Easy to find apartments? (Houston: lease, living in, move to)

[DCNative]

Ok, there's a possible job opening in Houston TX that I'm looking at. But the thing is, they want someone to start as soon as possible... the sooner the better due to the workload on their part. I told them I can move to Houston by Aug 9th, and start my job on the 13th.

That gives me 4 days to find an apartment and move in immediately. Is it possible to do this in Houston? Can I find a good deal there and then move in immediately? What about the lease and approvals, etc?

In DC, one would need at least 2 weeks to find a place and settle in fully. But can I do this in Houston in 4 days?

[houstoner]

Where will your job be? Have you been to Houston before? Do you plan to visit before you move?

[DCNative]

Originally Posted by houstoner

Where will your job be? Have you been to Houston before? Do you plan to visit before you move?

I'm not familiar with the houston area, and no I've never been there - but in my thread about what I want in a city, houston did come up fairly many times when comparing cities against my desired criteria. I may visit Houston before I move because they said they would invite me for an interview if I make the short list.

[seasponge]

It depends on where you rent, but there is a very good chance that you will be able to secure a decent place with only 4 days. Assume you apply the same day you see the apt during the week, your background check (if they run one) will only take 24 hours. Some apts might take 48 hours or max 72 hours to verify if they do any of that.

I have rented at several locations in Houston and the shortest time it took for them to approve me was next day. The longest it took was 3 days. In Houston the average occupancy level of an apt is about 92% so getting in is quick. When I was looking into living in DC they told me their occupancy level was about 98% so it was harder to get in quick.

Don't worry, you will be fine!

[jpgiordano]

We are relocating to Texas in September and I started looking into apartments. I called several places and they said that it is better to look at the time you need the apartment. it appears that there are many apartment choices and I am sure you can find several quickly.

Best of luck with your move.

[DCNative]

It sounds like it shouldn't be too difficult to find available units when I move. Thanks for your input!

I'm on the short list for the job, but that doesn't mean it's all written in stone yet. We'll see.