Key Takeaways
- Rents tend to dip between November and January, when fewer people move.
- In the winter, property managers are more likely to offer concessions like a free month, reduced deposits, or parking discounts.
- Can’t move in the winter? Aim for early fall or late spring to balance value, selection, and weather conditions.
- Prices also change weekly. Moving mid-week or mid-month will land you better prices than Saturday moves at the beginning or end of a month.
How Seasonality Impacts Rentals
| Season | Typical rent trend | Listings | Competition | Moving costs |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Lowest | Fewer | Low | Lowest |
| Spring (March-May) | Rising | More | Medium | Rising |
| Summer (June-Aug) | Highest | Most | High | Highest |
| Fall (Sept-Nov) | Cooling | Moderate | Medium-low | Falling |
Spring: Best time for moderate moves
Availability begins to increase in preparation for summer moving season, but competition hasn’t peaked yet. The weather also makes touring and moving easier than in the winter. This means that you’ll get the perks of moving in the summer without the sky-high rates.Spring strategy
Start your search at least six weeks before your targeted move-in date, and batch tours on the same day to compare units side-by-side. Ask property managers about pre-leasing for early summer if you need more choices.Summer: Best time for lots of options
Summer is the most popular time to move because of warm weather, longer daylight hours, and school breaks. There are lots of rental options in the summer, but renters have to move fast due to high competition. Rents are also higher with fewer rent concessions, and moving services book up quickly.Summer strategy
Get application-ready by gathering your proof of income, rental history, references, and pet records. Tour as soon as a unit posts, and be ready to apply the same day. Consider a longer lease to negotiate a better monthly rate.Fall: Best time for value
Between September and November, rents cool from summer highs. Landlords are looking to fill vacancies before the winter slow season, so they may be more open to negotiating prices.Fall strategy
Target September and October for the best mix of price and selection and ask property managers about move-in specials or fee waivers.Winter: Best time for cheap rent
Demand is lower in the winter, which means that prices are lower and you have a better chance of landing a discount. The market also moves at a slower pace, giving you time to tour and negotiate lease terms.Winter strategy
Start four weeks out, allowing for weather delays in touring and moving. Be flexible with move-in dates to unlock deeper concessions.Regional Differences
While rental markets generally follow the formula of a peak summer season and a slow winter season, some regions change the rules.Snowbelt metros
In Northeastern or Upper Midwest cities that have more extreme winters, winter may also bring deeper rent concessions due to even lower demand. However, weather can complicate touring and moving.Sunbelt metros
In Deep South and Southwestern cities that see hot summers, extreme heat can slow mid-day touring in peak season. Spring and fall are more popular here than in other regions due to more comfortable weather conditions.College towns
College towns often tailor rentals to the academic calendar, so expect synchronized move-in dates. Lease-ups for the next academic year cluster around October to January, and most lease terms begin in August and end in July.Tourist markets
Tourist hubs and seasonal economies may see off-season bargains and high-season premiums.Local demand shocks
Large employer moves, new transit lines, or big events can temporarily buck the seasonal trend. Stay up-to-date on current events in the area you’re moving to so you can avoid getting swept up in high competition unknowingly.Daily and Weekly Shifts
Beyond seasons, short-term demand waves can nudge prices day-to-day and week-to-week.Daily patterns
You’ll get the best rates when you search and move in the middle of the week. Saturdays and Sundays are popular for tours, so you’ll be less likely to score rent concessions. Weekend lease start dates also tend to have higher rents, and weekend pricing for moving trucks is typically higher.Weekly patterns
You’ll get the best rates when you apply and move in the second or third week of the month. The first of the month is a popular move-out day, so expect higher rents the week prior. Prices for moving trucks are also typically higher at the beginning and end of each month when moving is most common.Finding the right rental is as much about timing as it is about price. Whenever you’re looking to move, plan ahead and start your search at least four weeks in advance. Compare weekday and weekend costs, ask about concessions, and stay flexible on dates and lease length to lock in the best value.
This article was originally published on January 6, 2016, by Jonathan Deesing and has been updated.
