Mountain View apartment rental on short timeline? (sublets, apartments)

[Scarce Fowl]

Hello, I'm starting a new job and am looking to move to the Mountain View area by May 20, my start date. I'm going to be looking for an apartment rental, for a 12-month (or shorter) lease. How much lead time is necessary for finding an apartment in this area? I know at some places they will only accept leases starting on the 1st of a month. Ideally I would like to fly in the week of May 6th, spend a few days looking at places and get a lease signed, then move in the following week. Does that sound realistic, or should I expect this process to take longer?

Also, how should I handle obtaining renter's insurance? Will apartments generally require I have this in hand before leasing, or will they give me some time to sort it out? Since I'm moving to the area I want to get insurance from a local office, but I'm not really sure how long that process may be expected to take, either.

[karwosts]

How much lead time is necessary for finding an apartment in this area?

Not much, maybe 1 week or less, depending on how fast the office works, or how picky you are. Generally if a unit is vacant you can move in immediately, but the landlord will want to run background checks. I've seen this take as little as 1 hour, or as long as a week. Just check out craigslist for most listings.

I know at some places they will only accept leases starting on the 1st of a month.

I have never ever heard of this.

Also, how should I handle obtaining renter's insurance? Will apartments generally require I have this in hand before leasing, or will they give me some time to sort it out?

Based on my experience you'll need to have proof before they will give you the keys. However this is usually a pretty quick process, there are lots of online services where the required coverage can be obtained pretty quickly. Some landlords have preferred online vendors as well so they will be notified the instant you sign up, so you can usually knock this out in an hour. If you want to get someone local you could probably get signed up for that as well in a day or two.

Your plan sounds perfectly reasonable to me, I wouldn't worry too much. I had an issue during one of my move-in's to a new apartment where I had to leave, and I was able to find and get moved into a different apartment in less than 3 days.

[easybay]

Try looking at Craigslist for sublets/temporary housing AND try posting a housing wanted ad. It's tough finding corporate housing here, I've read other posters finding hotels cheaper on short term over corporate housing......

[zitsky]

Bring lots of money. That will help. (I'm a landlord in Mountain View, but I rent a house, not apartments.)