Why You Should Use a Real Estate Agent to Find Your Next Rental

Are you tired of apartment living and thinking about renting a single-family home instead? You might be surprised to learn that real estate agents don’t just help people buy and sell homes, many also assist clients in finding rental properties and guide them through the entire process. Working with a knowledgeable agent can save you time, reduce stress, and help you avoid costly mistakes.

If you’re considering renting a home, here are my top tips to make your experience smooth and successful:

Tip #1: Connect with a Local Real Estate Agent Who Handles Rentals

Your first step should be reaching out to a local agent to see if they assist clients with rentals. Not all agents take on rental listings, so be sure to find one who has experience in the rental market. An agent familiar with rental properties will have insight into neighborhoods, rental rates, and landlord expectations, and can often alert you to homes before they hit the public market.

Tip #2: Be Ready to Provide Qualifying Information

Once you’ve connected with an agent, be prepared to share documentation that proves you’re a qualified renter. Most landlords and agents acting on their behalf will require:

• A credit check (a score of at least 600 is often expected, though some landlords accept lower scores, and others may require 650+)

• Proof of income (typically recent pay stubs, W-2s, social security, or bank statements)

• Employment verification

A common rule of thumb is that your gross income should be at least 3 times the monthly rent. You should also be ready to pay upfront costs, which usually include:

• First month’s rent

• Security deposit (often 1 to 1.5 times the monthly rent)

• Application fees (if applicable)

One benefit of renting from a private landlord (rather than an apartment complex) is that there’s sometimes more flexibility on these requirements. Private landlords might be more willing to negotiate on credit scores, income multiples, or other factors especially if you have strong references or a larger upfront payment.

Tip #3: Plan Ahead if You Have Pets

If you’re a pet owner, be prepared for additional requirements and potential limitations. Many landlords charge:

• A pet deposit (refundable or non-refundable)

• Pet rent (an additional monthly fee)

Keep in mind that not all landlords allow pets, and those who do often have restrictions on:

• Size (weight limits)

• Quantity (number of pets)

• Breed (especially for certain dog breeds)

Let your agent know about your pets upfront so they can focus your search on pet-friendly properties and avoid wasting time on listings that won’t accept them.

Tip #4: Stay Alert for Rental Scams

Unfortunately, rental scams are common especially on sites like Zillow, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and other online platforms. Scammers often steal photos from legitimate listings and repost them with fake contact info or unrealistically low prices to lure in unsuspecting renters.

Here are some red flags to watch out for:

• The rent is too good to be true (far below market rate)

• The “landlord” asks for payment upfront before you see the property

• They refuse to meet in person or let you tour the property

• Communication is only through email or text, and they avoid phone calls

• They pressure you to act quickly or wire money

Working with a licensed real estate agent helps you avoid these traps. Agents verify listings and negotiate directly with legitimate landlords.

Tip #5: Everything Is Negotiable

When renting a home, remember that nearly everything is open to negotiation. The monthly rent, the security deposit, the lease terms (such as a 12-month vs. 24-month lease), and even whether pets are allowed can all be discussed and potentially adjusted.

This is where having a skilled real estate agent makes a big difference. An experienced agent knows how to negotiate favorable terms on your behalf and can present your case in a way that appeals to landlords. Whether it’s reducing upfront costs, extending lease terms, or getting that pet approval, your agent can help you get the best possible deal.

Renting a home can be an exciting upgrade from apartment living, but it’s important to be informed and prepared. A knowledgeable real estate agent can make all the difference by guiding you through the process, helping you find the right property, and making sure your rental experience is smooth and safe.

If you’re considering renting a home, I’d be happy to help — let’s connect and get started!