In some cities rental houses are in such short supply that they can be difficult to locate. In these cases you have to resort to a different strategy to find the best rental for you.

Consider hiring a rental agency to find a house you can rent. Often the fees charged by such agencies are paid by the landlord, but in some difficult markets you will have to pay the fee. In some markets this is well worth the price. Here's why.

Looking for a rent house in a competitive city can take a lot of time just to locate something on the market. Rental agencies have lots of contacts with landlords who rent properties and so they are closer to the market then you will be. Agencies can save you a lot of time. Since time is money expect to pay if you live in a very competitive city.