments for Rent Are Advertised

Advertisements for houses or apartments for rent are all around you. Many times, you don’t need to leave your home if you have access to the Internet. Here are some ways to find rentals:

1. ApartmentRatings.com

You can find your next apartment right here. You can start your search by typing in your zip code or state, and get a list of rentals, including reviews. This is especially great to use if you want to rent in another state. You won’t be able to walk into the local venues described below, so having access to listings online will be necessary.

2. Local Newspaper Online

You can also check the classified ads of your local newspaper under the “For Rent” section. Your chance of finding houses for rent is far greater doing a search this way, because it’s the preferred advertising method of homeowners who own investment properties. You can also sort your online search according to the rent amount, which makes your search that much easier.

3. Grocery Store

Look for the community bulletin board the next time you’re doing your grocery shopping. Many of the flyers posted will be listing houses or apartments for rent. The board might be located at the customer service desk, or where you exit the store. Tear off the number (if paper strips are provided), or ask customer service to make you a copy. They may charge you or direct you to a photocopy machine. In addition to the bulletin board, you can pick up free apartment guides that will have listings complete with color photos of the inside of the apartment.

4. Coffee Shop

Your local coffee shop is great source of information for events happening in your city or town. It’s also where you can find information about your next apartment. Landlords often post their rentals on a community board located in the shop. You can also post a flyer stating that you’re looking for an apartment, along with your specifications (and email address or phone number).

5. Gym

There should be a bulletin board at your gym, either in the locker room or near the entrance. Check both boards for houses and apartments for rent. You should also post a “Wanted” ad if rentals are scarce in the area you want to rent. You should also ask workers at the membership desk, because they know the members well and can tell you who the property managers or real estate investors are.

6. Bookstore

There should a bulletin board located at your local bookstore. Even the big chains try to have a community feel to them, and they will dedicate a small area of their store to local advertisements. The next time you’re there, check the board for listings of houses or apartments for rent. They may also carry free local publications that will have “For Rent” classifieds.

7. College Campus

If you live on campus or have access to one, you should check all the boards where ads are posted, as well as surrounding telephone poles. Even if you’re not a student, you can take advantage of advertisements geared towards college students (if that’s what you’re looking for).

You may not find what you’re looking for right away, and therefore your strategy should be to check these places regularly. Keep in mind that advertisements for houses and apartments for rent will decrease during the off season (like during the winter months).