Realtor.com Rentals: Searching Apartments and Houses for Rent

Realtor.com is best known for homes for sale, but it also runs a rental search for apartments and houses. Because rentals and for-sale listings sit on the same site, it can be handy if you are weighing whether to rent now or buy later. This guide covers how to search, what to budget for and how to stay safe.

What Realtor.com Rentals offers

The rental section lets you search by location and narrow results with filters such as price, bedrooms, bathrooms, home type and pet policy. Listings generally include photos, a description and contact options for the landlord or property manager.

Realtor.com also groups several renter tools together, including an option to apply online on participating listings, a list of rentals you have already contacted, a renter's resource center and rent-versus-buy resources. The site is operated by Move, Inc.

How to search step by step

1. Open the rental search and enter a city, neighborhood or ZIP code.
2. Choose whether you want apartments, houses or both.
3. Set your price range and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you need.
4. Add a pet-friendly filter if you have animals, and review each listing's specific pet rules.
5. Save promising homes and keep notes on rent, fees, utilities and lease length.
6. Contact landlords through the listing and request a tour.
7. If a listing supports online applications, review what screening is included before you submit.

Costs and fees to expect

Browsing rentals costs nothing. Typical costs once you decide to apply include:

• Application and screening fees: charged to cover credit, eviction and background checks. Some states limit how much a landlord can charge.
• Security deposit: held by the landlord to cover damage or unpaid rent and returned under the terms of your lease and state law.
• First month's rent, and sometimes last month's: check what is due before move-in.
• Ongoing extras: utilities, parking, pet rent, trash and renters insurance.

Ask whether any part of the deposit is non-refundable and get the answer in your lease.

Renting versus buying

If you are unsure whether to keep renting, Realtor.com's rent-versus-buy resources can help you think through the trade-offs. Renting usually requires less money upfront and offers more flexibility, while buying involves a down payment, closing costs and maintenance. A calculator is a starting point, not financial advice, so consider speaking with a HUD-approved housing counselor if you are seriously thinking about buying.

Choosing the right neighbourhood

Realtor.com is useful for looking beyond the home itself to the area around it. Before you book a viewing, look at commute times, nearby schools, shops and parks, and how the street looks at different times of day. A slightly smaller house in a better location can be a far happier place to live.

If you have children, check school information directly with the school district as well, since boundaries and enrolment rules can change. If you rely on public transport, check the actual routes and journey times rather than the distance on a map.

Comparing renting and buying

Because Realtor.com also lists homes for sale, it is a natural place to think about whether renting or buying makes more sense for you. Renting usually means lower upfront costs and more flexibility, while buying builds equity over time but brings a down payment, closing costs, maintenance and less freedom to move.

A rent-versus-buy calculator can help frame the decision, but treat its result as a starting point. Your own plans, job security and savings matter just as much as the numbers.

Keeping track of your enquiries

When you contact several landlords at once, it is easy to lose track. Keep a short note of every home you have asked about, who replied, what they said about the rent and move-in date and when you are due to view it. Following up politely after a day or two shows you are serious and keeps you in mind.

Before you sign

Read the lease carefully before signing, even if you applied online. Check the total monthly cost, the deposit and how it is returned, the lease length and renewal terms, pet and guest rules and who handles repairs. Ask for any promises made during the viewing, such as repairs or new appliances, to be written into the lease. Keep a copy of everything you sign.

Tips and rental-scam warnings

• Confirm the person you are dealing with actually owns or manages the property by checking local property records.
• Be cautious if the same home appears for sale and for rent at the same time; scammers sometimes copy sale listings.
• Never pay by wire transfer, gift card or cryptocurrency.
• Do not send a deposit before touring the home and signing a lease.
• Ask who will handle repairs and how to reach them after hours, and note the answer in writing.
• Photograph the home's condition on move-in day so you have a record when it is time to get your deposit back.
• Report suspicious listings to the site and to the Federal Trade Commission.

A few careful checks before you sign can save you time, money and stress later.

Frequently asked questions

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