14 Best Rental Apps You Should Try in 2025

So, you know, renting a place these days is kinda… exhausting. 

You open one site, then another, then some random listing pops up on Facebook, and you’re like, bro… is this even real? 

And the worst part? Half the places are either already taken or just totally different from the photos.

That’s honestly why rental apps make life so much easier. 

Everything’s in one place — new listings, maps, prices, photos, you name it. 

But even then, you know, not every app actually helps. 

Some are good only for apartments, some are better for houses, some are great if you’re on a budget, and some are just perfect if you want verified listings and zero scams.

So instead of throwing one long list at you, I broke it into 14 simple categories

Like… if you want something cheap, there’s an app for that. If you need something pet-friendly, there’s an app for that.

If you’re a student or you’re looking for a roommate or even a luxury rental, there’s a perfect app for each thing.

And yeah, all these apps are real, active, and work on both iPhone and Android. 

So… let’s just start with the one that works best for most renters right now.

1. Zillow Rentals

Why I Picked It: It’s the best rental app for people who just want one place to check everything without confusion.

So, you know, Zillow Rentals is kinda that go-to app when you don’t wanna waste time jumping between ten different apps. 

It has a huge amount of listings, and the good thing is you can see houses, apartments, condos, townhomes… all in one simple feed. 

And the filters feel very easy to use. 

You can add your price, your must-have things, pets, parking, whatever you need, and it just shows the right places without making it complicated.

One thing I really like is the alerts. 

When you save a search, it keeps dropping new places right away, so you don’t miss something good. 

And the photos are usually updated, so you get a pretty clear idea before you even visit. 

If you’re renting and you just want a clean, simple app that works fast, Zillow Rentals is the one you open first.

Also Read: 15 Best Real Estate Apps You Need

2. Apartments.com

Why I Picked It: It’s the best rental app for finding apartments with the most accurate details and availability.

When your main goal is just to find a good apartment without getting confused or misled, Apartments.com makes things a lot easier. 

The listings feel clean, the info is usually correct, and the photos are way better than what you see on random sites. 

And their filters help a lot too — like you can set your budget, choose your layout, check for in-unit laundry, parking, pet rules, and all those tiny things that matter when you’re moving.

One thing I like is the availability updates. 

You know how some apps still show places that got rented months ago? Here, it happens way less. 

And the map view is really helpful if you want to compare neighborhoods side-by-side. 

If your focus is just apartments and you want something simple that gives you proper details, Apartments.com is kinda the safest app to trust.

Also Read: 25 Best AI Tools for Real Estate Agents

3. Realtor.com Rentals

Why I Picked It: It’s the best rental app for finding single-family houses fast and without too much searching around.

Realtor.com Rentals feels a bit more focused when you’re looking for an actual house to rent, not just another apartment in a big building. 

The way the listings are laid out makes it easy to see the important stuff right away — price, size, backyard space, parking, all that. 

And the house inventory here is pretty strong, especially in suburban areas where most people look for family-friendly places.

The app loads quick, the photos feel real, and the filters help you narrow things down without getting lost. 

You also get clear info about schools, commute times, and nearby places, which helps a lot if you’re planning to stay long-term. 

If you want a clean app that shows houses that are actually available and not outdated, Realtor.com Rentals honestly does the job really well.

4. Trulia Rentals

Why I Picked It: It’s the best rental app in the US if you care a lot about the neighborhood and want to understand the area before you move.

Trulia Rentals has this nice vibe where it doesn’t just show you a place — it shows you the area in a way that actually helps. 

You get things like local insights, crime maps, school ratings, and even small details like how busy the street feels. 

And this is super helpful when you’re moving to a new city or a new part of town and you’re not fully sure how the neighborhood really is.

The listings are easy to scroll through, the photos look clean, and the filters keep things simple. 

You can check noise levels, walkability, grocery stores nearby — all those small things that kinda matter a lot once you start living there. 

If you want a rental app that gives you a clear picture of the community around the place, Trulia Rentals makes that part way easier.

Also Read: 12 Best Apartment Hunting Apps

5. HotPads

Why I Picked It: It’s the best rental app for people who want verified, scam-free listings without dealing with random fake posts.

HotPads has this calm, clean layout that makes it really easy to trust what you’re looking at. 

Most places come directly from property managers or legit owners, so you don’t get that sketchy feeling you get on some other rental sites. 

And the app shows you clear photos, real availability, and proper details without making you dig around for basic info.

The map view feels smooth too, like you can zoom in on any block and quickly see what’s open right now. 

And the filters keep things simple — price, size, pets, parking, all the usual stuff — but the results feel way more accurate than a lot of other apps. 

If avoiding fake listings is your main thing, HotPads saves you a lot of stress and gives you real places you can actually go check out.

6. SpotCrime

Why I Picked It: It’s the best app for checking neighborhood safety before you sign a rental lease.

SpotCrime isn’t a rental app, but it’s something a lot of renters open right before making a final choice. 

It shows nearby incidents in a really simple way — like you can quickly see what kind of things happen around the area, how often they happen, and which blocks feel quieter. 

And this honestly helps a lot when you’re moving to a new place and you don’t fully know the neighborhood vibe.

The map loads fast, the icons are easy to understand, and the updates feel pretty frequent. 

You can zoom in on any street and get a rough idea of what’s been happening there. 

And the alerts are useful too, especially if you want to keep an eye on a specific part of the city. 

If safety is a big thing for you, this app gives you that quick, no-nonsense look at the area before you even step outside for a tour.

Also Read: 17 Best Property Management Apps

7. Redfin Rentals

Why I Picked It: It’s the best rental app for people who want clear virtual tours and a quick feel of the place without visiting in person.

Redfin Rentals shows places in a way that feels a bit more real, you know? 

The photos are clean, the 3D tours load nicely, and you can kinda walk through the home on your phone before you even think about booking a visit. 

This helps a lot if you’re moving to a new city or you just don’t have the time to see ten different places in a week.

The layout feels simple — big photos, clear prices, and a map that doesn’t lag. 

And when you tap into a listing, you get a proper view of the rooms, the light, the layout, the kitchen, all those small things that actually matter. 

The filters make it easy too, so you’re not scrolling through random places that don’t match what you want. 

If virtual tours help you make faster decisions, Redfin Rentals just makes the whole thing smoother.

8. Furnished Finder

Why I Picked It: It’s the best rental app for short-term stays, especially when you want a place that’s fully ready to move in.

Furnished Finder is kinda perfect when you need something for a few weeks or a few months, and you don’t want to deal with extra furniture or long paperwork. 

Most places here are already set up — bed, sofa, kitchen stuff, everything — so you can just walk in and start living. 

And the listings feel a lot more real compared to other short-term sites, since many hosts are verified and the pricing is usually clearer too.

The map view is easy to use, and you can check things like monthly rates, move-in dates, and what’s included without getting confused. 

It’s super helpful for travel nurses, remote workers, students on internships, or anyone who just needs something simple for a short time. 

If you’re planning a short-term stay and you want fewer surprises, Furnished Finder makes that part pretty easy.

9. Airbnb

Why I Picked It: It’s the best rental app for finding vacation homes and easy short getaways without too much planning.

Airbnb is kinda the first app people open when they want a break from their regular place and just need a cute, comfortable home for a night, a weekend, or even a whole month. 

The thing that makes it so simple is the way everything is laid out — big photos, clear pricing, reviews that actually help, and filters that let you pick exactly the kind of stay you want. 

You can look for cabins, beach houses, tiny homes, full apartments, whatever fits your mood.

And it’s not just the places, you know. 

The map is smooth, the details are easy to understand, and you can message hosts directly if you want to ask something small before booking. 

For vacations, quick trips, or even long stays in a new city, Airbnb just makes the whole process feel more relaxed and less stressful.

10. Zumper

Why I Picked It: It’s the best rental app for finding affordable places fast, especially when you’re working with a strict budget.

Zumper is one of those apps that feels light and simple the moment you open it. 

You can set your price range right away, and it shows you places that actually fit what you can pay, not random listings way above your budget. 

The filters make things pretty easy — you can choose your must-have features, pick the neighborhoods you like, and the results update quickly without feeling messy.

The thing that helps the most is the alerts. 

Once you save a search, Zumper keeps sending you new places as soon as they show up, which is super helpful if you’re hunting for something cheap and good before it gets taken. 

The photos and layout feel clean, and you can scroll through a bunch of listings without getting confused. 

If your main goal is just to stay within budget and still find a place you actually like, Zumper makes that part simple.

11. Rent.com

Why I Picked It: It’s the best rental app for people who need pet-friendly places without digging through every listing one by one.

Rent.com makes the whole “moving with a pet” thing way less painful. 

You can open the app, tap the pet filter, and right away see only the places that actually allow dogs or cats. 

And it’s not just the basic yes/no thing — a lot of listings mention pet fees, deposits, weight limits, and all those small details that you normally find out way too late. 

The layout feels clean, the photos load quick, and the listings explain things in simple words, so you’re not confused about the rules.

The map view is really smooth too, and you can check nearby parks or open areas if that matters for your pet. 

And the pricing updates feel pretty accurate, so you don’t waste time checking places that got rented last month. 

If finding a pet-friendly place is your main headache, Rent.com honestly saves you a ton of time.

12. Roomster

Why I Picked It: It’s the best rental app for finding roommates and shared housing without dealing with super random listings.

Roomster makes the roommate search feel a lot simpler, especially when you don’t want to jump into a place with someone you know nothing about. 

You can see profiles, check basic info, and get a quick sense of the person before you even message them. 

The listings usually show clear photos, rent breakdown, what’s included, and any small rules the host might have.

It just helps you understand the vibe before you say yes.

The filters are easy — you can choose your location, budget, move-in date, and even small preferences, and it shows you people who match what you’re looking for. 

And the ID verification option gives the app a safer feel, which is kinda important when you’re sharing a home with someone new. 

If you’re trying to find a roommate fast but still want things to feel safe and simple, Roomster handles it well.

13. Rent College Pads

Why I Picked It: It’s the best rental app for students who want off-campus housing close to their college without dealing with outdated info.

Rent College Pads feels like it was made exactly for students who don’t want to scroll through a million regular rental listings just to find something near their campus. 

You can pick your college, and the app shows places that are actually close — student apartments, shared houses, small studios, all the usual options students look for. 

The listings usually show clear prices, how many roommates you might have, and how far the place is from campus, which makes things a lot easier.

The app layout is simple, and the filters help you narrow things down without making it confusing. 

And many places list lease terms that match the school year, which helps a lot if you don’t want a long contract. 

If you’re a student and you just want something close, simple, and not too hard on the budget, Rent College Pads gets the job done fast.

14. Apartment List

Why I Picked It: It’s the best rental app for luxury places with clean layouts, modern features, and high-quality listings.

Apartment List has this neat, polished feel that makes luxury rentals way easier to browse. 

The moment you open it, you can tell the listings are curated — big photos, clear layouts, proper details about finishes, upgrades, and all the small things that matter when you’re paying for a premium place. 

The app gives you a simple quiz in the beginning too, and it matches you with places that actually fit your style, your budget, and the vibe you want.

The filters help a lot if you’re looking for modern interiors, new buildings, in-unit laundry, gyms, rooftop areas, or parking. 

And the prices feel pretty accurate, so you’re not checking places that got booked weeks ago. 

The map view is smooth, and you can compare different upscale neighborhoods without feeling lost. 

If you’re looking for something modern, clean, and a bit higher-end, Apartment List makes the search feel easy and not stressful.

My Final Take

So, you know, renting a place these days feels like a full-time thing. 

One app shows old listings, another one hides the good stuff, and some places just look nothing like the photos. 

That’s honestly why I made this whole guide — because each rental app kinda shines in its own lane. 

One is great for apartments, one is better for houses, one is perfect for short-term stays, and a few of them help you avoid scams or check the safety of the neighborhood before you even step out.

If you don’t know where to start, Zillow Rentals and Apartments.com are the easiest ones to open first. 

But once you know your exact need — like a pet-friendly place, or a student apartment, or a luxury rental — the other apps start making more sense.

Just open the app that matches your situation, save your searches, turn on alerts, and things get a lot easier.

At the end of the day, you just need a place that fits your budget, your vibe, and your daily life. 

And these apps honestly make that part a lot simpler.

FAQs

What is the best app to find rentals right now? 

Most people start with Zillow Rentals because it has the biggest mix of houses, apartments, condos, and updated prices.

Which rental app has the most accurate listings? 

Apartments.com and Realtor.com Rentals usually feel the most accurate when it comes to availability and real photos.

How do I know if a rental listing is real or fake? 

Use apps like HotPads or big-name platforms. Always avoid listings with no photos, weird pricing, or owners asking for money before a tour.

What rental app is best for cheap apartments? 

Zumper works really well for budget-friendly places and gives fast alerts so you don’t miss new listings.

Which app is best for finding pet-friendly rentals? 

Rent.com has proper pet filters, pet fees, and extra rules listed clearly.

What app shows the safest neighborhoods for renting? 

Apps like SpotCrime help you check what’s happening in the area before you move in.

What’s the best rental app for short-term stays? 

Furnished Finder is great if you want monthly stays with furniture already set up.

What’s the best app to find roommates? 

Roomster makes it easier to match with people, check profiles, and find shared housing.

Is there an app for student housing only? 

Yes, Rent College Pads helps you find places near your campus with student-friendly leases.

Which rental app works best in the US? 

Trulia Rentals is popular because it shows neighborhood vibe, crime data, and schools in one place.

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