Before you begin your rental search, set your requirements. Understand the types of leases, agreements, deposit requirements, and questions to ask the landlord. Analyze your finances and know exactly how much you can spend. Rentals come in all types, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages.

Your first step is finding the right community. Your current surroundings will mold your family's preferences. You might want something similar or opt for something completely different in your new location. Whatever your likes and dislikes, beto the advantages of your new locale.

• Every destination has fashionable communities, but you may find rents are lower in less well-known areas
• Take a test drive at rush hour to determine commuting time and find out if bus transportation is available if you have school-aged children
• Consider the quality of the school system

Our Community Checklist will help you identify your needs in terms of general appearance and convenience. If you have school-aged children, use our Schools Checklist to evaluate the school system.

You can view rental units online with Rent Net, a free and easy-to-use database of millions of rental units throughout the 50 United States, Canada, and overseas. Rent Net's database includes unfurnished apartments, temporary furnished suites, international rentals, and self-storage facilities.