While it may seem like finding your next apartment is easy to do, a competitive market and rising rent prices can make the process more complicated. Using rental apps to view available rentals can be one way to simplify the process, but which apps for apartment hunting are the best? Keep reading to discover the best rental apps and ways to save on application fees as renters.
What Are the Best Apps for Apartment Hunting?
Each rental app can vary in the types of rental listings available and filtering capabilities. Here are 11 options to consider using during your next home search with information on how they differ.
1. Realtor.com®
Realtor.com® is one of the top websites for house hunting, but the platform can also help you find available rentals. Filter rental listings by price, property type, bed and baths, your desired move-in date, pet-friendly rentals, amenities, or with specific keywords (pool, basement, waterfront) to be more specific. Realtor.com® also allows you to filter out listings no longer accepting applications to save you time and effort during your search.
Once you’re ready to inquire about a rental property, you can email the property owner directly to schedule a property showing in person or virtually. If you’re planning on hiring professionals to help you move, you can get a moving cost estimate and a free quote for how much the move will cost at the bottom of each listing.
2. Zillow Rentals
The Zillow Rentals app allows you to personalize your search to find rentals that fit your price range, offer your desired amenities, and allows pets on the property. Each listing answers frequently asked questions about the rental, from the walk score to what schools are assigned to the rental’s area. Access information on local legal protections for the LGBTQ community at the state level to inform you of your rights.
If you’re curious about the rent price of a rental, Zillow offers a Rent Zestimate history that shows an estimate of how the rent price may have changed annually. The rent estimate can give you an indication of whether or not the landlord will increase the rent price once the lease expires.
3. Trulia Rentals
Trulia not only shows available rentals online, but the app can also save you time inquiring about rentals with their 1-Click Request feature — a feature that allows renters to complete their information once to share with multiple landlords. See what locals have to say about the neighborhood each rental is in to determine if the location is a right fit.
4. Apartment List
Apartment List requires renters to complete a form on what type of rental you’re looking for, your budget, desired location, amenities you prefer, and more. Your answers will influence which rental listings populate for you and can be filtered by rentals that offer all of your features, are located in your desired location, or have the cheapest price. You can approve or reject your options and favorite properties you’re interested in viewing in-person or virtually.
5. Apartments.com
The Apartments.com app makes it easy to find rentals available in real-time that can be filtered by price, amenities, reviews, and more. If you’re curious about the pet requirements, you can see if pets are allowed for each rental and if there are any limitations to be aware of. The bottom of each listing includes a map view of the property to show you nearby schools, restaurants, groceries, coffee shops, banks, shops, and fitness centers. The map view can help you see how far rentals are from important locations or highways.
Once you’re ready to schedule a property showing, you can easily connect with the property owner or ask them questions in-app.
6. HotPads
Hotpads is a great option if you’re looking to view properties virtually, through 3D tours, or a conference call with the property owner. In addition to in-depth details on the rental, you can use the 3D tour tool to see the overall layout of the property and determine if it’s right for you.
Finding an apartment in a competitive market can be stressful, but HotPads outlines how many renters have viewed the listing and contacted the property owner for next steps. If you find a rental you like but the competition is high, it can be easier to find alternatives in case the rental is taken by another renter.
7. Zumper
Zumper can be filtered by long-term rentals, monthly rentals, or vacation spots for stays less than 30 days. Quickly see the details of each rental, as well as rent trends based on similar properties in the area. The app provides detailed guides on major cities that outline everything renters need to know about the area.
In partnership with TransUnion, Zumper allows you to submit rental applications and credit reports through its screening service, all while keeping your personal information safe and secured. You can also receive real-time alerts on new listings posted to get your eyes on new properties right away.
8. Rent.com
The Rent.com app provides rental listings that offer updated information on different rentals, as well as special deals landlords are offering. Some listings include 3D tours, video footage, or allow you to request a live video tour if you’re not comfortable with in-person property showings.
Each listing includes a section with reviews from current or past renters that lived in the property to see what others are saying about their renting experience.
9. Apartments by Apartment Guide
Most rental apps ask what location you’re interested in, but Apartment Guide allows you to search for specific types of properties that are furnished, pet-friendly, or offer certain amenities. You can organize your listings based on the most affordable or highly rated to help you during your search.
Each listing offers comprehensive information on the rental, like how safe it is to get around in the neighborhood, nearby schools, the lease terms, and amenities offered. Apartment Guide also flags when listings have gone down in price, which could be helpful if you were interested in rentals initially out of your budget.
10. Apartment Finder
Apartment Finder is designed for renters looking to get a great deal when searching for an apartment, especially when rent prices are higher than normal. Each listing highlights whether the offer is considered a great deal or recently experienced a price drop. You can also calculate your monthly expenses for certain rentals based on the included rent price and any discounts the landlord is offering.
11. RentCafe.com
RentCafe only shows verified rental listings that are posted directly by property managers with current information on pricing and unit availability. Each listing shows photos, videos, 3D tours (if applicable), available floor plans, amenities, building information, and what other residents have to say about their renting experience. You can also see if there are any rent specials or the average utility costs if you’re looking to get the best deal.
If you’re stuck on multiple rentals, you can compare three listings at a time with their comparison tool, making it easier to see which rentals are best for you. Once you’re ready to schedule a property showing, you can do so directly on RentCafe.com by choosing a date and time, which syncs directly with the property manager’s appointment calendar.
Save on Application Fees With a Renter Profile
Finding your next home doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With the Avail Renter Profile, you can share your rental history, online application, screening reports, and more with as many landlords as you want.
Your rental information can be emailed to landlords in minutes through a shareable link to get your application in front of the competition, which can help you land a rental in a competitive market.
Create an account or log in to complete your rental history and make the home search process easier.