Let’s face it; RELOCATING to a new metropolitan area can be a daunting task. To find and rent the right living place encompasses a number of factors:

LOCATION (Close to T; City preference)
STYLE OF APARTMENT(Open; Railroad; Traditional)
BUILDING STYLE (Single Family; Multi-Family; Managed Building)
FLOOR TYPE (Carpet versus Harwood)
KITCHEN FEATURES (Dishwasher; Gas or Electric stove, etc)
SIZE OF APARTMENT
PARKING
PET POLICIES

It is expensive to live in the Cambridge/Somerville market and the surrounding areas. We are the third most competitive rental market in the country, surpassed only by New York City and San Francisco. If you are coming from a non-metropolitan area, please be prepared for sticker shock; your rent could be significantly higher.

Timing is everything. You do not want to be too late and miss the best places. You also do not want to be too early – nothing will be too available. Most of the best apartments will be available in the April through September time frame. Most leases begin on the 1st of the month and 90% of all leases expires on August 31st of the given year. Location to the “T” is everything. The closer you are, the more expensive it is Properties with parking are at a premium, if it is even available. In Cambridge and Somerville, street parking is by city permit only. Cambridge and Somerville are very unfriendly pet towns. Cats and dogs are not usually welcome. The reason for this is that the rental market is very competitive and landlords do not need to risk damage of their property. If you have a pet, expect to pay a high premium for an apartment. If you find an apartment that works for you and takes pets, ACT QUICKLY before it is gone.

RENTING SIGHT-UNSEEN

If you have a friend in the area, have them get in touch with us to look at apartments for you. Additionally, we will take pictures and send them via e-mail for you. If you are interested in moving forward and taking an apartment off the market; we will e-mail or fax a rental application. Upon receiving the completed application and any supporting documentation, the lease will be prepared and delivered to you for your review and signature. You can expect to pay first month, last month, and possibly one month’s security deposit. Many landlords are paying a half months brokers fee which is equal to one month rent. Some landlords require a lock and Key deposit.

FURNISHED OR UNFURNISHED

Furnished apartments in the Cambridge and Somerville areas are expensive. If you are staying for six months or more, it makes more sense to rent an unfurnished apartment and buy or lease your own furniture. We can recommend several rental furniture places.