Looking for apartment to rent starting in October--realistic? (Boston: apartments, rentals)

[belsandre]

Hi all! We're looking for an apartment with a lease starting in October, but most apartments seem to have leases starting in September. I'm not sure if I'm just looking too early or if it won't really be possible? In the latter case, should we resign to looking for an apartment with a lease starting in September then--and possibly look for a subletter for September? What is the trend for rent prices over the months of the year? Thanks for any advice!

[shiver]

Apartments will be available for October, but just not as many. Sept is the BIG month for moving around Boston. The good news is that while the selection is less, you may be able to get a slightly cheaper rent or a reduced or no broker fee since demand isn't as great.

September apartments often are advertised early (esp in student areas) since students leave in May/June. Landlords put pressure on their Sept lease tenants early to tell them whether they're leaving or staying. The October rentals aren't geared toward students as much so most won't become available until August at the earliest. In many apartments, tenants don't get pressure to give notice until a couple months beforehand at the earliest.