As you begin your housing search in Tempe, you might be surprised how early ASU students typically start looking for apartments. Many leases are signed nearly a year in advance, with students often beginning the process as early as the fall before their anticipated move-in date.
But why make such an early commitment? There are several advantages to signing a lease at a student housing complex ahead of time, with some advantages that may not be immediately obvious.
At Rambler Tempe, we know how much time and effort goes into finding the perfect apartment. In this article, we’ll highlight the benefits of early leasing, so you’re well-informed about all the perks that come with securing your housing sooner.
What is “early” in the leasing timeline?
For student apartments around ASU, the leasing process generally starts about 10-12 months before the desired move-in date, with renewals often opening for current residents first. A few weeks later, new leases are extended to prospective residents.
For newly-developed student housing properties like Rambler Tempe, leases may open even sooner and can fill up faster. For these spots, keep an eye on their website or social media around late spring or early summer of the year prior to move-in.
If you’re aiming for a Fall 2026 move-in, start your search as early as Summer or Fall 2025, especially if you’re looking at new, high-demand properties.
5 Benefits of Signing Early at Student Apartments in Tempe
Signing early for student housing, especially at popular spots like Rambler Tempe, can offer a range of perks that go beyond just peace of mind. Here’s a breakdown of the top benefits:
Optimal Rates
Securing student housing near ASU Tempe can be costly, but signing early may lock in a more favorable monthly rate, making your rent more budget-friendly.
As leasing opens for ASU Tempe properties, you’ll often see messages like “our lowest rates,” “don’t miss your chance,” and “sign now” across their websites. This is because newer apartments in Tempe tend to offer the most competitive rates to early signers. Prices generally start lower and increase as units fill and demand grows.
While occasional flash sales or discounts may pop up, signing early is the surest way to lock in the best possible pricing.
Early Access to Parking
Given the challenge of finding parking near ASU Tempe, most students consider on-site parking a must-have when choosing an apartment. These parking spots usually come with an extra monthly fee and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. While property managers aim to offer every resident a parking spot, demand often outstrips supply.
If on-site parking is essential, signing your lease early increases your chances of securing a spot in the building’s parking garage, so planning ahead is key.
More Floorplan Options
One of the key benefits of signing early is the broader selection of units available to you. Committing early gives you the first choice of the most desirable floor plans, including those with balconies, larger layouts, superior views and premium amenities.
The variety of room options also changes as more leases are signed. For example, in a four-bedroom, four-bathroom (4×4) setup, only some bedrooms may have windows, while others may not. By signing early, you greatly increase your chances of getting the exact room configuration you want.
Choose Your Roommates
Signing early offers a wider selection of potential roommates. As other students finalize their housing, your options for finding compatible roommates narrow.
If you’re planning to live with friends, signing your lease early allows the student housing team to coordinate your preferred roommates. Early commitment can even provide flexibility for larger friend groups, with the possibility of arranging for everyone to live on the same floor.
There’s a small risk to signing before your potential roommates—doing so may result in the apartment complex assigning random roommates to your unit. To avoid this, communicate clearly with the leasing team about your preferred roommates and encourage them to sign their leases alongside yours.
For those still searching for roommates, most student apartments near ASU Tempe offer roommate matching systems to help you find compatible housemates with similar preferences.
Whether you have roommates lined up or are still looking, signing early remains the best way to keep your options open and ensure flexibility.
Block Housing
If narrowing down your friend group to just a few roommates sounds impossible, block housing is the perfect solution! With block housing, you and a group of friends can lease a set of units on the same floor, keeping everyone close by. For example, if you and 15 friends want to live near each other, you can reserve a “block” of units so each of you are just a hallway away.
Your group can include anyone you’d like—fraternity or sorority members, teammates, or friends from clubs and organizations.
Learn more in our guide, Everything You Need to Know About Block Housing at Rambler.
For any questions about off-campus housing or to explore options at Rambler, reach out to our leasing team. We’re here to help you find your ideal student housing!
