Why KC Renters can WIN by Renting in the Winter!

Why Kansas City Renters can WIN by Renting in the Winter!

Like many things, the rental business is very seasonal with its peak season being in the warm summer months and largely following the school seasons. The bottom line is that people just don’t like to move in the cold, wet, winter months; which is why many apartment management professionals refer to winter as the “rental off-season”.

What does this mean for renters? Well first let’s look at what the typical “off-season” rental market conditions look like. First, and most importantly, there is less renter demand. Since people are largely turned-off by moving in the cold wet months, it makes it harder for landlords and managers to fill their vacancies as quickly as they can in the summer rush.

Because there is less demand, managers and landlords who have vacancies are willing to do more to attract renters. This means you will likely come across great move-in specials, but you also just generally have more leverage to negotiate terms with landlords. You still need to have your ducks in a row and all your paperwork prepared to be sure you are qualified and to stand out as a great potential renter, but you’ll have more negotiating power. Count on October through February as the “rental off-season” and best time to save money with renting!

In addition to scoring lower rent or a great move-in deal, your first few months in your apartment will also reflect the highest energy bills you’re likely to incur during your lease, as heating costs can be high in KC during the winter. So your monthly costs are only going to go down with time.

There are of course a few downsides to renting in the winter. Aside from the fact that it is just bitterly cold and wet during the winter (why most people don’t move then), overall supply of available units will also likely be down. If you’re a little picky, you’re better off searching for an apartment in either spring or summer because you’ll have more options. You won’t save money, but you’ll probably have better luck finding a place you like.