Suppose you’re pursuing career opportunities in another part of the country, considering moving back home to be closer to family and friends, or simply want a change of scenery. In any of these situations, you may wonder, “Can I rent an apartment in another state?” It’s certainly possible to rent an apartment out of state, but the process is slightly different when you can’t physically view the properties that interest you. Keep the following points in mind when you’re long-distance apartment hunting.
How to find an apartment out of state
The early stages of finding an apartment out of state aren’t too different from your average apartment search. Here are the steps to take:
- Consider your lifestyle
Consider your lifestyle and the things that matter to you. If you love suburban life and green spaces, you may want to live on the outskirts of town. If you want to be close to the action, downtown properties may suit you better. Think about how you like to get around and familiarize yourself with the public transportation system, available parking, and the pedestrian friendliness of the neighborhoods.
- Visit your new state if possible
If possible, visit the state you want to live in and conduct research in person on the ground. Spending time walking the streets and talking to residents will give you a greater sense of what living in a neighborhood is like than any online search can.
- Do some online research
Google maps is a great way to get familiar with the layout of a city and see if your potential neighborhood has any quirks or nearby attractions. If you have family or friends that live where you want to be, talk to them about their experiences.
- Research the property market
Once you know where you want to live, research the local property market when you’re in the early stages of finding a rental home out of state. Get to understand the average prices of properties that meet your needs so that you can recognize a good deal. Also, assess whether the rental market is fast-moving or a bit slower so that you can determine whether you should pounce quickly or take your time to make more considered decisions.
- Start virtually touring apartments
Once you’ve reached the point where you’re ready to sign a lease, start touring potential units online. Find listings with detailed photos and video walkthroughs if possible. Be cautious of rental scams when conducting transactions online. Verify the listing and never send any payment without confirming the validity of the listing.
- Sign the lease and start planning your move
Read through your lease carefully and sign. Make sure all deposits are paid and identify your move-in date. Then it’s time to plan and organize your move. Research long-distance moving companies and find the best option for getting you and your belongings to your new ZIP code.
Tips for applying for an apartment out of state
- Make digital copies of documents that show your identity and prove you’re a good candidate. If you’re relocating to start a new job, include a copy of your job offer to confirm you’ll have a reliable income when you arrive. If you don’t have work lined up in your new city, think about how you’ll explain your situation and the steps you’re taking to secure employment. Pay stubs from your previous employer can also show reliable work history. Remember to include any other forms of income in your application, including alimony, child support, and property collateral.
- Your credit report can show that you’re financially responsible. You can request a free credit check every year from Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. Collect some rental references from your current and previous landlords to prove you’ll take care of a new property.
- Ideally, your landlord will have all the information needed to make a decision. However, the landlord may come back to you and ask for more information. Remember to check your email and phone messages regularly and respond to any correspondence fast. Acting on requests promptly shows you’re enthusiastic about the rental and likely to be a reliable person.
How to rent an apartment from another state
Resources such as Zumper can help you sign a lease and rent an apartment from a distance. Make sure you read through the terms carefully before adding your digital signature to the document since online leases are legal documents.
Before you sign, determine whether you can get a short-term lease. Sometimes even though you’ve researched your new home thoroughly, circumstances don’t work out. A short-term or even month-to-month lease lets you test out life in your new neighborhood. If it’s not a good fit for you or your circumstances for relocating change, you can always move on to something better. Some landlords insist on long-term leases, but it never hurts to ask.
While renting an apartment without meeting in a face-to-face setting is becoming more common, some landlords are nervous about this type of arrangement. You can ease their fears by offering to pay several months of rent in advance. If your budget allows for this form of payment, it can be a great way to secure a desirable apartment in an attractive location. It can be incredibly persuasive if you don’t have work in your new city or have a bad credit score. Landlords will be more likely to take a chance on you as they can understand that you’re financially stable.
Final thoughts
While the process of finding and securing a rental property is a little different when you’re long-distance, you can certainly find a place before moving to another state. Taking the steps above before you move can make transitioning to a new life in another state much more manageable.
Browse thousands of apartments for rent on Zumper and find your next home—wherever you want to move.
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