Boston is a phenomenal city full of universities, art, culture, museums, theaters, entertainment, businesses, health centers, research, and advanced technology. So many people live here and want to live here that the demand for apartments often exceeds the supply. From early spring to “Allston Christmas” on September 1st (when people moving out of Allston put unwanted belongings on the curb) the rental market in Boston burgeons.
September First Leasing Cycle Frenzy
Because of Boston’s high concentration of colleges and universities, the availability of apartments for rent in Boston is influenced by the academic calendar. Therefore, many leases begin on September 1st. There is often a rapid turnover so renters, property managers and owners, and leasing professionals must be vigilant. The upside to this is that a renter might be able to view an apartment months in advance because listings may appear in late winter or early spring. However, it’s important to remember that the demand will increase the closer you get to summer.
Quick Decisions
With so many people looking for apartments at the same time, scheduling showings and submitting applications could feel like a competition. There might be multiple applications submitted within a short time frame. It’s important to have all documentation, such as proof of income and identification, organized and ready. In that way, you won’t miss out on a place that you think is perfect for you. Nevertheless, don’t rush when it comes to signing a lease. Read it carefully and ask questions. You don’t want to end up with expenses that you didn’t prepare for.
Move-in Day Chaos
There will be a huge crowd of people moving into Boston on September 1st. Already congested streets and sidewalks in areas where there are large amounts of rental units will experience even more congestion. Yet, planning could alleviate a lot of stress and hassle. Reserve a moving van well in advance and make sure you have move-in instructions from the owner or property manager. Check parking regulations on the street where the apartment is located. You can negotiate with some landlords of vacant units to move in a couple of days before the rush. If units are occupied, you can negotiate to move in a couple of days after the rush if your schedule permits.
Circumstances in the building or apartment may have changed since you last viewed the space. Perform a detailed walkthrough of your apartment upon arrival. Documenting the condition of the unit with photos can help ensure that both you and the property owner have a clear understanding of the apartment’s condition at the beginning of the lease.
Watch Out for Scams
You have probably heard the old saying, “If it sounds too good to be true, it’s not.” Scammers have reached a level of skill that makes scams difficult to detect, but not impossible to detect if you know what to look for. Technology makes it much easier to scam people, and technology is evolving every day. So always verify with whom you are dealing. Ask for the phone number of the real estate office and call to corroborate any information you have been given. You can also ask for a copy of their real estate license. Be aware that many scammers are trying to get personal information to monetize it. The following are some common techniques used by scammers.
Final Thoughts
Carefully planning each aspect of your renting in Boston journey will make everything run much smoother. By understanding the seasonal nature of the market, preparing documentation in advance, planning for move-in day, and staying alert to potential scams, renters can approach the process with confidence. Enjoy your stay in Boston!