What is a good time frame to start looking at rentals?

Condominium rentals differ from Apartment building rentals in the sense that Apartment buildings have a large amount of units, which are regularly turning over. Condominium rental units are individually owned, so owners only know their property will be on the market when their previous tenant gives notice. With that being said, the time frame of when to start looking for a rental varies from Condominium buildings and Apartment buildings.

When working with a Realtor, the best time frame to start looking is about a month before you want to move. Properties usually come on the market right before it will be come vacant, and the owner will want to fill the property as quickly as possible. If you start looking months in advance, what you see now will be gone by the time your desired move in date. Go ahead and do some research on the buildings and area, but don't start looking at exact units to rent until it's almost time to move. In Arlington, especially in the Rosslyn through Ballston corridor, rentals go VERY quickly, and wont sit for long. Because of this, owners are sometimes inclined to turn down applications of the start date is too far out (especially if the property is sitting vacant), just because they know there will be other bites, and usually for a sooner start date.