How far in advance should I contact realtors for showings of houses for lease?

Hi Avery,

Personally I think it depends on how active the market is. Typically 30-45 days. If homes in that area historically take longer to lease, you can always list at 60 days out and make notes that the home will not be available for move in until X date. If the home is currently leases, and you have tenants occupying the home- then you would need to review your lease terms.

shelly@houstonshelly.com
www.houstonshelly.com
832-652-7589

Hi Avery
Within 30 days is a good timing rule for a lease home. Sometimes you can find one and stretch it to 45 days, but usually a landlord wants to replace the current tenant as quickly as possible. It is normal and customary to begin showings within a couple of weeks of the tenant moving out, or for them to have already vacated so that make ready can take place. The best rentals are those that are ready to go upon showings.

Hi Avery,
It is good contacting a realtor now to get a feel of the neighboorhoods and start watching the market so you know what is out there.
However showing sooner than 60 days prior the move date is not efficient, 30 days before is probably the best and more effective.
What part of town are you looking at? I own a property management company and we always have lease opportunities, feel free to contact us and we will be glad to help you.
Best,
francois@cozy-homes.com

Hi Avery!

Great Question! If you are looking to have a REALTOR represent you and assist you in locating, negotiating, and securing a rental home for you; I would contact and choose a REALTOR ASAP (today if possible) if I were you! REALTOR representation in this process would come at no cost to you since REALTORS are traditionally paid by sellers/landlords/property owners in the State of Texas! If this is the route you choose, you will already know who you will be working with in this process and have a huge 1st step out of your way. Now if I were representing and assisting you, I would set up and send you a customized search including homes which match your specific chosen criteria! Then we would put a lease application file together with everything any landlord may need if you chose to move forward on any given home! I would suggest beginning to actually physically look at/tour homes you're interested in about one month prior to your target move-in date. I will be able to schedule and accompany you on home tours for any home you think might work for you! Next we will submit an application or applications on the home or homes you prefer over all others. I have a 100% track record of being able to secure the rental home my clients want when they are qualified and follow my streamlined process! Please feel free to reach out to me directly today! See what my clients have to say about me and my services by following the link attached.

Cody Mier
Intero Real Estate Services
(832) 373-9755
cody@interohouston.com

Hi Avery,

It's great you are thinking ahead and planning your next move proactively! This is a great question and one I'm asked frequently.

Usually, your best bet is to look about 30-45 days out from when you want your lease to begin. Typically, landlords will not be willing to hold a lease several months in advance of move in (unless of course you are prepared to begin your lease early and pay even though you won't be moving in yet) and most likely those that are available now will already be leased out by May. This makes the timeline for finding a place and the point at which you must give notice, pretty tight. But, fortunately, finding a rental and the application process if pretty quick! That being said, there are instances when a property is listed in advance of availability. In this case, you may be able to secure the property in advance since the current lease would still be in place. These situations aren't that common and really case by case. There is nothing wrong with starting your search online sooner rather than later and your REALTOR could definitely reach out to the landlord's agent to see if circumstances would align.

Let me know if you have any more questions!

Darby Grimmett / KW / darby@darbygrimmett.com / 936-827-9217

Avery, most individual rentals (homes/townhomes) require a 30 day notice from their tenants. With a move date towards the end of May, the first part of April would be appropriate. There "may" be a few rentals that require a 60 day notice making March a possibility. Realize that a landlord will not only consider which applications are the best, but also which tenant can move in the quickest. For instance if a home is listed for lease first of April and you want to move in the end of May, they may accept an application that can move in the first of May....just something to keep in mind.

Also, realize there are always exceptions. For instance in a predominantly college area, the 30 day rule usually does not apply. Notice to the landlord is often given the first of the year (or earlier)

I would recommend connecting with a Realtor familiar with the area where you want to rent. They can set up a search and be on the look out for "date available" when searching for your home.