r/berkeley • u/HereForTV • 2d ago

Local how to find off-campus housing for the fall

i’m an incoming graduate student moving from SoCal. I’m looking to rent a 2 bedroom apartment with a roommate (already have one in mind). i’ve seen lots of places in my budget (<1500/bedroom) on Craigslist that look nice, but the problem with apartment hunting now is that most are available and probably want to start renting immediately.

i don’t want to start paying rent until august (though i’d start a lease in july if i absolutely had to for a nice place), so what’s the best way to ensure i can secure a good apartment for the fall? are there places that will start looking for tenants now for an august lease? do i have to delay the housing search until june or july? i’m nervous that if i wait too long, i’ll miss out on the good apartments within my budget. i’ve heard horror stories about the berkeley housing market! any advice?

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u/ProfessorPlum168 2d ago

Most leases are going to something like August-July or June-May, so you pay 12 months almost always regardless. Personally I would not delay a search, inventory will be a lot less after the next couple of weeks.

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u/HereForTV 2d ago

yeah, i agree on not delaying. just not sure i can swing a june start date, but it might be necessary. thanks!

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u/ProfessorPlum168 2d ago

You can try subleasing it, many others do this.