If you're trying to move into an apartment, you may have heard about $0 move in specials. What are they and how do you find one? Are there any catches? We are here to help answer some of those questions.
An apartment complex that is offering a deal generally does so because they want to attract tenants, and it might also be related to the competition in the area. As a result, $0 move in specials are often more readily available in larger cities, but it’s still worth you while to call around in a small town because even there, you can find a deal. If you're looking around in a larger city, note that during certain times of the year there are going to be better deals because that's when more units become vacant.
The quickest way to find these and other move in specials is by using the Internet. There are many reputable apartment specials websites that allow you to search through a database, pinpointing specifics like the number of bedrooms, pet friendly complexes and how much rent you can afford to pay each month. Using a service such as this is typically free of charge, and it is provides a simple, stress free way of searching for the exact deal that best fits your needs.
An apartment complex that has a $0 move in special may have a catch of some kind. For instance, you may be entitled to a free month of rent but still have to pay deposits and application fees. Another possibility is that you will not receive free rent but all of your application fees and deposits will be waived. You might also be asked to sign an extended lease, or perhaps the complex will give you the free month at the end of your lease term instead of at the beginning. This is to help attract the best tenants and protect complexes from people moving in that are just going to live there and run off after the free month is up.
When you're given this kind of move in special, it can make it easier to move into your new apartment. For instance, you might be able to purchase more furniture, pay for a moving truck or take care of the necessary deposits for utilities.
If you have a choice between paying the full first month or not, it's usually in your best interest to work with the people that are offering you the deal. It's important that you do the math on whatever the final move in fees are if there are any to make sure you're actually getting a $0 move in special.
Even if a complex is not offering a $0 move in special, there may be another deal available to help you save some cash. Some leasing agents will waive your security deposit, or maybe even your first and last month's rent. You might receive an offer for no application fees, or perhaps a $99 move in special. Of course, you do have to qualify for any kind of a deal that you may get. Just tell the truth about your past and before you pay any application fees look over the rules for approval so you don't waste your time if you don't qualify.
A $0 move in special can help you as long as you do your homework and understand exactly what you’re being offered. Usually, an apartment complex will provide well qualified tenants with the opportunity to move in for free to entice new residents. This offers clear benefits to consumers like you who are in the market for a new place to live. Take the time to research these and other move in specials the next time you’re ready to make a move.
About the Author
Jonathan Leger is a freelance writer and small business owner. He also runs a popular question and answer site at AnswerThis.co.