When Is The Best Time to Rent an Apartment?

Not everyone has a choice in when they have to move, but if your moving dates are flexible, you can time your search to align with the best times to rent an apartment. A Zillow analysis of national rental data from 2024 shows that summer has the widest selection of rentals but the most competition, while winter is more likely to have slower demand, fewer rentals and the lowest rents of the year.

It’s important to remember that local markets can vary depending on the local economy, the supply of apartments and seasonal patterns. For instance, rents in Denver were lowest in December and highest in July, while in Oklahoma City, rents were lowest in April and highest in September and December.

Read on to learn when you’re likely to find the largest number of apartments available, when they tend to be cheapest, and when you'll face the most or least competition from other renters.

Best month to save money on rent

If you’re looking to pay the lowest possible rent, the winter months of January and February are the best time to look, according to our analysis. Among the nation’s top 50 metros, all but 11 had the lowest average rents in January. A renter seeking an apartment in January 2024 would have paid $60 less a month, on average, for a typical apartment than if they’d rented in August. Over the course of a year, that amounts to an extra $720.

Months with the highest and lowest rents

Rents change throughout the year, based largely on demand. This chart shows typical rents for the U.S. The drop-down menu will give you the typical rents for the nation’s top 100 metro areas. Typical rent represents the median, with half of the rents falling below that number and half above.

Month with the lowest renter competition

Renter searches on Zillow Rentals® — an indication of demand — were lowest in November and December. The number of engaged renters searching for a home in November was 78% lower than the month when searches peaked. Many apartments experience lower turnover during the colder months, which means there are generally fewer new listings. However, because fewer people are moving, this is also when you may find the most options at lower prices.

Months when apartments are most in demand

Zillow’s Renter Demand Index indicates the overall level of interest and activity from renters in a given market. The information is based on user interaction and engagement with Zillow's rental listings. The drop-down menu shows demand in the nation’s top 100 metros.

Month with the highest renter competition

May and June tied for the month with the most competition. Search data from Zillow Rentals showed that the first week of June had the most listing views, rental applications and outreach to property managers over the past two years. The spike in demand during this period often coincides with  higher prices and more competition. If you can avoid this period, you might improve your chances of finding a lower-priced or less competitive rental, depending on your local market. 

Time of year with the biggest selection of rentals

“Summer is always a busy time for rentals, and it’s also when the most new listings hit the market,” said Emily McDonald, Zillow rental trends expert. “You'll still have options later if you miss the rush, but you might miss out on freebies like rental concessions that are available.”

This chart gives an indication of when you might find the largest selection of apartments, based on vacancy rates in the U.S. overall, and in the nation’s top 100 markets. 

Time of year with the most rental concessions

Winter is the best time for concessions, such as a free month’s rent, rent, free or reduced parking or a waiver of pet fees. According to Zillow data, about a third of all rentals offered concessions for most of the year. Concessions began rising in August, and then peaked in December, when 41% of rentals came with concessions. Fewer people actively searching means landlords may be more willing to negotiate on rental terms. This is an ideal time for renters if you have a flexible timeline. Keep an eye on listings to identify any off-peak promotions that could save you money.

Concessions are usually influenced by demand, which fluctuates throughout the year. The chart below shows when concessions are the most common in the U.S. as a whole, and in the nation’s top 100 markets.

How to increase your chances of finding a good deal

Timing your apartment search can make a big difference in your renting experience. By focusing your search during the late fall and winter months, you could find lower-priced apartments with less competition, but may have fewer rental options. To maximize your chances of finding the perfect place:

• Research your local rental market so you understand seasonal trends.
• Be ready to act quickly when you find a desirable listing.
• Consider flexible move-in dates to align with off-peak rental periods.
• Begin your search as early as possible. Many leases end at month’s end, so planning ahead by at least a month can increase your chances of finding a great place. Apartments still available at the end of the month could represent an opportunity to strike a deal with a landlord who is eager to fill empty units.
• Be mindful of the academic calendar. If you’re looking for an apartment in a college town, many apartments cater to students and may have lower availability and higher prices in late spring and early fall when students are searching for housing.
• Look for special offers between August and December. Some landlords offer promotions or discounts to attract renters during slow periods. 

Search tips for finding an apartment

Streamline your search. Download Zillow’s Rental App and use filters to narrow down your search by move-in dates, pet-friendly options, 3D tours and interactive floor plans.

Determine your budget. Zillow’s Rent Affordability Calculator can give you a personalized estimate of what you can afford based on your financial situation.

Stick to your budget. Find out what is and isn’t included in rent by checking the Costs & Fees section of each Zillow Rentals listing so you’ll know how much it will cost to move in, and the full monthly cost of renting.