Downtown Madison apartment lease start dates (sublets, apartments, rental)

[kguru]

I was wondering if there are any apartments in downtown Madison or near the University of Wisconsin area that have leases start at other times of the years besides August 15-17. I have read from other posts that the downtown landlords have decided on August 15 as a universal move in day for the area. Are there many apartments in this area that would have leases available on different terms (such as month to month, or 6 or 12 month leases starting in September or October)? Overall my budget would be for something between about between about 400 and 800 dollars a month depending on the amount of utilities included with the rent.

[tchemgrrl]

It is very difficult to find apartments that don't start Aug. 15, particularly downtown. I remember finding a few places starting Aug.1, but for any other time of year I think you'll need to look farther out in areas with very few students or workers dependent on the UW system.

You might, however, be able to find a sublet situation for a shorter period of time--sometimes there are students who need someone to take a lease until January while they are studying elsewhere, or who graduate in December and need a sublettor after that.

[sondra_finchley]

There are a ton of places for rent on the near east side off Williamson at the moment though I dont know when the leases would start- quite a number on the streets closest to downtown. I know when we first moved here we were rather miffed by the rental start date and market until we figured it out.

Are you presently in Madison? Sometimes it helps just to drive around and take a look and call the numbers posted outside. Or craigslist is your friend!

[+Daimon]

Leases on the west, near east, and east sides start and end all times of the year. For downtown, you may find a November 1st or Sept. 1st here or there but your best bet would definitely be to check Craigslist for sublets. We have some housing co-ops that do month-to-month leases for very cheap, around 3 or $350, so if you don't mind living with borderline-crazy hippies (or are one yourself) that would be something to look into as well.

[subclavius]

As someone who went apartment hunting during the winter, there were a few places around campus for $800 a month or lower, but they rented out fast. Really fast.

You can extend the range of the search and improve your odds by looking for sublets, and if push comes to shove, people who already have the place but just need a room mate.