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Realtor.com Rentals: Searching Apartments and Houses for Rent
A practical guide to finding rentals on Realtor.com, using its renter tools, budgeting for application fees and deposits, and recognizing common rental scams.
Realtor.com is best known for homes for sale, but it also runs a rental search for apartments and houses. Because rentals and for-sale listings sit on the same site, it can be handy if you are weighing whether to rent now or buy later. This guide covers how to search, what to budget for and how to stay safe.
What Realtor.com Rentals offers
The rental section lets you search by location and narrow results with filters such as price, bedrooms, bathrooms, home type and pet policy. Listings generally include photos, a description and contact options for the landlord or property manager.
Realtor.com also groups several renter tools together, including an option to apply online on participating listings, a list of rentals you have already contacted, a renter's resource center and rent-versus-buy resources. The site is operated by Move, Inc.
How to search step by step
- Open the rental search and enter a city, neighborhood or ZIP code.
- Choose whether you want apartments, houses or both.
- Set your price range and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you need.
- Add a pet-friendly filter if you have animals, and review each listing's specific pet rules.
- Save promising homes and keep notes on rent, fees, utilities and lease length.
- Contact landlords through the listing and request a tour.
- If a listing supports online applications, review what screening is included before you submit.
Costs and fees to expect
Browsing rentals costs nothing. Typical costs once you decide to apply include:
- Application and screening fees: charged to cover credit, eviction and background checks. Some states limit how much a landlord can charge.
- Security deposit: held by the landlord to cover damage or unpaid rent and returned under the terms of your lease and state law.
- First month's rent, and sometimes last month's: check what is due before move-in.
- Ongoing extras: utilities, parking, pet rent, trash and renters insurance.
Ask whether any part of the deposit is non-refundable and get the answer in your lease.
Renting versus buying
If you are unsure whether to keep renting, Realtor.com's rent-versus-buy resources can help you think through the trade-offs. Renting usually requires less money upfront and offers more flexibility, while buying involves a down payment, closing costs and maintenance. A calculator is a starting point, not financial advice, so consider speaking with a HUD-approved housing counselor if you are seriously thinking about buying.
Tips and rental-scam warnings
- Confirm the person you are dealing with actually owns or manages the property by checking local property records.
- Be cautious if the same home appears for sale and for rent at the same time; scammers sometimes copy sale listings.
- Never pay by wire transfer, gift card or cryptocurrency.
- Do not send a deposit before touring the home and signing a lease.
- Ask who will handle repairs and how to reach them after hours, and note the answer in writing.
- Photograph the home's condition on move-in day so you have a record when it is time to get your deposit back.
- Report suspicious listings to the site and to the Federal Trade Commission.
A few careful checks before you sign can save you time, money and stress later.
Frequently asked questions
Does Realtor.com list houses for rent as well as apartments?
Yes. Its rental section covers both apartments and houses, and you can filter by home type.
Can I apply for a rental on Realtor.com?
Some participating listings support online applications. Others will direct you to the landlord's own application process.
Who runs Realtor.com?
Realtor.com is operated by Move, Inc. This guide is independent and not affiliated with the site.
Sources
Disclaimer: This guide is general information only and may not fit your situation or country. Rules, prices and requirements change, so check the details with the official source or a qualified professional before you act. Read our full disclaimer.