10 Best Rental Apps to Find Apartments and Houses Easily

Let’s be real – hunting for a new place to live is a headache.

You’re drowning in listings, dealing with sketchy landlords, and somehow, every decent apartment gets snatched up before you can even schedule a viewing.

I’ve been there.

That’s why I tested every rental app I could get my hands on to figure out which ones actually help and which ones waste your time.

These 10 apps cut through the noise and make finding your next apartment or house way easier than you’d expect.

1. Zillow – Best Overall Rental App

Pros:

• Huge database of listings
• Zestimate rent pricing helps gauge fair deals
• Interactive maps and neighborhood insights

Cons:

• Some listings are outdated or unavailable
• High competition in hot markets

Price: Free

If you’ve ever searched for a home, you’ve probably stumbled upon Zillow.

Originally known for buying and selling houses, Zillow’s rental section is just as powerful.

With millions of listings across the U.S., it’s easily one of the most comprehensive rental platforms out there.

Whether you’re looking for an apartment, condo, or single-family home, chances are you’ll find it on Zillow Rentals.

What makes Zillow stand out is its Zestimate rent pricing tool.

It’s a game-changer if you’re trying to figure out if you’re getting ripped off.

This AI-powered feature estimates fair rental prices based on local trends, helping you avoid overpaying.

Plus, the interactive map lets you filter listings by commute time, crime rate, and school district, so you don’t end up in a neighborhood that feels like a scene from a horror movie.

But here’s the catch.

Some listings are outdated or already rented out by the time you inquire.

Since Zillow pulls listings from various sources, availability isn’t always accurate.

And if you’re searching in a competitive city like NYC or San Francisco, expect listings to disappear fast.

That said, Zillow is still one of the best places to start your search.

The filters are solid, the layout is intuitive, and if you’re quick to apply, you can land a great place without too much hassle.

Just be prepared to send a lot of messages before you find the one.

By the way, the Zillow app is also featured in my other guide on the best AI real estate apps for iPhone.

Feel free to check it out, it’s packed with helpful insights

2. Apartments.com – Best for Apartment Rentals

Pros:

• Verified listings, so you won’t waste time on scams
• 3D tours help you see the place before visiting
• Tons of filters, including pet-friendly and income-restricted options

Cons:

• Some landlords take forever to respond
• Application process can be slow and tedious

Price: Free

Apartments.com is the go-to app for apartment hunters, and for a good reason.

It has one of the largest selections of verified rental listings, from high-rise apartments to budget-friendly studios.

If you’re tired of running into scams on other platforms, this rental app offers peace of mind since every listing goes through a verification process.

One of the biggest perks? 3D virtual tours.

If you’re moving to a new city or just don’t want to waste time on unnecessary visits, this feature lets you get a solid feel of the place before stepping foot inside.

The app’s detailed filters also make it easy to narrow down your options.

Whether you need a pet-friendly unit, a short-term lease, or an income-restricted apartment.

But here’s the downside.

Landlords can be slow to respond.

Unlike Airbnb, where hosts are eager to confirm bookings, some property managers treat applications like an afterthought.

Also, applying for an apartment through the app can feel like jumping through hoops, with multiple steps, background checks, and application fees.

That said, if you want a legit, scam-free search experience with solid tools to help you find the right spot, Apartments.com is one of the best in the game.

3. Zumper – Best for Instant Rental Applications

Pros:

• Instant Apply feature speeds up the process
• Real-time alerts for new listings
• Credit reports and background checks built-in

Cons:

• Some listings get taken down quickly
• Fees for certain background checks

Price: Free

If you’re sick of sending rental inquiries and waiting days for a response, Zumper is the app for you.

With its Instant Apply feature, you can submit your application directly through the app.

Before someone else beats you to it.

For high-demand areas where rentals disappear in a blink, this can be a game-changer.

Another great feature? Real-time alerts.

Instead of obsessively refreshing your search, Zumper notifies you the second a new listing that fits your criteria goes live.

This can give you a huge edge if you’re in a competitive rental market.

Zumper also makes the application process super streamlined by allowing you to upload your documents, run a credit check, and complete a background screening—all in one place.

It’s like a rental fast pass that helps you get ahead of the competition.

The downside?

Some listings get taken down quickly.

Because Zumper integrates with multiple listing sources, availability can fluctuate, and some rentals disappear before you even get a chance to apply.

Also, while the app itself is free, some landlords require applicants to pay for background checks, which can add up if you’re applying for multiple places.

Overall, if you’re trying to move fast and get ahead of the crowd, Zumper is one of the best rental apps out there.

4. Rent.com – Best for Long-Term Leases

Pros:

• Ideal for renters looking for stability
• Lease length filters help find multi-year options
• Rewards program offers incentives for signing a lease

Cons:

• Fewer short-term rental options
• Customer support can be slow to resolve issues

Price: Free

If you’re tired of moving every year and just want a place to call home for the long haul, Rent.com is designed for you.

Unlike other rental apps that focus on short-term stays or sublets, Rent.com specializes in long-term leases, making it a solid choice for anyone looking for multi-year stability.

One of the standout features?

The lease length filter.

Which lets you narrow down listings based on how long you plan to stay.

Whether you need a two-year lease or something even longer, Rent.com makes it easy to find options that fit your plans.

Plus, their rewards program sometimes offers incentives—like gift cards—just for signing a lease through the app.

On the downside, Rent.com isn’t the best choice if you’re looking for short-term rentals or flexible lease terms.

It’s also worth noting that some users have reported slow customer support when dealing with issues related to listings or applications.

Still, if your priority is finding a stable, long-term home without worrying about renewing every year, Rent.com is a great tool to have in your search.

Since you’re searching for a long-term rental property, you’ll find my guide on the best AI interior design apps for iPhone incredibly helpful.

It’s a great resource to transform your space into a home you’ll love.

5. Realtor.com – Best for Updated Listings

Pros:

• Frequently updated listings for accurate availability
• Detailed neighborhood insights
• Filters for commute times and local amenities

Cons:

• Some listings redirect to third-party sites
• Limited direct application options

Price: Free

One of the biggest frustrations when searching for a rental? Outdated listings.

You find the perfect place, message the landlord, and find out it was rented out two weeks ago.

That’s where Realtor.com stands out.

This app is known for frequent listing updates, so you’re less likely to waste time on rentals that are no longer available.

Beyond just showing homes, Realtor.com helps you get a feel for the area.

Each listing includes detailed neighborhood insights—things like crime rates, school ratings, and even the average noise level.

You can also filter searches based on commute times, which is a lifesaver if you don’t want to spend half your day stuck in traffic.

Another perk?

Realtor.com pulls listings from MLS (Multiple Listing Service) databases, meaning the info is generally more accurate than what you’ll find on other rental sites.

But there’s a catch.

Some listings redirect you to third-party sites instead of letting you apply directly.

This can be annoying, especially if you prefer a seamless, all-in-one application process.

If staying up-to-date is your top priority, Realtor.com is a solid choice.

It helps cut through the noise so you’re not wasting time on places that are already gone.

Just be ready to bounce between sites if you need to submit an application.

6. Craigslist – Best for Off-Market Deals

Pros:

• Hidden gems and unique rental opportunities
• Direct communication with landlords—no middlemen
• No application fees or corporate hoops to jump through

Cons:

• High risk of scams and fake listings
• No built-in tenant screening or lease protection

Price: Free

If you’re willing to dig through the chaos, Craigslist can be a goldmine for rental deals that you won’t find anywhere else.

Unlike big rental platforms that pull from corporate databases, Craigslist is full of off-market listings.

From landlords who prefer to skip the middleman to people subletting their places at a discount.

The biggest advantage? Direct communication.

You’re not dealing with property management companies that take forever to reply.

You’re messaging landlords, roommates, or homeowners directly.

That means you can negotiate rent, ask about move-in incentives, and even score a better deal just by talking to the right person.

Plus, there are no built-in application fees, background checks, or other corporate hoops.

Just good old-fashioned renting.

But here’s the catch.

Craigslist is also the Wild West of rental hunting.

Scammers lurk everywhere, posting too-good-to-be-true listings just to steal deposits or personal information.

If a landlord asks you to wire money before seeing the place?

Run.

If the rent is ridiculously low for the area?

Double-check.

That said, if you’re careful and know what to look for.

Craigslist can help you find off-market gems, last-minute sublets, and even month-to-month rentals that bigger platforms don’t list.

Just make sure to meet in person, verify everything, and never send money upfront.

7. Facebook Marketplace – Best for Local Rental Listings

Pros:

• Great for finding local, privately listed rentals
• Direct messaging with landlords and tenants
• Often lower prices than corporate rental sites

Cons:

• Scams and misleading listings are common
• No built-in lease agreements or tenant protections

Price: Free

If you’re looking for affordable rentals and don’t mind dealing directly with landlords, Facebook Marketplace is a surprisingly useful tool.

Unlike big rental sites filled with corporate property managers, Facebook has a more personal feel, making it easier to find local listings from private landlords, subletters, or even homeowners looking to rent out a spare unit.

One of the biggest perks? Direct messaging.

Instead of waiting days for a leasing office to reply, you can chat with landlords instantly, ask questions, and negotiate terms in real time.

This is especially useful if you’re looking for short-term rentals, rooms for rent, or unique housing options like guesthouses and basement apartments that might not be listed elsewhere.

That said, Facebook Marketplace has the same downside as Craigslist—scammers and sketchy listings.

Some people post fake properties to lure renters into sending deposits before ever seeing the place.

If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Always visit in person, verify the landlord’s identity, and never send money upfront.

For renters willing to do a little extra legwork, Facebook Marketplace can be a goldmine of affordable, off-market rentals that you won’t find on traditional apps.

Just be sure to stay cautious and trust your instincts when dealing with potential landlords.

8. Airbnb – Best for Short-Term Rentals

Pros:

• Perfect for short-term and month-to-month stays
• Fully furnished options with flexible terms
• Secure payments and built-in renter protection

Cons:

• More expensive than traditional rentals
• Extra service fees can add up

Price: Free

If you’re in between leases, moving to a new city, or just need a flexible rental without a long-term commitment, Airbnb is the go-to option.

Unlike traditional rental apps, Airbnb specializes in short-term stays, with thousands of fully furnished apartments, homes, and private rooms available for rent.

One of the biggest perks? Flexibility.

You can book a place for a few days, weeks, or even months without dealing with lease agreements or security deposits.

Many listings offer discounts for extended stays, making Airbnb a great alternative to hotels or overpriced corporate housing.

Another huge advantage is security.

Unlike sketchy Craigslist listings, Airbnb has verified hosts, secure payments, and built-in customer support to help resolve any issues.

If a rental isn’t as advertised or you have a problem with your stay, Airbnb can step in and help.

Something you won’t get with private landlords.

The downside? It’s not cheap.

Airbnb rentals tend to be more expensive than traditional leases, especially in high-demand areas.

On top of that, service fees and cleaning fees can add up quickly, sometimes making it cheaper to rent through a traditional landlord if you’re staying long-term.

That said, if you need a hassle-free, short-term rental with all the amenities, Airbnb is one of the best options out there.

Just be sure to compare prices and check for long-term stay discounts before booking.

Also read: Best AI travel apps that will save you time & money

9. Vrbo – Best for Vacation Home Rentals

Pros:

• Great for renting entire homes, not just rooms
• Ideal for families and group stays
• No shared spaces—full privacy

Cons:

• Fewer options for short-term solo travelers
• Higher service fees than traditional rentals

Price: Free

If you’re looking for a vacation home rental rather than just an apartment or a shared space, Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner) is one of the best platforms out there.

Unlike Airbnb, which includes private rooms and shared spaces, Vrbo only lists entire homes, making it a solid choice for families, groups, or anyone who values privacy.

One of Vrbo’s biggest advantages is its huge selection of vacation homes in popular destinations.

Whether you’re looking for a beachfront condo, a mountain cabin, or a city apartment, Vrbo has plenty of options that let you enjoy an entire place to yourself.

Many rentals also come with family-friendly amenities like full kitchens, laundry machines, and outdoor spaces—making them perfect for longer stays.

However, Vrbo isn’t ideal if you’re traveling alone or on a budget.

Since the platform focuses on entire properties, it’s not as cost-effective as renting a single room on Airbnb.

Additionally, service fees and cleaning fees can be high, especially for short stays.

That said, if you’re traveling with a group or need a spacious rental with full privacy, Vrbo is an excellent option.

Just be sure to compare prices and read reviews to find the best deals.

10. HotPads – Best for Renters in Competitive Markets

Pros:

• Real-time alerts for new listings
• Interactive map makes searching easy
• Great for finding rentals in hot urban areas

Cons:

• High competition—listings go fast
• Some outdated or duplicate listings

Price: Free

If you’re searching for a rental in a high-demand city where listings disappear in the blink of an eye, HotPads is built for you.

Designed for renters in competitive markets like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, the app focuses on keeping you one step ahead with real-time alerts and an interactive map that makes browsing easier.

One of its standout features is the instant listing notifications.

Instead of manually refreshing your search, HotPads alerts you the second a new rental matching your criteria is posted.

Giving you a better shot at snagging a place before it’s gone.

The map-based search also makes it easy to check out different neighborhoods, compare rental prices, and even look at transit options nearby.

However, because HotPads pulls listings from various sources, you might run into outdated or duplicate listings.

Which can be frustrating when you’re in a rush to apply.

And since the app focuses on high-demand urban areas, competition is fierce.

Be prepared to act fast and have your rental application ready to go.

If you’re looking for a fast-paced rental search with smart tools to stay ahead of the competition, HotPads is one of the best apps to use.

Just don’t wait too long to message landlords; good listings disappear quickly.

My Final Take

Finding a rental can feel like a full-time job.

But the right rental app can make the process way less painful.

• If you want the most listings in one place, Zillow Rentals is your best bet.
• Need something verified and scam-free? Apartments.com has you covered.
• Zumper is perfect if you’re in a hurry.
• Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace can help you score off-market deals (if you’re willing to dig a little).
• And if you’re just looking for a short-term or vacation rental, Airbnb and Vrbo are solid choices.

At the end of the day, the best app for you depends on what you need and how fast you need it.

Some people find their dream apartment in a day; others spend weeks searching.

But with the right tools (and a little luck), you’ll land a place that actually feels like home—without losing your mind in the process.

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