How to Rent a Cheap Apartment in Orlando

Apartments in Orlando range from luxurious high rises to simple duplexes, and you'll find many diverse areas to choose from. The standard of living in Orlando can make high quality apartments affordable for most people, and a little planning and research is all it takes to find a cheap apartment.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet connection
• Apartment guides and listings
• Newspaper
• Money for a security deposit
• Valid driver's license

1. Start with Craigslist. Craigslist listings are a great place to filter out the area you are looking for, and including your price range parameters. Cheap apartments in Orlando are listed on the site daily, so it's worth checking at least once per day.
2. Visit Rent.com. Rent.com offers complete listings of available apartments along with a bonus for signing a lease after finding the apartment on the website. You can view floorplans, review amenities, and take a virtual tour of many properties in and around Orlando.
3. Contact an apartment locater. Many Realtors and agents around Orlando offer free apartment hunting services. They earn a commission when you sign a lease, and they can be helpful for finding something specific.
4. Look for large apartment complex specials. Many large apartment complexes run free month specials and other incentives to encourage you to sign a lease. In some cases, you can save between 1-2 months of rent simply by applying at the right time.
5. Check the Orlando Sentinel for listings. This is powered by Apartments.com and lists available apartments by area. It's easy to find cheap apartments by entering your price range in the filter.
6. Look outside of Orlando. Kissimmee, Lake Buena Vista, Winter Park, Lake Mary, and Altamonte Springs offer many cheap apartments that are a short commute from downtown Orlando and the Disney areas. If you don't mind driving, you can find even more cheap apartments in the neighboring towns and cities.
7. Look at community and regional newspaper listings. The Osceoloa News-Gazette, Orlando Weekly, and The West Orange Times can give you a few ideas for locations. The classified section of some of these newspapers publish updated listings of available properties in the area.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the sublet section of the Orlando Craigslist for special offers and last-minute deals.
• If you sign a lease through Rent.com, don't forget to turn in your application for the bonus!
• Always check crime rates with the local police to make sure the complex or location is safe, especially if you have young children.
• Be prepared to provide a credit and background check.
• Be prepared with at least one month's rent as security deposit.