When apartment hunting in the off-season, you might experience more challenges than fair-weather seekers. While 33% of renters move each year, most rental agreements are signed during warmer months of the year. But this does not mean Winter apartment hunting is impossible. With the right techniques, you can successfully browse apartments for rent this time of year.

Know your priorities.
Make a list of what you are looking for in an apartment and bring it with you on your apartment hunts. When you are swept up in an apartment or are having some doubts, you can refer back to the list. This can also serve as a guide when you need to decide between multiple places.

Be flexible.
With that said, it’s important to be willing to bend a bit. Since your options might be more limited in the Winter, you may not land on your dream apartment immediately. Know which priorities matter most and which you can compromise on. This way, you can get as close to your ideal within reason.

Look into subleasing.
If you are struggling to find the right place during the off-season, consider a sublease or a temporary rental agreement for the time being. This way, you can have somewhere to live until the on-season. Then you can start your hunt again and look into more options.

Work with a leasing company.
Apartment hunting can be tricky on your own, and you may leave yourself vulnerable to scammers. This is why it is often best to work with a leasing company or rent luxury apartments in an apartment community. By doing so, you know that you are renting a quality unit with reliable maintenance and other rental services.

Consider a townhouse.
If your aren’t finding apartments for rent that you like, you might consider renting a townhouse. These units are often more readily available all year around.

When apartment hunting in the off-season, remember to be patient but diligent in your search. This way, you can find a place that fits your needs or access your other options. With the help of a leasing company, you can find a home you love as soon as possible.