Is 6 days enough time for someone from out of town to secure an apartment? (San Diego: apartment complexes, leasing)

[treevernal]

Hello,

I will be relocating to San Diego April 1st to pursue a career in the biotech industry. I plan on flying out mid-February to secure an apartment (Thursday-Tuesday ~ 6 days), coming back home to give my notice to work, and leaving March 15th to drive out to San Diego. (I'm making an 18-day road-trip out of my drive).

I just wanted your take on whether 6 days in February will be enough time to secure an apartment starting April 1st? Since I will be going sans job, I know it will be difficult to find roommates willing to rent to me; I figure I may have to pay out 3 months in advance to make it worth their while to rent to me.

Any advice also on how to avoid being the victim of a scam with apartment rentals? I've heard there is something called "certified checks" you can write to people that are more secure than personal checks? What kind of information can I expect people/landlords will want from me since I don't have a job? I know a credit check may be necessary, so I'll want it done through a third-party for security measures, correct?

*And excuse my being blunt, but I am not looking for lectures on moving without a job, so please spare me. I have $30k saved, a reliable car I own outright, and good leads on jobs in biotech with 3 years of industry experience (I know other areas of the country are even better than San Diego for biotech, but San Diego is my dream)*

Anyway, thanks in advance for any advice you can offer regarding apartment hunting!

Dan

[NYLI2SD]

I hope people respond with some good advice. I'm interested in what other people think too!! Good Luck with your move )

[esmith143]

Your biggest problem is that you're trying to find an apartment without a local source of income. Many places would turn you down just because of that. Most apartment complexes want to see proof of income before they let you sign a long-term lease. You might be able to find something month-to-month and then promote the lease to 1-year once you have a job.

When I moved to San Diego, the HR manager of the company I came to work for made all the arrangements, picked a place close to work, and even got some used furniture purchased and delivered; all I had to do was visit the leasing office the day I flew in and sign some papers. Very nice lady. I have no idea how common that kind of treatment is.

[kettlepot]

Absolutely, this is doable. I moved here in the mid 80s without a job and found an apartment in 5 days. Yes, I was turned down at one place, but I still found an apartment in short order. The trade off you will have to make is to not be horribly picky. If it's decent enough, in 6 days you probably won't find one better. And since this is going to be a rushed business, you'll probably be better off with a month-to-month rental. If you find out you've made a horrible housing mistake, you'll be able leave sooner than if you had a lease.

As for scams, if you are renting in a complex there is little risk of a scam. That complex, with its on-site manager isn't going anywhere.

[Snort]

San Diego Apartments for Rent - San Diego Apartments Reviews and Ratings
The above is a very helpful website. Most of the reviews are legit, but you'll also sometimes notice some obvious phonies in there. Overall though, a great resource if you're looking for an apartment.

[jksouthbay88]

Well I think it depends if you stay in just one Megaregion,two tops.Then you can do it in 6days.More than two Megaregions then I would push for more than six days.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by treevernal

Hello,

I will be relocating to San Diego April 1st to pursue a career in the biotech industry. I plan on flying out mid-February to secure an apartment (Thursday-Tuesday ~ 6 days), coming back home to give my notice to work, and leaving March 15th to drive out to San Diego. (I'm making an 18-day road-trip out of my drive).

I just wanted your take on whether 6 days in February will be enough time to secure an apartment starting April 1st? Since I will be going sans job, I know it will be difficult to find roommates willing to rent to me; I figure I may have to pay out 3 months in advance to make it worth their while to rent to me.

Any advice also on how to avoid being the victim of a scam with apartment rentals? I've heard there is something called "certified checks" you can write to people that are more secure than personal checks? What kind of information can I expect people/landlords will want from me since I don't have a job? I know a credit check may be necessary, so I'll want it done through a third-party for security measures, correct?

*And excuse my being blunt, but I am not looking for lectures on moving without a job, so please spare me. I have $30k saved, a reliable car I own outright, and good leads on jobs in biotech with 3 years of industry experience (I know other areas of the country are even better than San Diego for biotech, but San Diego is my dream)*

Anyway, thanks in advance for any advice you can offer regarding apartment hunting!

Dan

Dan, yes, you can find an apartment in 6 days, but finding one without a job may be the trick...

Regardless good luck and remember, when people talk about moving without a job, they are doing it for a purpose so you may want to get the chip off your shoulder.

NIta

[kettlepot]

I didn't detect a chip on the shoulder. His comments were to show that he had done his homework and read lots of previous threads, and didn't need to have these threads repeated back to him. Plus, he wanted to point out that he was coming well-prepared. 30k and an employable skill set is WELL prepared.

[treevernal]

Thank you kettlepot, I certainly do not have a chip on my shoulder and am taken aback that she would think and say that. I appreciate your support and advice; renting in a complex is a good idea.

Thanks for the advice everyone else also! Yes, perhaps a month-to-month lease would be a better bet. I was just kinda hoping that I wouldn't have to move that often and be able to sign a one-year lease right away (changing addresses often is quite annoying, isn't it? LOL). But I'll probably just have to "take what I can get".

I've also thought about renting a room in someone's house as I have seen several of these offers on craigslist. I know many people who have done well with craigslist but others, not so much. I guess scams are more likely this route, even though it will probably be cheaper than a complex.

Thank you too, Snort, for that link! I will definitely check that out.

I am very flexible and open to most places as long as they are clean and safe (I guess that's most people from what I've read!). I do not need to live on the beach or even that close to downtown right away. I would be happy farther inland or farther north (San Marcos/Oceanside?). I figure after a year or so and once I am employed full-time, then I can "upgrade" my living situation and live closer to the coast/downtown if I can afford it.

Once again, thank you so much for the advice everyone, I really appreciate it! I will keep you updated on my progress

Dan

[MiTaylor]

That would be great if you keep us posted! Many people don't. I don't have anything else to add, but wanted to wish you luck with your apartment search