Finding a Rental in the Washington, DC, Area
I'm often asked by clients and others for assistance in finding a rental. Though a Realtor can help in some circumstances, in reality the rental market is far more fragmented that the market for sales. I've compiled this lens to help point people in the right direction. If you have some resources to add, please let me know!
If you're considering buying versus renting, please check out my other lens, or read more about the local real estate market on my blog at http://katiewethman.blogspot.com
If you're considering buying versus renting, please check out my other lens, or read more about the local real estate market on my blog at http://katiewethman.blogspot.com
Where to Go to Look for Rentals
- Craigs List
- For better or for worse, Craigs List is by far the #1 source people use when looking for rentals (or posting homes for rent). It can be a bit frustrating because data is incomplete, inconsistent, and not necessarily updated in a timely fashion. Other frequent complaints are that places rent too quickly and by the time you make an appointment to see it, it's gone. Nonetheless, this is the place I suggest most people start.
- MLS Search
- Owners will often use an agent to post their home in the Multiple Listing Service for rent. You need an agent to view these homes, whether it be your own "tenant" agent or the "listing" agent. Using an agent USUALLY does not cost the renter anything, but it's sometimes difficult to find an agent willing to help you see these homes because the compensation offered by the owner is often low (unless you're looking in a rental price range of several thousand dollars/month). Though it's a pain to coordinate individual showings, you may want to consider contacting the listing agent directly.
- Washington Post/Apartments.com
- The WP, in conjunction with Apartments.com, presents this cool map-based search.
- Dittmar Company
- Dittmar owns and manages quite a few local buildings, including buildings in key Orange Line locations in North Arlington like Quincy Plaza, Randolph Towers, Richmond Square, and Virginia Square Plaza.
- Apartment Guide
- Another good, general resource listing local apartment buildings.
- MilitaryByOwner.com
- Though designed for military families, anyone can post or respond to rental listings on this site, which helpfully categorizes listings by distance to various bases.
- City Data
- Need more help or have a specific question? Try browsing the boards or posting your own question at City Data.
- Rentometer.com
- Very cool tool that allows you to enter an address and the rent paid and will compare that price to the median rental price for the area. Helpful for both tenants AND landlords!
- DC Affordable Housing Search
- A FREE listing service that provides easy access to information about housing opportunities within the District of Columbia.
Other Helpful Links for Renters
- Move In Checklist
- Protect your deposit by documenting condition at move in.
- Virginia Landlord Tenant Act
- Not all landlords are subject to this act, but if yours is, here is the rule of law in Virginia.
- Tenant Landlord Handbook for Arlington, VA
- Arlington County's Landlord-Tenant Handbook.
- Practices & Procedures
- Arlington County has provided this useful list of practices and procedures for application process and fees, eviction procedures, move-in checklist, sample leases (both VLTA compliant and another for those not subject to VLTA), and security deposit procedures.
- Renters Insurance
- If you rent your home you should have renter's insurance? Less than half of renters have renter's insurance according to Allstate. Why is it important? What does it cover?
Reviews on Local Real Estate from Yelp
Here's what Yelpers have to say about Real Estate in 22201
- The Residences at Market Common (Arlington)
- "I moved in here a few months ago, and I LOVE it. You can NOT beat this location. Walking distance to Whole Foods, tons of restaurants and bars, and some..." more
- The Reserve at Clarendon Centre (Arlington)
- "I have lived here for three years. The building is beautiful and in a great location. The apartments look new, but don't be fooled, the building materials..." more
- Dorchester Towers (Arlington)
- "I gave the building an extra star because my security deposit was returned to me spot on 30 days after I vacated, as was stated in the lease. It even..." more
- Sita Kapur, Realtor (Arlington)
- "Sita acted as our agent in the purchase of our townhouse. She was efficient and professional. Calls returned, promises kept, answers provided. I consider..." more
- The Virginian Suites (Arlington)
- "I'm giving it 4 stars just because overall I enjoyed my stay here. My stay was quiet and uneventful. There is, however, great room for improvement. The..." more
- Potomac Towers Apartments (Arlington)
- "It actually pains me not to give a five star rating, but there are a few slight inconveniences to this place. First, Heating/Air Conditioning. It's..." more
- Archstone Pentagon City (Arlington)
- "1 star: The staff at the leasing office and front desk are professional, friendly, and give you very personal service. The maintenance crew, though I have..." more
- The Hampton Apartments (Arlington)
- "This place is coooool. If you're looking for an apartment that's 1) a 5 minute walk to the metro (I can't calculate blocked b/c you walk 1/2 a block then..." more
- Fort Strong Apartments (Arlington)
- "I've lived here for almost 8 months, so I feel like I can adequately review this complex now. First of all, what a bargain! If you're looking for an..." more
- Glenayr Apartments (Arlington)
- "The good part about my apartment is that it's cheap. It's fairly large compared to other similarly prices places in Arlington. The hardwood floors are nice..." more
powered by Yelp
Thoughts on the Washington, DC, Real Estate Market
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byNew Guestbook
Like this lens? Want to share your feedback, or just give a thumbs up? Be the first to submit a blurb!
About Me
I'm a licensed REALTOR in VA, DC, and MD, affiliated with Keller Williams Realty.
6820 Elm Street
Suite 100
McLean, VA 22101
(703) 636-7300
katie@katiewethman.com
6820 Elm Street
Suite 100
McLean, VA 22101
(703) 636-7300
katie@katiewethman.com
by wethmank
Katie is a CPA and an MBA, and that's important because your home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make, and wouldn't you want a REALTO... (more)
Explore related pages
Yuma, AZ Real Estate- Nestled in the Yuma and Gila valleys of Southern Arizona, Yuma's climate blends...
Silom Convent Garden: The Best Serviced Apartment in Bangkok, Thailand- Silom Convent Garden, the exclusive 44 room serviced apartments, offers tasteful...
Vancouver Million Dollar Luxury Penthouses for Sale by Ian Watt- Welcome to Vancouver-Penthouse.com, a website dedicated to luxury apartment cond...
Arlington Condos- This lens focuses on real estate, and specifically condominiums, in Arlington Co...
Renting vs Buying- The decision to buy a home can be a daunting one, and the financial consideratio...
Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, Real Estate- All real estate is local, and given that it's one of the most expensive (not to...
