[Newbie 913]

My boyfriend and I are looking for a 2 bed room apartment in the Hartford/West Hartford area from $800-$900. I have found places available, but since we aren't looking to move until June 1st (ideally) I'm thinking it's too early to contact landlords? We can move by April 1st if we needed to secure a place faster, but is 2 months too long to hold an apartment as well? Just looking for advice on a time line of when to start looking and contacting landlords. Also, if a realtor is a good idea to go through, which one?
Thank you!

[mrgmrg]

I wouldn't start looking further ahead than, say, 6 weeks from when you want to move in. I don't think you're going to have luck getting a LL to hold an apartment for you, since the inventory at your budget is pretty tight.

I can't recommend a specific realtor, but generally if you're not savvy about the landlord/tenant law, don't know the area well, and/or don't feel comfortable negotiating rent and terms yourself, I'd definitely get a realtor.

[Newbie 913]

Originally Posted by mrgmrg

I wouldn't start looking further ahead than, say, 6 weeks from when you want to move in. I don't think you're going to have luck getting a LL to hold an apartment for you, since the inventory at your budget is pretty tight.

I can't recommend a specific realtor, but generally if you're not savvy about the landlord/tenant law, don't know the area well, and/or don't feel comfortable negotiating rent and terms yourself, I'd definitely get a realtor.

Thank you!

[Stylo]

That is a tough budget. If you rent in Hartford, just be careful - something cheap could be in a dangerous neighborhood.

[BPt111]

Originally Posted by Stylo

That is a tough budget. If you rent in Hartford, just be careful - something cheap could be in a dangerous neighborhood.

Hartford Southend near Wethersfield border, Hartford Westend ? East Hartford would u recommed that

[Newbie 913]

Originally Posted by Stylo

That is a tough budget. If you rent in Hartford, just be careful - something cheap could be in a dangerous neighborhood.

Very true. I grew up on the south end so I would be more comfortable on that side. Thank you for the advice.

[jdhall1]

I'd start looking to the middle of April

[parentologist]

You're not going to have a very hard time finding a habitable two bedroom at that price in an even marginally safe area. You should also consider New Britain, which borders on West Hartford. You can get a decent two bedroom in a relatively safe area for 800 there. Plan on having two months of security and your first month of rent ready, and 50 for a background/credit check. If you have all that ready, then you're a more attractive candidate. If you don't yet have jobs, see if you can get parents to cosign for you.