1. Zillow. It is possible for owners and property managers alike to post available properties on Zillow. The information may be a little out-of-date, just as it is often is for real estate listings, but it’s definitely a place to check out.
2. Craigslist. It sounds old-fashioned, but if you are looking for a single family home, townhome, or privately owned condo to rent, Craigslist may still be your best bet. The contact info for the owner and/or property manager should be right there on the page. #BewareOfScams (never give money without a tour, contract, and contact info)
3. Driving Around. Do you want to live in a specific area like 12 South or Hillsboro Village? Smaller apartment complexes and duplex/triplex managers often look to residents and neighbors to find their next tenant in lieu of paying marketing fees.
4. Realtracs Rentals. While a property management license from the state of Tennessee is separate from a broker’s license, some regular Realtors do manage properties for others. For instance, my license allows me to rent the four properties that I own personally.
5. Zumper. Zumper is a mobile app that seems to offer a lot of local options. I have no idea where they source their data.

Contacting Property Managers Directly

In our minds, professional property managers offer the best value for service. Professional management companies have systems in place, they understand fair market rents, and they can be reached anytime there is a problem. But they don’t generally cross-sell each other’s products. You’ll need to take time researching their sites and calling each directly.

Our list is ever-growing, but here is a place to start.

1. Summit Property Management
2. Village PM
3. Tandem Realty Management
4. Browning-Gordon
5. Crye-Leike
6. My Omni
7. Oxford
8. Freeman-Webb
9. Nashville Downtown Rentals

Short Term Rentals

You can always try the usual suspects: AirBnB, VRBO, and HomeAway. Music City Rentals and Playlist Properties are local options.

Need a corporate or furnished rental? Try Furnished With Finesse and NowLeasing.com

Local Protocols and Expectations

Generally speaking when you rent from a private individual, you will need to sign a 1-year lease as well as provide a deposit and perhaps the last month’s rent. A credit check and criminal check are standard.

Apartment complexes generally offer better terms for the longer the lease you sign. If you are looking for something shorter-term, I am aware that the following complexes often offer lesser lengths for an extra fee: Cherry Creek and Canyon Ridge in Hermitage, Chowning Square in West Nashville, The Lexington and Colonial Grand in Bellevue, and The Grove at Shadow Green in Franklin. I’m sure there are others.