RENTAL APARTMENT GUIDE 101

 APARTMENT HUNTING GUIDE-

It can so stressful to move from one room to another in the same house (Heya! All lazy folks like me, I see you!). It can be a rollercoaster for IMGs moving from one country to another. A new city, new environment, new friends, and the list goes on!

So, I’m listing the websites that I used while searching for an apartment. Before we move to the list of websites, I would like to put a disclaimer- ALWAYS CONFIRM THAT THE PLACE ISN’T A SCAM. You can ask for virtual tours, even if you’re sitting seven oceans away!

I mostly used the top 5 resources but also browsed through other sites. I am also attaching the sample email that I used to send for inquiries.

 

Apartment Hunt Guide-

1. FURNISHED FINDER- Since a lot of IMGs don’t have any furniture, this website lists apartments ranging from multiple bedrooms to single room in shared apartment. The website lists the entire cost- Rent/month + Deposit (one time) + Cleaning fee (one time) along with the availability and location. Sometimes, the availability isn’t updated and it’s best to message via website for availability. Website Link- https://www.furnishedfinder.com/
   
   
   
2. APARTMENTS.COM- I used this website and also subscribed to notifications (on my non-professional email- These messages can be annoying sometimes). It sends you updates regarding recent availability too. Website Link- https://www.apartments.com/
   
   
   
3. CRAIGSLIST- Never pay before looking at the apartment. Period. Many scammers can be present here. I found my future 6 months lease from craigslist but I saw the place virtually. Now, I have the number of the person who is staying there and she has asked me to come see the place before finalizing. So, make sure to run the cross-checks while going through craigslist.
   
   
   
4. UNIVERSITY HOUSING WEBSITE- Universities in most states have off-campus housing sites. These can really be helpful. I was able to open an account by sending in my contract to the university website. They allowed my gmail account instead of university email to send messages via website.
   
   
   
5. FACEBOOK GROUPS- All states have FB groups where people post rental availability. Make sure to check the credibility before moving forward with the decision. All the latest available rental are posted in active fb groups.
   
   
   
6. APARTMENTGUIDE.COM- Didn’t use it much. But you can sure, give it a try. Website Link- https://www.apartmentguide.com/
7. FORRENTUNIVERSITY.COM- List your university. If community program, list the nearby university, to see places for rent.
8. RENT.COM- This website mentions phone numbers. Try calling for faster response. Website Link- https://www.rent.com/
   
   
   
9. RENTALS.COM- Same as rent.com nearly. Website- https://www.rentals.com/
10. APARTMENTLIST.COM- It finds apartments according to your specifications- budget, area, number of bedrooms/ bathrooms. You have 3 options for the suggestion- yes, no and may be. The options with ‘yes’ and ‘may be’ are saved for further review. The site further sends emails if any property which matches your descriptions becomes available. Website Link- https://www.apartmentlist.com/
    
    
    
11. ZILLOW.COM- It lists both properties for rent and sale. Make sure to select rent before proceeding. https://www.zillow.com/
12. ZUMPER.COM- The listings are usually same as other sites but sometimes you can find your little cozy gem of a place. Website Link- https://www.zumper.com/
13. FORRENT.COM- Can give it a try. Website Link- https://www.forrent.com/
    
    
    
14. ROOMIES.COM- If you’re looking to stay with HOUSE-MATES. This site might be helpful. It has two sections- rooms available and room-mates available. If these fits, what you desire, you can give it a try. Website Link- https://www.roomies.com/

I’m also attaching the sample email that I used to send to people while emailing/messaging for apartment rentals-

Hey! I am Akshee, an incoming PGY-1 resident doctor at XYZ Medical Center. I am respectful, responsible, neat, and happy 2X years old! I'm easy going. Like to socialize as time allows. Usually busy with studies and research work in medicine. I recently graduated from medical school and will be starting my further studies at XYZ Medical Center. I am very interested in renting the place for a year starting June 10, 2021 if it is still vacant. Let me know if it'll be possible. Looking forward to hearing from you. Have a great day! Best, Akshee Batra Email- XYZ@gmail.com Contact- 8XXXXXXXXX.

 

Hope you’re able to find a place to stay soon!

Best of Luck!