Renting in Anchorage, AK

[Three Wolves In Snow]

To the OP:

The post above is one of the ways that you do it. It's how I've done it in places that I've moved to (all without a job lined up - four times...some more expensive than Alaska, overall). Anywhere is going to cost you $2500-3000 (heck, a lot of places will be way more than that) for first, last, and deposit so that's not a big deal.

Sometimes I've paid just that amount, and along with my credit/background check, that's all that was needed. One time I put down 6 months rent to make them happy. It is possible to move some place without a job. It is possible to find a job....every place you move, they all say the same thing: "There's no jobs here." Some places ARE harder to find work, but it's not true that there's "no jobs" there. You have skills, and you're not trying to live in a remote village up there, you're going to one of the major towns - you'll be fine with 2 years worth that you have. Don't let people discourage you....people do that a lot in a lot of different states. It's annoying.

[Metlakatla]

No one said there are "no jobs" in Anchorage.

Personally, I won't rent to someone who moves up on spec. no matter how much rent they're willing to pay in advance. And that's why people were suggesting that the OP find employment before moving. Rentals are tight all over Alaska, and most landlords have been through the whole moving up on spec thing and are in no hurry to do so again.

[petester]

Prove you self to your employer and they WILL hook you up .
You don't believe me? ask him aud see what he / she says.

[rhiannon67]

We moved up last year and found our rental while we were still living in the lower 48. We used Zillow and Obanion's Relocation Services. One call made was enough for us to secure a place because the landlord liked us. It was a smallish home located near Anchorage Airport...paid $1950 + $1950 deposit. Everything worked out very well and we were able to buy our dream home a year later!

Rents are very high. Have a job when you get here or you'll be hosed in no time flat.

I highly recommend Zillow as we found both our rental and our dream home using it!

[laina1980]

Originally Posted by riceme

You get around this by securing a job before you move. There is a reason why landlords require proof of income.

Ideally this is obvious, BUT this is not a perfect world where everything runs smoothly. This is such typical advice from city data members....

Since the OP is simply stating how one can rent a apartment/house BEFORE having employment, it is only fair to assume they know what you are recommending(and probably already knew this to begin with). I myself, and many others I have known have moved somewhere without employment. My friend actually went to school in Seward, drove to Anchorage when finished, rented a apartment then found a job. So your not alone. My advice would be to first figure where you want to live and this should be temporary. I would wait for summer to finish when temporary housing is cheaper. There are extended stays, even airbnb has people who rent rooms or condos, and for this you don't need a job only secure payment. I have found these methods are not too much more expensive than a regular apartment(ok maybe a little) considering Anchorage is pretty expensive. This is good idea to also get your feet wet there if your not familiar with area. Yes, ideally you should be in a good financial situation as you don't know exactly when you will get a job.

Next thing you can do is just dive in. You will find someone who will rent to you without a job. I did and others I know have, you just need to find that person who will trust you. They are out there you just need to find them. Good luck!