What is the Worst Month to Rent an Apartment?

The worst months to rent an apartment are May through August—especially July—due to high demand, limited inventory, and fewer concessions, with the impact most pronounced in cold-weather and college-heavy cities like Boston, Chicago, and Austin, while the best time to rent is December through February when prices are lower and competition is reduced, particularly in warmer markets like Miami, San Diego, and Phoenix where seasonal fluctuations are minimal.

Why These Months Are the Worst

• High demand: Families move before the school year, and college students lease for fall.
• Higher prices: Renters face seasonal price increases of 5–10% or more in many markets.
• Limited inventory: Popular units are scooped up quickly, reducing negotiating leverage.
• Lower concessions: Landlords offer fewer move-in deals or discounts during peak season.

Best Alternative

• December through February tend to be the best months, with lower rent, more concessions, and less competition.

Impact of Seasonality on Leasing Velocity

The seasonal impact on rent prices is most and least pronounced based on climate, regional demand patterns, and student populations.

Most Pronounced Seasonal Rent Increases

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Least Pronounced Seasonal Rent Increases

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Summary

• Most seasonal variation: Northeast, Midwest, college-heavy cities
• Least seasonal variation: Warm-weather cities in the South and Southwest