Best time of year to find rooms to rent. (Seattle: sublease, rental market)

[Marjon11]

Hello, I'm trying to get a feeling for the best time of year to come to the Seattle area if the goal is to rent a room or share a house. I ask because there are so many universities in the area. It seems like there are a lot of rooms for rent right now all over Seattle because it is summer. But I'm wondering, when the kids get back to school in the fall, does the "roommate" or "share" rental market tighten up? Or, are rooms pretty much always available all the time. Any thoughts from a local would be much appreciated.

Thanks

[The Siobhan]

Originally Posted by Marjon11

Hello, I'm trying to get a feeling for the best time of year to come to the Seattle area if the goal is to rent a room or share a house. I ask because there are so many universities in the area. It seems like there are a lot of rooms for rent right now all over Seattle because it is summer. But I'm wondering, when the kids get back to school in the fall, does the "roommate" or "share" rental market tighten up? Or, are rooms pretty much always available all the time. Any thoughts from a local would be much appreciated.

Thanks

What I found is that although rooms may pop up over summer, most of them are only subleases as students typically lease for 12 months but actually live in the room for about 9 months.

I think it does open up a bit after school starts as most students begin looking for rooms to rent back in spring or early summer before they leave campus. In September and October, you are competing with people who are relocating to the city for reasons other than school. But, there are rooms always available, I would say. It just depends on where you are planning to live.

[Marjon11]

Thanks Siobhan, that makes sense. Sounds like good news. I appreciate your thoughts.