Finding a rental home (Phoenix, Chandler: sales, apartment, renters)

[machupi1]

I apologize if this has been asked before (I didn't find it when I searched):

I'll be moving to Phoenix in about a month for a temporary work assignment that will be about 18 months. I've decided that a rental house will meet my needs better than an apartment. My question is how should I go about finding a rental house? Do realtors help find rental homes in Phoenix? Should I just contact each property managment company that has a listing that fits my needs, or what?

BTW, I'm planning on living in Chandler or Gilbert.

[Winkelman]

Well it's a renters market right now so you should have plenty of options. I am sure you will get several responses from Realtors since homes sales have slowed down so much. Many agents are getting into rental properties to survive. I would scan craigslist to get an idea of prices but if you want to complete this from out of town use a Realtor or Property Manager to make the deal.

[Boatdrinks]

Originally Posted by machupi1

I apologize if this has been asked before (I didn't find it when I searched):

I'll be moving to Phoenix in about a month for a temporary work assignment that will be about 18 months. I've decided that a rental house will meet my needs better than an apartment. My question is how should I go about finding a rental house? Do realtors help find rental homes in Phoenix? Should I just contact each property managment company that has a listing that fits my needs, or what?

BTW, I'm planning on living in Chandler or Gilbert.

Oddly enough, it's actually a tough time to find a rental house now in Chandler and Gilbert. Many people are renting right now for a variety of reasons, including waiting out the market to see if prices decline before buying, so the rental home supply isn't as high as it sometimes is. So it may not be as easy as it has been in the past, but you should be able to find something. If you want a prefurnished home, there are many available and if it's just you (no kids, dogs, etc) so you'll just need a small place you should be able to find a condo or small house. Many people have prefurnished investment properties that they rent out to vacationers or people like you who just need short term housing. I know there are a few condos in Ocotillo like that. Keep in mind, though, that often those homes rents increase in the winter b/c that's peak season here. So you might be better off with an empty home and moving your furniture with you. Just depends on your situation.

I wish I could remember specific websites, but I can't. Google home rentals, houses for rent, etc. in Chandler and Gilbert and you'll find a few sites. One, I think, is called ahouseisbetter.com, or something like that.

Also, check aznb.com - they have a rental section there and listing agents numbers are on the site so you can call yourself.

And check craigslist - there are usually a bunch. And the newspaper sites too.

About agents - unless you're working with one for buying and selling, it's tough to find one to work with you for a rental b/c they don't make their money that way, so many won't take the time to work with you. There are some though, often agents who are trying to build up their business and hoping you'll use them in the future to buy or sell. I'd recommend looking around online for homes yourself and calling the listing agent for each home. Sometimes you'll luck upon a nice one who, if that home doesn't work for you, they'll help you find a different one.

Another option is just driving around neighborhoods and calling from the front yard sign.

Good luck!

[Winkelman]

Seems to be a lot of supply. I just checked Phoenix Craigslist and one RE Agent alone has 20 new listings for houses for rent just in Chandler. Craigslist has close to 100 homes listed for rent in Gilbert since Monday.