When to look for a rental for June 1st (Portland: rentals, townhouse)

[Kcolsen]

I am moving to Portland with my family to start working in the middle to end of June. When would be the best time to come out to Portland to look for rentals for June 1st? We are looking for a large 2br or 3br rental, preferably house or townhouse within 2-3 miles of OHSU. We don't want to live somewhere temporarily when we first get here as we have two young kids and want to limit the amount of moving.

On another note, what will we likely need to submit with rental applications? We have jobs secured but they won't begin until after we need a place to rent. We should be able to get a letter to submit confirming the jobs and salaries. We also currently own a home so don't have a recent rental history or landlord and haven't had to look for a rental in years. The only major problem I foresee is finding a place that will be ok with a dog, 55lb yellow lab.

Thanks for any advice on when to look for rentals and what to put together for rental applications.

[Nell Plotts]

It is the custom here to give one month's notice when leaving a rental. There is a lot of turnover of Residents and Fellows in June. I would try contacting OHSU to see if there is a periodical where you can list your housing need. Often rentals are 'handed off' from one OHSU professional to another.

If your children are school age it is sometimes better to move them enough before the end of school so that the kids can form friendships, even if the move earlier than you do.