{"id":109178,"date":"2020-10-14T00:33:12","date_gmt":"2020-10-14T07:33:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/?p=109178"},"modified":"2026-03-19T06:03:38","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T13:03:38","slug":"find-apartment-during-pandemic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/renting\/find-apartment-during-pandemic\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Hunt for an Apartment During the Pandemic"},"content":{"rendered":"

Apartment hunting can be a stressful process. Between moving fees, hidden defects and rental scams, finding a place that fits your lifestyle and budget may cause more than a few headaches.<\/p>\n

Nowadays, the added pressure of COVID-19 has made finding a new apartment<\/a> even more difficult in a lot of ways. But there are also ways in which the pandemic has spurred new technology, allowing renters to search for an apartment and sign a lease completely virtually. However, there are tell-tale warning signs renters should be aware of when apartment hunting exclusively virtually.<\/p>\n

This article will explore ways to strategically approach your apartment hunt during the pandemic while staying safe and getting the best deal.<\/p>\n

Begin Your Search Online<\/h2>\n

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In an age where renting has gone digital, it only makes sense to begin your search for an apartment online.<\/p>\n

Searching for an apartment on a dedicated listings website is not only safer than doing it in person during the pandemic, but you can also rent directly from the property manager, eliminating the fees of working with a real estate agent<\/a> to find an apartment.<\/p>\n

You can filter your search by budget, requirements and neighborhoods of interest, which will save time sifting through apartments that aren\u2019t right for you.<\/p>\n

Understand You Might Have to Rent Sight-Unseen<\/h2>\n

Due to social distancing measures, you may have to rent sight-unseen. The idea of signing a lease on an apartment that you\u2019ve never been to before might seem terrifying, but there are certain measures you can take to ensure that you understand what condition the unit is in while avoiding rental scams. For instance, if the price is too good to be true, if someone won\u2019t show you a property virtually or if they ask you to wire them funds, these are all red flags.<\/p>\n

As you get used to doing virtual tours<\/a> and asking the right questions, renting sight-unseen won\u2019t seem as daunting anymore. However, if it still makes you uncomfortable, talk to the property manager and ask for a self-guided tour<\/a>. Most properties will allow this under the new circumstances.<\/p>\n

Take Advantage of Virtual Tours<\/h2>\n

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Most rental properties nowadays offer virtual tours. For everyone practicing social distancing and minimizing the risk of exposure, virtual tours allow you to conduct your apartment search from the comfort of your own couch.<\/p>\n

There are a number of ways you can do a virtual tour. Some property managers or agents may use Zoom or FaceTime to take a potential tenant through the unit. Other properties use 3D tours that allow users to \u201cwalk\u201d through an apartment. They may also have a pre-made video tour of the apartment and grounds.<\/p>\n

As you virtually explore, imagine where your furniture would go, try to determine if the space is the right size, and use an extra careful eye to see if there are hidden defects in the unit.<\/p>\n

Ask Questions<\/h2>\n

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Knowing which questions to ask during an apartment hunt<\/a> is critical to finding your perfect place, especially in today\u2019s digital age. Make sure you are thorough with your questions and you understand everything you need to know about the property.<\/p>\n

For instance, you can ask things like:<\/p>\n