By Maid Sailors Boston • General Information 7 Comments

Is Boston A Dog-Friendly City?

If you’re a dog-lover, then dog-friendliness is probably one of your top priorities when choosing a place to live. Not only do you want to make sure any apartment you rent out will allow your dog, but you’ll also want to live in a city where you can enjoy local dog parks, dog-friendly establishments, ample pet care options, and more.

When it comes to dog-friendly cities, Boston and Cambridge (outskirts of Boston) have been inching its way up the list for the last few years. While Boston may still not be the most dog-friendly city in the country, it has come a long way—with new dog parks and an increasing number of dog-friendly shops. If you’re considering a move to Boston and plan on bringing your canine companion, there are a few things you should know.

Shopping With Your Dog in Boston

There’s nothing quite like being able to bring your dog with you as you explore town or run errands. Unfortunately, dogs are not always welcome at privately-owned businesses (with the exception of service dogs, of course).

Boston still has a way to go when it comes to dog-friendly establishments. While there are certainly a handful of shops in Boston where dogs are welcome such as the Boston maid service, the majority of them still only allow service animals. Still, there are plenty of pet stores where dogs and other pets are obviously welcome. Some bars and taverns where food is not served also tend to allow dogs, especially if there is an outdoor patio area. When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to call before visiting an establishment to inquire as to whether your dog will be allowed inside.

Dog-Friendly Apartments in Boston

Another important thing to consider is how easy it will be to find a dog-friendly apartment or another residence if plan on renting. Individual landlords and property management companies sometimes have strict rules and policies regarding dogs in their rentals. Some will not want pets at all, whereas others may require a non-refundable deposit and/or a monthly fee added onto your rent in order to have a dog in the unit.

Keep in mind that even landlords that allow dogs may have breed restrictions in place, so if you have a restricted breed (such as a pit bull or Doberman), you may not be allowed to rent with some landlords or property managers.

The good news here is that an increasing number of landlords in Boston are beginning to loosen up their restrictions on dogs. As more and more renters move to the Boston area with their dogs, the demand for pet-friendly apartments has been on-the-rise, and landlords have been responding appropriately so as not to lose out on business.

In addition to finding a rental that allows dogs, you’ll also want to consider the size of your dog and his or her space/exercise needs when choosing an apartment. For smaller breeds, your dog shouldn’t need a lot of space and you may even be able to train your dog to go potty indoors on a puppy pad. This can be especially convenient for high-rise apartment buildings or other rentals where access to green space is limited.

If you have a larger breed dog, however, keep in mind that you may need to compensate for this with a larger apartment. More square footage will give your dog the ability to get exercise without leaving the house. However, you’ll still want to make sure you’re taking your dog for regular walks as well. This is where having access to local walking trails or even dog parks can be especially helpful.

What About Boarding and Pet Care in Boston?

If you do a fair amount of traveling, it will also be important to find a reputable dog hotel or similar boarding facility that you can trust to leave your dog during your travels. Boston has a great selection of boarding facilities to suit your needs, and pricing can vary greatly depending on the size of your dog and the specific level of service you’re looking for.

For example, some facilities offer basic boarding services that include a kennel for your dog as well as daily potty breaks and playtime. Other facilities are more costly but include indoor/outdoor runs for your dog, more interaction with staff, spa/grooming services, and much more. Whether you’re looking for basic boarding services or something a little fancier, you should have no trouble finding dog boarding in Boston.

The main thing to keep in mind, however, is that these facilities can fill up quickly during busy times of year, such as holiday travel seasons. Be sure to book your dog’s boarding as soon as possible to avoid problems with vacancy.

Dog Parks in Boston and More

One of the challenges of living in Boston with a dog is that the climate isn’t very conducive to outdoor play year-round. Boston sees rather harsh winters, which can keep you and your dog indoors for a few months at a time. Still, during the warmer months of the year, there are plenty of opportunities for you to get outside with your dog. Boston has a number of great dog parks where you can bring your dog to interact with others and enjoy some exercise.

If you plan on taking your pup to a dog park, just be sure to bring a leash and proof of updated vaccinations. Many dog parks will require this paperwork before they will allow your dog inside.

Moving to Boston With a Dog

If you’re thinking about moving to Boston with a dog, there are a few tips worth keeping in mind. For starters, be sure that any rentals you look at are dog-friendly and have no restrictions on your dog’s specific breed. Always read the lease agreement and make sure you have in writing any information on pet damage deposits, monthly pet fees, breed restrictions, and the like.

When moving with a dog, it can also be helpful to board your dog on the day of the move. This way, he or she isn’t exposed to the stress of furniture being moved in and out. Instead, you can simply bring your dog over to your new place once everything is moved in. Going this route can also reduce stress on you.

And once you get moved into your new place, consider hiring a professional cleaning service to stay on top of all that dog hair! Maid Sailors offers a wide range of cleaning services, including routine cleaning and even deep-cleaning. We can help with keeping your floors and surfaces free of dog hair, as well as taking care of other messes dogs often create. Contact us today to set up your cleaning!

By Maid Sailors Boston 8 Comments

Things To Do In Cambridge, MA

Located north of Boston and across the beautiful Charles River, Cambridge is the fifth most populous city in Massachusetts and is perhaps most notably the home of Harvard University. Whether you’re planning a visit to Cambridge or are even considering a move to the area, you’re in luck; this city is chock-full of things to see and do.

As a college town, there is no shortage of trendy bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and nightlife opportunities. Meanwhile, there are still plenty of historic sites, landmarks, and other recreational activities to enjoy. Cambridge has a little something to offer for everyone—and because of its location in the northeastern United States, the city experiences the beauty of all four seasons.

Top 8 Things to Do in Cambridge, MA

No matter what you fancy, there’s so much to see and do in Cambridge. Whether you’ll be staying here a weekend or living here indefinitely, consider checking out some (or all!) of these top-rated attractions.

1. Spend the Day at a Museum

There is no shortage of museums located throughout Cambridge, and you could easily spend several days exploring the city’s museums alone. This includes several art museums, such as the Harvard Art Museum, the Fogg Art Museum, and the Busch-Reisinger Museum. The Fogg Art Museum mostly displays work from German artists, whereas Middle-Eastern and Asian art can be found at the popular Arthur M. Sackler Museum. Regardless of the specific art museum(s) you choose to visit, you’ll find a wide range of impressive works from artists around the globe—and with exhibits frequently rotating, there’s always something new to see.

Another museum worth checking out is the Peabody Museum of Archeology, which is located on the Harvard University campus. Here, you’ll find more than one million different objects on display, including maps, pictures, carvings, and more. Depending on when you visit, you can also sign up for a museum tour led by a Harvard University student.

Harvard isn’t the only college located in Cambridge; the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) also has its roots here—as well as its own museum to show for it. The MIT Museum opened in 1971 and showcases some intriguing technology-related items (such as robots) that have been a part of MIT’s research and developments over the years. This museum offers guided gallery tours, as well as self-guided visits to suit your needs.

2. Hike at the Fresh Pond Reservation

Boasting more than 160 acres of “open space surrounding and protecting the 155-acre Fresh Pond Reservoir,” the Fresh Pond Reservation has miles of trails available for running, hiking, and cycling. You’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery along the trails year-round, and there is also a golf course available during the warmer months for those who would like to partake.

Events are held at the Reservation throughout the year, including festivals, family programs, and guided nature walks. Check out the Cambridge Water Department’s event calendar to see what’s going on during your visit.

3. Take a Riverboat Tour Along the Charles River Basin

Cambridge’s location along the Charles River makes for some excellent boat tour opportunities. There are a number of riverboat tour companies in the area, but most locals will recommend the Charles Riverboat Company. They offer a wide selection of sightseeing and sunset tours, as well as private events and charters. A riverboat tour is one of the best ways to explore and learn about Cambridge.

The popular Charles River Sightseeing Tour runs 70 minutes and takes you along the Charles River, with tour sights including Boston University, MIT, Harvard, Beacon Hill, and more. There are also some specialty tours offered, including architecture cruises, sunset cruises, and twilight cruises for those interested. Depending on the time of year, there are also special-event cruises, such as the popular Father’s Day Cruise, Fourth of July Cruise and viewing of the USS Constitution, and more!

4. Visit Historic Central Square

Located at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue, Prospect Street, and Western Avenue, Central Square is a popular and historic cultural district that was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. If you’re looking for a place where you can learn more about Cambridge through sampling its diverse culture first-hand, this is a must-see for your visit.

One of the first things you’ll likely notice upon entering Central Square is the beautiful architecture, but there is also plenty to see and do. From theaters and live music venues to bars, restaurants, and shopping, you can spend an entire day exploring this historic part of Cambridge.

5. Take a City Wine Tour

Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or would simply like to learn more about wine in the Cambridge area, taking a City Wine Tour can be an excellent experience. These tours are available in Cambridge as well as other major cities nearby (including Boston and NYC). Most tours last about two hours and include tastings of a variety of Boston-area wines. Throughout each tour, you’ll be led by an expert with decades of experience in wine education so you can learn more about the wine-making process. Because these are walking tours, they also provide a great opportunity to check out local sights along the way.

6. Stroll Through Harvard Square

If you have plans to check out Harvard University while in Cambridge, don’t pass up the opportunity to spend some time in Harvard Square. This plaza is located at the center of the Harvard campus and features all kinds of restaurants, coffee shops, book stores, and shops. Throughout the year, you can also enjoy different musical performances and other live entertainment in the center of the square. You can easily spend an entire day exploring all this relatively small plaza has to offer—so be sure to bring your walking shoes.

7. Check Out the Modica Way Street Gallery

If you’re looking for an incredible photo opportunity, check out the unique Modica Way Street Gallery, which is located in Central Square. This open-air gallery is open to the public free of charge 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The first thing you’ll notice upon arriving on Modica Way is the overhead “stained glass” canopy, followed by the black and white photo collage that was installed by the city when the gallery opened. On the other side, you’ll find an area dedicated for use by street artists; this ever-changing gallery features some incredible graffiti designs and truly must be seen in-person. This is a stop you won’t want to pass up, especially if you’re already planning on visiting Central Square while you’re in Cambridge.

8. See a Show at The Sanders Theater

The Sanders Theater was built in 1875 and stands today as one of the few remaining examples of High Victorian Gothic architecture. This theater, which can hold about 1,100 people, is a popular venue for live music performances, lectures, and other events. Its unique 180-degree design also allows for unusual proximity to the stage, so there really isn’t a “bad” seat in the house. Be sure to check the event calendar to find out what’s going on while you’re visiting, as this is truly an unforgettable venue with incredible acoustics and a breathtaking design.

Getting Around Cambridge and Beyond

There are many ways to get to Cambridge from any of the nearby airports, including Logan International Airport in Boston. Here, for example, you’ll find the MBTA bus line service as well as the Silver Line, which runs every 10 minutes during the day and every 15 minutes overnight and during the early morning hours. If you plan on taking the Silver Line to get to Cambridge, you’ll take it to the South Station and then board a free connection to the Red Line. This will take you straight into Cambridge at no charge to you.

There are also some dedicated airport shuttle services that will pick you up from your airport terminal and take you directly into Cambridge, though these aren’t free. And of course, you can always spend the money on a taxi and plan to arrive in Cambridge within about 20 minutes (traffic permitting).

Once you arrive in Cambridge, there are also plenty of options for getting around. The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) is one of the more popular options for getting anywhere in the Boston-metropolitan area. It is worth noting, however, that this service is not available 24 hours a day. There’s also the “T” subway line that offers service to a number of stations in Cambridge.

Taxis and ride-sharing services are another easy way to get around Cambridge. There is no shortage of ride-sharing opportunities through platforms such as Uber and Lyft, as many college students drive for these services to make extra money. Some areas of Cambridge, such as those surrounding Harvard’s campus, are also easily walkable and the entire city is pretty bike-friendly. There are several locations where you can clean your bike if you don’t want to rely on public transportation.

Considering a Move to Cambridge?

If you’re thinking about a long-term relocation to Cambridge or the surrounding area, you should really visit the city for yourself and plan to spend at least a full weekend there to take in the experience. With so much to see and do, you won’t be able to experience even a fraction of what Cambridge has to offer in the span of a few days, but you will get a better feel for the city as a whole. One of the main things to keep in mind about moving to Cambridge is that, at the end of the day, it is a college town—so some areas of the city can be quite loud. This is especially true of areas near college campuses where there is no shortage of bars and nightlife.

Still, many people enjoy living in Cambridge for a number of reasons. Not only does the city have a rich history, but there is always something new to explore. From new exhibits at the local museums to interesting lectures and incredible live music performances, Cambridge is not a stagnant city.

If you do decide to move here, there are plenty of options when it comes to real estate as well. A large portion of Cambridge’s properties are rentals due to high demand from local college and university students at Harvard, MIT, and other schools. However, if you’re interested in buying a single-family home or even a condominium, there are certainly ownership opportunities available. You’ll find the majority of these on the outskirts of the city, which may be preferable for those looking to escape the noise of the college campuses.

If you plan on renting, be aware that there is some hefty competition for rentals—especially during the academic year. You’ll probably have an easier time finding an apartment or home for rent during the summer months when fewer students are taking classes. Even still, demand for rental units is high, so you shouldn’t put off securing a lease until the last minute.

Once you have secured your place to live in Cambridge, hiring a Cambridge cleaning service can take a lot of stress off your plate as well. Maid Sailors offers move-in/move-out cleaning services to ensure that your new place is clean from top to bottom before you start moving in your belongings. We can also take care of cleaning your old place before you turn the keys back over to your landlord, which may make it easier to get your security deposit back.

And once you’re settled into your new place, you can trust our professional cleaners with your regular/scheduled cleaning needs. From sweeping floors and dusting to cleaning solid surfaces and taking out the trash, we do it all so you don’t have to. Find out more about the services offered by Maid Sailors today or schedule your first cleaning right now from the convenience of your computer or mobile device! We look forward to making your move to beautiful Cambridge as stress-free as possible.

By Maid Sailors Boston • Cleaning Company • Cleaning Tips • General Information 41 Comments

The Ultimate Guide To Moving Day In Boston

Each year, the city of Boston finds itself swept up in a maelstrom of madness, confusion, and frustration. The pandemonium brought in its wake leads to fits of despair from those caught up in its clutches. Is it a parade? One of those big street festivals that take up space everywhere? No, nothing so peaceful. My friends, we’re referring to the local horror show known as Moving Day in Boston.

How did such a thing come to be? Why does the city continue suffering through the effects of Moving Day every single year? Is there no one who can free the city from the grips of this insanity? If you’re one of the chosen, well, many destined to be impacted by the storm, you can mitigate some of the effects by following this handy guide to Moving Day in Boston.

What Is Moving Day In Boston?

Moving Day in Boston refers to a period, starting around September 1st when the leases on many apartments and other rentals expire. You also have an influx of students coming in after Labor Day and looking to move into a new place to live for the next semester or two around that same period. So you have thousands of people trying to navigate the narrow winding streets of Boston in huge moving trucks.

Can Something Be Done About Boston Moving Day?

Why not just shift the dates, maybe stagger them in a more year-round fashion? They managed to accomplish similar to this in Montreal, Canada. They had their version of Moving Day on May 1st for many years which caused many of the same headaches currently experienced in Boston. Shifting the date to July 1st, which falls on a national holiday in Canada, made things much more manageable.

There are a few reasons why no one’s tried something like this in Boston. The massive number of new and returning students is one of the biggest reasons why it’s not practical to shift the dates to a different period. The current dates align best for families to take time off to bring their kids and set them up for college life.

Apartment owners benefit by having spaces available during the influx of students. So there’s no incentive for them to shift lease dates to something that’s potentially less lucrative. It seems that the current version of Moving Day is here to stay, along with the myriad of problems it brings.

Why Local Residents Dread Boston Moving Day

Did we mention a large number of moving trucks driving around? Getting around Boston traffic on an average day can be challenging. Throwing in lots of large, bulky vehicles driven by unsure drivers looking in vain for parking slots makes getting around nearly impossible. Moving Day also brings people dumping their trash and unwanted furniture along the city streets making the dog-friendly city unattractive. Going to your local bakery can feel like being forced to navigate an unauthorized obstacle course.

How You Can Make It Better

We won’t pretend this guide will solve all your Moving Day-related issues. Accept that your life will be terrible to a certain extent for that period. What we can do is offer advice on making it less awful and possibly getting through it without turning on the friends who did end up showing up to help you throughout the day. Those who aren’t moving will also find ways to get through this period with less frustration.

Preparing For Boston Moving Day – Movers

Accomplishing specific tasks ahead of time can make Moving Day easier to manage. The worst thing you can do is wait until the last minute to prepare. Doing that guarantees being hit with the full force of the worst Moving Day has to offer. Spare yourself a little pain and try doing these things at least a few weeks before your move-in date.

Make Sure You Have Enough Cash

Make sure you have money available to pay any fees or moving costs. You’ll need to pay for the rental of your truck, or else risk losing out on your reservation. If you’re hiring a moving company, they’ll expect to be paid as well. Don’t forget to tip your movers as it is tough work and exhausting. Try budgeting out more than you think you’ll need to spend for that day. Doing so helps you avoid getting caught short at a critical moment during the move.

Hire a Truck (And Movers) Ahead of Time

The longer you wait, the harder it will be to get a truck to assist in your move. Getting a head start allows you to compare quotes from different companies and pick the best one, not just the best of what’s left. If you are booking early, check to see if the company’s contract guarantees your truck will be available on Moving Day.

Don’t count on showing up at a truck rental company the day of without a booking and getting the size van you need. Whatever’s left — IF there’s anything left — will likely not be large enough to handle all your things. That means extra trips you’ll have to make attempting to navigate Boston traffic on moving day. Your things could also end up being pretty banged up from being crammed into too small of a space.

If you do end up with no truck, your next best option is looking for a one-way rental from a different area. You can move your things, and then drop the truck off at the nearest rental location for that company.

Organize Your Things

One of the best things you can do is have your items packed, organized and ready before moving day. That means putting everything into properly labeled boxes with the right packing material inside. Remember, even the best movers can occasionally stumble as they’re taking your things up a flight of stairs.

If you’re going to rely on friends to help you move, it’s a good idea to put enough padding inside boxes to protect anything delicate. Make sure you put a label on indicating “Fragile” to prevent it from being handled roughly. Having your things ready to go allows your movers (or friends) to load items inside of moving trucks at a faster pace.

Apply For A Street Occupancy Permit

Finding a parking spot for a regular-sized car in Boston is difficult on a normal day. Imagine trying to find one on Moving Day for your truck along with everyone else. One way to avoid the madness is paying for a reserved parking spot near where you’re moving.

It’s going to cost you at least $100.00, but you’ll have a spot waiting for you and avoid accumulating parking tickets. Think of the gas you’ll save not having to drive around the block multiple times as you wait for a spot to open.

You can apply for a permit no sooner than one month before your moving date. Some areas of Boston require you to apply in person, so check to see what the requirements are for the part of town where you’ll be living.

Make Plans To Get Rid of Your Old Stuff

If you’re moving to a different apartment that you’re sprucing up with nicer things, you need to plan out what’s going to happen to your old items. You can schedule a pickup of items like an old couch through the city of Boston’s public works. That’s better than leaving your old things out on the curb, much to the disgust of current residents.

Pay For A Cleaning Company

The last thing you’re going to want to once you arrive at your new apartment is clean from top to bottom. Sure, you can HOPE that the apartment owner made an effort to tidy up, but it’s not going to be the deep clean you want for the place you’ll be residing in for the next year. Do you think you’ll feel like cleaning up a mop after dealing with the chaos of Moving Day?

Spare yourself and spring for a Boston cleaning company like Maid Sailors to come in and clean for you. It only takes 60 seconds to make a booking online. They bring cleaning supplies, are bonded and insured, and only hire certified professional cleaners. You can get some much-needed rest at the end of the day and leave the dirt and grime to the professionals.

The chaos of your move might not leave you in the frame of mind to clean the space you’re leaving behind. Hiring a cleaning service for that task leaves one less thing on your plate.

Preparing For Boston Moving Day – Non-Movers

The impact of Moving Day isn’t limited to the movers. Non-movers staying put still have to deal with the fallout. Here are a few ways you can make things a little more manageable during this period.

Get Your Car Out Of There

You’re going to have a lot of drivers navigating the streets of Boston or Cambridge in a large vehicle they may not fully know how to operate. Why leave your car there as the potential collateral damage of their “learning curve?” Find a place you can safely leave your vehicle until the madness ends.

Know What Areas To Avoid

Many popular Boston neighborhoods become an absolute nightmare to move around in during Moving Day. Renthop, an apartment hunting site, collects data centered around the most densely populated Boston areas during this period. You can use them to figure out how to navigate around the city and avoid the worst of the chaos.

Settling In

One good thing about Moving Day in Boston is that it eventually comes to an end. You’re moved in, and hopefully fully immersed in your Boston apartment and used to the normal flow of traffic when getting around the city. We hope our guide made managing the day a little easier.

If you decided to spring for a Boston cleaning company earlier, you might miss the feeling of having to do absolutely nothing to get such a clean apartment. Why not continue enjoying one of the few things about Boston Moving Day by scheduling regular cleanings? You can call Maid Sailors at (212) 299-5170 or visit their site online to find packages that fit your apartment and budget. Enjoy your space and the peace of knowing that Moving Day is officially over. Until next year.

By Maid Sailors Boston • General Information • Tips and Tricks 8 Comments

How To Avoid Brokers’ Fees In Boston

If you’re looking to rent an apartment in Boston or the surrounding area, you may already be prepared for high rental rates. For a studio apartment alone, it’s not uncommon to pay over $2,000 per month in many of Boston’s neighborhoods. What you might not be prepared for, however, are the additional expenses that can come along with renting in Boston. In addition to security deposits and first/last month’s rent, there’s a good chance you’ll be asked to pay a “broker fee” upon move-in. By having a better understanding of what brokers’ fees are, what they entail, and how to potentially avoid paying one, you can stretch your dollar when shopping around for a rental in Boston.

What You Need To Know About Brokers’ Fees

In the Boston rental market, brokers’ fees are extremely common. Specifically, a broker fee is charged when a tenant uses a brokerage service to help them find an apartment or other residential rental. These brokerage services are more-or-less the equivalent of using a real estate agent to help you buy a home. A broker may provide services such as finding rental listings that meet your criteria, scheduling and showing apartments, and helping you “close the deal” on your rental.

There are a couple other characteristics of brokers’ fees you should be aware of as you prepare for your Boston rental search.

They’re Typically Paid By The Tenant

In most cases, tenants are completely responsible for paying a broker fee. That’s because you’re using their service to help you find and secure your apartment. Specifically, a broker will help you from the first point of contact when you’re searching for an apartment until you receive your keys. Some of the specific services a broker can provide in the Boston area include:

  • finding rentals that suit your criteria and budget
  • organizing your rental/lease applications and other paperwork
  • scheduling visits and showings at apartments
  • assisting with your credit check and application
  • attending your lease signing

They Can Really Add Up

Unfortunately, broker fees can be substantial and can make the costs associated with moving into your Boston apartment extremely high. In many cases, a broker will charge a full month’s rent in fees, whereas others may charge a percentage of the total lease agreement. (usually between 10-15%).

For example, if you sign a one-year lease agreement on an apartment that costs $2,000 per month in rent, a broker who charges 10% will collect $2,400 up-front from you. Combine this with other move-in costs, such as paying first and last month’s rent plus a security deposit, and it’s not uncommon for total move-in expenses to be several thousand dollars up-front in the Boston market. Yikes!

Ways To Avoid Paying A Brokers’ Fee In Boston

Does the thought of spending thousands of dollars on a brokers’ fee stress you out? You’re not alone. The good news is that there are strategies you can employ to potentially lower your broker fee or avoid paying it altogether. Please note, these will be the same fees you will get charged in neighboring Cambridge.

Ask Your Landlord To Cover Them

One option to consider is that of asking your landlord or property management company to cover your broker fee. You’ll never know unless you ask, right? Keep in mind that you’ll have greater chances of success here if you’re looking at an apartment that a landlord is having a hard time renting out. If the unit has been sitting for awhile, there’s a good chance the landlord is losing a lot of money on the property and will be more likely to agree to pay a broker fee for the right applicant. In addition, some landlords may even cover your Boston apartment home cleaning.

This is where having a great credit score and rental history can also pay off. If a landlord knows you have excellent credit, plenty of income to cover your rent, and a great rental history, he or she may be more willing to cover your broker fee. That’s because your landlord will have greater confidence that you’ll be a profitable and reliable tenant. This is where it can be helpful to come into a meeting with a landlord and bring a leasing application that’s already been filled out. This way, you have everything ready to go.

Avoid Working With A Broker Altogether

While there are certainly many benefits of working directly with a broker, there is also something to be said for acting as your own broker and finding your own place for rent. In doing so, you can avoid paying broker fees altogether. It is important to understand, however, that some rental properties and landlords will only rent to those with a broker representing them—so you’ll need to go out of your way to find rentals that don’t have this requirement.

This will take more time and resources on your part, but in the end, it may be more than worth it when you’re able to find a great property without having to work with a broker at all. To find these kinds of properties, you can check sites like Craigslist; if possible, you may also want to consider driving around the Boston neighborhoods where you’re interested in living and look for “for rent” signs.

If you know somebody renting in Boston who is currently moving or planning a move in the near future, you might also consider asking them to put you in contact with their landlord when their lease is about to run out so you can potentially snag their rental before anybody else.

Time Your Move-In Strategically

Sometimes, timing your move-in can also work in your favor to help you avoid broker fees. Think about the times of year when there is bound to be less demand for rental housing in the Boston area. One of the least popular times of year for leasing is right around the late fall and early holiday season. By now, most who were looking for an apartment at the start of the school year have moved in, and very few people are interested in moving during the cold and busy holiday season.

This is where things can really work to your advantage. By looking for apartments during this time of year, you’re more likely to run into landlords and property managers who are eager to rent out properties so as to avoid losing out on more income. You can (and absolutely should!) try to negotiate to have them cover some or all of the broker fee in this case. You might even be able to negotiate a lower rental rate or foregoing a security deposit. Ultimately, it’s all about finding a landlord who is desperate for a reliable tenant.

The Bottom Line

Avoiding a broker fee is not always possible in the competitive Boston rental market, but there are certainly some strategies you can use to your advantage as you embark on your apartment search. When renting, always be sure to read your lease agreement carefully—specifically as it relates to broker fees and security deposits. To increase your chances of getting your security deposit back without a headache, consider hiring a professional move-in/move-out cleaning service.