WHAT EVERY RENTER SHOULD KNOW

SOME INSIGHT

Searching for a rental home can be stressful—we get it. We've worked with customers in similar situations and learned a lot along the way. Here are some key insights to help you better understand the process:

  • Most property management companies don’t pay commissions to Realtors®, which is why many agents don’t assist with rental searches unless you pay them directly.

  • Only a small percentage of rentals are listed in the MLS, meaning most available homes won’t show up on sites like Realtor.com or Zillow—and are harder for agents to access.

  • Some management companies require you to schedule showings directly with them, so you may have to contact a different company for each property you're interested in.

  • There’s no single website that lists all available rentals, making it overwhelming to know where to look.

  • Listings aren’t always kept up to date, so homes shown online may already be rented.

  • Some companies offer self-showing options, while others do not.

  • Many self-showing systems charge a fee, and those fees often only apply to that company’s listings—so you could end up paying multiple fees just to view different homes.

  • Application processes vary—some companies process applications in order, while others accept multiple applications and choose the most qualified.

  • Some owners hire someone to list the home but manage the property themselves, which can make communication and processes inconsistent.

  • Rental prices online may not reflect the full cost—additional fees (some required, some optional) or lease terms can increase the amount due.

These are just a few things we’ve encountered while trying to assist renters. While we’re not set up to help clients find rentals outside of the properties listed on our Available Homes page, we hope the links and tips below help make your search easier.

If you notice a broken link or outdated information, please let us know. Things change frequently, and we want to be a helpful resource for you and others navigating the rental market.

Some Websites To Search

  • CrossView Rentals

    What our company currently has available.

    CLICK HERE

  • Zumper

    One of our favorite websites as we feel its updated more frequently then others.

    CLICK HERE

  • Zillow

    Homes listed in MLS and by the larger property management companies tend to be listed here.

    CLICK HERE

Be aware of rental SCAMS

 Helpful Tips

  • Don’t stress about finding the perfect rental—focus on what meets your current needs. You're not buying, and there’s a chance you’ll be moving again in a year. Keep it simple, save money, and rent just what you need.

  • Keep in mind, rent isn’t the only cost. You may also need to cover utilities, pet fees, renters insurance, resident benefit packages, lawn care, pest control—just to name a few.

    Also, most property managers require verified income equal to at least 3 times the monthly rent, so be sure your finances align with the requirements before applying.

  • Most property management companies require tenants to give a 30-day (sometimes 60-day) notice before moving out. That means available rental listings often don’t appear until closer to the move-out date—and even then, it depends on whether the previous tenant left the home in good condition and ready for a quick turnover.

    Some companies advertise upcoming rentals early, while others wait until the home is vacant and ready. If you start looking too early, you may get discouraged when landlords aren’t willing to hold a home for several weeks—or you may feel pressured to move in sooner, which could mean paying for two places at once.

    On the flip side, waiting until the last week to find a rental can lead to limited options and added stress. The key is to start looking within the right window

  • We’ve seen many rental listings use photos that are several years old—sometimes the home has changed so much, you wouldn’t recognize it. Even small updates, like new appliances or flooring, can make a difference.

    But more importantly, photos can’t show you how clean the home is or if there are any strange odors. That’s why it’s important to view the property in person—or have someone you trust check it out for you.

  • Make sure you understand all the details—any extra costs you're responsible for, when rent is due, how you’re expected to pay, and what the late fees are.

    Also pay attention to how maintenance issues are handled, what responsibilities fall on you, and the rules around guests, pets, and other policies. Knowing these things upfront can help you avoid surprises later.

  • If something feels off—whether with the landlord or the lease—walk away. It’s better to loose out on an application fee then your whole security deposit and possibly more.