How to Find Cheap Homes for Rent

Cheap homes for rent exist in every city and suburb, but you may have to do a little scouting to find one. It's a good idea to have your credit report, deposit, rental history and proof of income on hand so that you can complete an application quickly and thoroughly, thus increasing your chances of renting the house once you find a cheap rental property. There are many houses for rent in this market.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet access
• Transportation
• Rental history
• Deposit money
• Credit report

Cheap Homes for Rent

1. Drive through the neighborhoods where you want to live. Look in working class neighborhoods with smaller homes, where you are more likely to find affordable housing. Write down the phone numbers and addresses of all homes with a "For Rent" sign. Follow up on all leads, inquiring as to the rental amount, required deposit and any other questions you have.

2. Look for ads in local sources, such as a community paper, classified ad publication, bulletin boards in local stores and shops and advertising boards at a local college or university. Many landlords rent their most affordable housing to college groups, so look where they would advertise.

3. Check out farm help ads and caretaker requests online and through farm publications. If you live in an area with large farms and estates, you may be able to find free or cheap housing in exchange for part-time farm work, care taking, house sitting or maintenance work.

4. Check online listing on sites such as CraigsList, daily. When new cheap homes for rent come up, you want to be one of the first to apply for the home.

5. Contact a local landlord association for leads. They may know of houses for rent in your price range, or can put you in touch with a landlord who has vacancies.

Tips & Warnings

• Cheap homes for rent may require creative touches and flexibility on the part of the renter.

• Consider the costs of utilities, which affect the overall cost of your housing each month.

• Make sure you visit the rental house before handing over any of your deposit, which is not refundable.

Resources

• Equifax 3-in-1 credit report