Need some help for a (soon to be) Portland newcomer and first time renter. (apartments)

[shescrafty]

Hello! I'm Emmie! Like tons of people on this forum, I will soon be amongst the Portlanders. This will be my first time renting an apartment. I've been doing extensive research but I'm having trouble so I figured this would be a good place for my questions.

I've looked at neighborhoods that I'll want to live in (less burb-y and more city like) but I have restrictions that might hold me back. I'm looking for a studio or one bedroom for $700 or less. No smaller than 300 sq feet. I would like an apartment close to to public transportation. Internet ready and walking distance to shops and the like (but close to the bus/train stops are good too).

Does any know any property managements (big or small) that do month to month leasing and allow a cosigner? I have a job now and will have a job when I move out there but I don't make 2.5/3 times the rent but I have money saved for a few months so I should be fine.

I know that might be asking too much but the month to month lease and cosigner parts are the things I need most. Any recommendations of smaller landlords willing to give a young, single, first time renter a chance would be amazing?

Thank you so much!

[AndyAMG]

Well i can tell you the pearl and the sw side by psu are not in that price range. I saw on craigslist a studio like you are looking for but as you said month to month is hard to find. I would get on cl and check out rooms shared roomates section. Thats the only way you will get into dt, pearl or psu area with a 700 budget. Craigslist is how i find everything these days. Alot of people are the same way. If you see something jump on it. I got a 2000 sq foot hse with garage in north portland for 1200. City center area is not worth the money. Its damn near $3/sq ft. Outside of dt area is 1/sq ft and vancouver is .80 a sq ft per month.

[Minervah]

You will more than likely not be able to find what you are looking for and where in your price range in the city. Would you consider the suburbs? You may have better luck there. Portland has great neighborhoods but they are not inexpensive places to live. One bedrooms on the SE part of town close to public transportation and shopping where I live go for over $1000 a month. A brand new building with studio apartments down the street have studios for $1100.

Landlords with smaller apartment buildings not affiliated with propery management companieis usually do not advertise apartments for rent on Craigslist or the classifieds. There is a 4% vacany rate here. All they have to do is put out a sign and the places are rented within a day or less.

Most apartments rent here on a month-to-month basis. I have lived all over Portland and never had anyone offer me a lease. But that may depend upon the area in which you are looking.

Your best bet would be to google apartment management companies and then contact them to see if they have anyting available.

[Smiled]

Take a look at neighborhoods near the Max lines - that way you can quickly get INTO the city (and the airport, for that matter).