18 Best Website For Rentals, New Homes And Moving

Are you looking for a home rental? Join us as we look at the 18 best websites for rentals, new homes, and moving. We can help you find the best website for rentals.

Not everyone can afford a home. Then again, not everyone wants one. If you don’t plan on spending the rest of your life where you live today, you might consider renting a home.

best website for rentals

Where should you begin? There are many great online home rental sites, and there are also many bad ones. We’ve picked the best websites for rentals to help you find your non-forever home.

18 best websites for rentals that offer a wide variety of tools

1. Facebook Groups – the biggest website for rentals

Facebook Groups - the biggest website for rentals

Most people use Facebook Marketplace. This is good for basic living items. For homes and pets, explore Facebook. That’s why you join Facebook groups. Look for those in your area that sell houses, renting apartments, and so on.

Just use the search bar and enter your city. Be careful when using groups because you don’t know which ones are safe. 

2. Zillow – the most popular website for rentals

Zillow - the most popular website for rentals

Zillow is the best website for rentals. Every new homeowner and renter used Zillow when looking for a new place, and most of them have had success. 

Zillow makes it easy for real estate agents and landlords alike. Both sides can use Zillow and refer prospective buyers. Their app is a winner and available on iPhone and Android. Downloading their app is a great place to start. 

3. Trulia – dozens of guides for rentals

Trulia - dozens of guides for rentals

Since 2014, Zillow, has owned Trulia, so both sites will feature the same listings. They have dozens of guides to help you with renting or buying a home. If you don’t find a rental, you can still use their tools.  

Trulia has maps that show the crime rate of an area that you’re considering. The site has a special tool for members of the LGBTQ+ community that can help them find a safe home.

4. Airbnb

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Most people think Airbnb is for vacations. Long-term rentals are available. You can search for rentals based on what you want. You won’t find more unique rentals anywhere else than on Airbnb.

If you are looking for something short-term, Airbnb is your best bet. They don’t have contracts that make you pay rent for several months. Most places charge per day. You would be surprised with the low costs you can find. 

5. Street Easy

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Most rental sites are helpful for US residents. Street Easy only covers New York City, which has the most people of any US city.

When using other sites, it can be too much. But on Street Easy, you can search by neighborhood, so you always know what you’re getting. New Yorkers love Street Easy as it covers New Jersey, Staten Island, and more.

6. Rentals

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Rentals don’t list houses for sale, only those for rent. If you’re tired of scrolling through homes for sale, then choosing a rental is a relief. The site is simple and easy. 

Rentals offer multiple services and sources for renters. You can hire movers and check for internet and other services as the company has partnered with TV and internet providers so you can get the best they have.

 

7. Zumper

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Not many have heard of Zumper, as most people opt for popular sites like Zillow or Realtor. Zumper is a legit home rental site.

The site is a favorite among renters who live outside of the area where they want to live. Because the site offers info on neighborhoods, when you search for a rental, it lets you know what is best for you.

8. Craigslist

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Before you knock Craigslist, give it a shot. Landlords post listings on the site daily. The website allows you to compare prices, number of bedrooms, and home features. Information you do not need can be blocked.

Also, you can fine-tune searches for cat-friendly places and if they have wheelchair access. You won’t have to speak with every landlord when deciding if their listing is ideal for your family. The platform may not be the best website for rentals, but it’s still pretty good.

9. Realtor

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Realtor is another site that millions of renters and buyers enjoy using. The site offers everything from daily news and mortgage rate calculators. People like Realtor because of the tools the site offers rather than only looking for a home to rent.

Realtor is also great for sellers and landlords as they have calculators that will let you know how much your home is worth and keep info regarding it. The site has been around since 1995, making it one of the oldest sites for rentals. 

10. Rent Cafe

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Rent Cafe is another favorite. The site offers updated info during the day. You will always know which homes are available, thus saving you time.

You won’t need to worry about fake owners or scams. The site screens property managers before they can list their homes. This will help you relax.

11. Pad Mapper

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People on Pad Mapper don’t upload their listings. Instead, the site includes listings from other sites, letting you view them on the same platform. This is a good thing. 

Because it offers listings from other sites, you won’t need to visit each site when viewing them. You won’t see double listings on Pad Mapper, which offers a live map. 

12. Abodo

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Adobo makes searching for home rentals easy. They have tools that help you find homes close to your school, or anywhere you desire. And that’s only one thing the site can do.

Adobo is the best website for rentals among college students because it includes campus living. The site has thousands of apartment listings for students. After you decide which college you will attend, Adobo can help you find a home that’s right for you.

13. Rent Jungle

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Rent Jungle is a lesser-known site. It looks average but is good at helping those on a tight budget.  

You can compare rent prices before you call a property manager. This helps you find the best deal. It also protects you from unfair rent prices.

14. Hotpads

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Hotpads is another Zillow-owned site and a sister platform for the best online rental service. It suggests rentals based on your location if you allow it.

You can search by city and zip code. As Zillow owns it, the search tool works the same way. You won’t need to learn a new design if you’ve used Zillow or Trulia.

15. Rent

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When looking for rentals, you might discover Rent. It’s safe and offers plenty of listings. The site has a filter tool that is helpful.

You can search for homes near military bases, homes for seniors, and other categories that most sites don’t offer. Rent thinks of everything, which makes them special.

16. Apartments

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At Apartments, you can choose an apartment and receive alerts from that area. You can find out which schools are nearby and stay informed of local events.

Like other sites, Apartments allows you to draw borders with filter locations. This is a handy tool if you don’t know where you want to live or need something specific.

17. Rent Hop

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Renthop is a good place search tool if you want to know more about owners and prices. Each listing has a HopScore rating based on quality and value. This makes it easier to trust your choice. 

The site lets you search by city or state. You can check each listing’s availability that you like with its “Check Availability” tool. It also allows you to contact property managers.  

18. Naked Apartments

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Don’t let the name fool you. Naked Apartments respects you and your business. You can write reviews on the site’s brokers under a fake name. If you give a broker a bad review, for example, they can’t find you later.

Naked Apartments is the best website for rentals among New Yorkers. Renting an apartment in New York City is not easy. With a city that big you need all the help you can get. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

What is the best website for renting houses?

There isn’t a “best” website for renting homes. The first thing is you should decide on what you want. After you’ve done that, you can fine-tune your search. Many online platforms can help you find a home rental.

Before you pick a site, make a list of your needs. After you’ve done that, the list we provided here will have one business that can help you. Also, mistakes can happen if you don’t do your research.  

How much does it cost to use a home rental website?

Landlords list their homes on rental sites for free. Those who list more than one home will pay $10 a week. Home rental websites are free. After finding a home, you will need a background check. They cost between $25 and $35. 

How can I protect myself from scammers on a home rental website?

It’s easy to get scammed online when looking for a home rental. There are a few key red flags you should know. For example, if an owner does not want to meet you before you move into their home.

Also, when an owner says you can move in before you see their home, they are not legit. Do not pay a deposit until you have signed the lease. If the rent price is too good to be true, then chances are it’s fake. And if the owner does not ask you for a background check, then the listing is a scam. 

Home Rental Websites Conclusion

Renting a home does not have to be hard. If you use the right tools, you can find the right place for you and your family. Before you sign a rental lease, do your research. The rental sites we reviewed here are legit and can help you. And best of all, they’re free.

Remember, do not get in a hurry. This is how people make the wrong choice or lose money. You don’t want to live somewhere that does not fit your needs. Take your time, and you will find what you want.