So, you’ve decided to rent a Boston apartment or are at least considering the idea. You may have heard that the best time of year to move to the city is in early September. Although it’s not ideal, it is the most common time to rent a Boston apartment. This is due to the fact that Bean Town is a college town. The vast majority of students start classes very close to September 1st. That means they need to be back on campus for 9/1 each year. That’s why most landlords and property managers have adopted the September 1st to September 1st lease agreement timeframe. There is simply too much gravitational momentum that pulls so many lease renewal dates to the widest possible audience.
There is also the issue of seasonality here and summer is short in New England. Most people try to max out vacationing opportunities so a September to August 31st lease cycle simply works for nearly everyone. Additionally, the end of the summer means extremely hot weather- certainly not ideal moving conditions. Nobody would choose to move all of their stuff when it’s nearly 100 degrees outside. Wouldn’t you rather spend one of the last weekends of the summer at the beach or in a pool?
Well now you are saying to yourself – it’s the fall and I am looking post 9/1. Where do I land in this Greater Boston apartment leasing process? We do have some good news to share with you. Renting during the “off- season” means less competition and better deals. You just have to formulate a plan for leasing that is different than peak season apartment renting. So, without further ado, when is the best time to sign a lease for your Boston apartment?
Things to Consider
Boston happens to have one of the most expensive residential rental markets in the entire country. In fact, we’ve been in the top three (3) priciest places to live for multiple years running. At any given time, more people are searching for a Boston apartment than units available for rent. The principles of supply…