Best Apartment Specials in Des Moines, IA
What rent specials are currently happening in des moines?
Des Moines renters can find a strong mix of active specials right now, with “months free” concessions dominating the current listings. The most aggressive deals offer up to two months free rent, while others feature flat dollar credits or reduced pricing — giving renters multiple ways to lower their move-in costs.
🗓️ Last updated: June 09, 2026 at 11:01 AM PDT
Based on current listings, Des Moines rents span a wide range — from studios around $765 to three-bedroom apartments pushing $2,472 — meaning the dollar value of these specials varies significantly depending on which unit you choose. Whether you’re hunting for an affordable starter studio or a larger downtown apartment, there’s an active deal worth acting on before mid-to-late June deadlines. This post is updated weekly so the specials you see here reflect what’s live on Sunny right now.
What types of rent specials should I look for in des moines?
The most common rent specials in Des Moines right now are months-free concessions, flat dollar rent credits, reduced/special pricing, and short-term free-rent promotions tied to move-in deadlines. Here’s what each type actually means for your wallet:
- Months free (1–2 months) – You pay zero rent for one or two months, saving hundreds to thousands depending on your unit price.
- Flat dollar rent credit – A fixed amount (e.g., $500 or $1,000) is deducted from your first or early months’ rent, reducing your immediate out-of-pocket costs.
- Reduced/special pricing – The listed rent itself has been lowered from its standard rate; the discount is baked into the price you see, so no separate negotiation is needed.
- Weeks free – A shorter version of months-free deals (e.g., two weeks free), typically tied to slightly longer lease terms like 13–15 months.
- Look-and-lease special – A bonus offered if you sign a lease within 24–48 hours of touring; not currently listed but common in this market.
- Move-in fee waiver – The property waives the administrative or move-in fee, saving $100–$300 upfront; watch for this in leasing office conversations.
- Reduced security deposit – Instead of first and last month’s deposit, only a smaller flat fee is required at signing.
- Referral bonuses – Current residents who refer you may receive a credit, and some properties extend a matching credit to the new renter.
- Lease renewal discounts – Existing residents are offered a reduced rate to renew rather than move; worth asking about even as a new applicant.
- Bundled amenity discounts – Parking, storage, or pet fees are waived or reduced when signing a qualifying lease term.
When is the best time to find a rent deal in des moines?
When is the best time to rent in des moines? The best time to find rent deals in Des Moines is from October through February, when demand drops significantly as fewer people want to move during Iowa winters. Landlords in this market are most motivated to offer concessions like free months or reduced pricing during these slower leasing months to keep vacancy rates low.
When is the worst time to look for deals in des moines? May through August is the hardest time to find aggressive rent specials in Des Moines, as summer brings peak moving season driven by college students, job relocations, and families moving between school years. Landlords have the least incentive to offer concessions when units are leasing quickly, so specials during this period — like the current June deals — are time-limited and competitive; act fast when you see them.
What day of the week should I check for new listings? Tuesday and Wednesday tend to be the best days to check for new listings, as property managers typically post updates and price changes at the start of the workweek after internal reviews on Monday. Checking mid-week gives you a head start before weekend traffic spikes.
How do I act fast when a deal appears?
- Save your search on Sunny and turn on alerts so you’re notified the moment a new special is posted in Des Moines.
- Have your documents ready — pay stubs, ID, and rental history — so you can submit an application the same day you find a deal.
- Call the leasing office directly rather than submitting a web inquiry; phone calls often get same-day responses and let you lock in a tour faster.
- Ask explicitly about move-in deadlines on any special — many current Des Moines deals expire by June 15th or June 30th, so knowing the cutoff lets you prioritize accordingly.
- Visit during off-peak hours (weekday mornings) to get more leasing agent attention and a better shot at negotiating additional perks on top of the advertised special.
Which neighborhoods in des moines have the most rent specials right now?
Downtown Des Moines leads all neighborhoods with 9 active listings featuring specials — more than double every other area combined.
| Neighborhood | Listings with Specials |
|---|---|
| Downtown Des Moines | 9 |
| East Village | 3 |
| Southwestern Hills | 1 |
| Watrous South | 1 |
| Woodland Heights | 1 |
| Sherman Hill | 1 |
The concentration of deals in Downtown Des Moines and adjacent East Village suggests that newer, higher-rent urban properties are competing aggressively for tenants — making the downtown core the single best hunting ground for renters seeking concessions right now.
What are the top 5 apartment specials in des moines this week?
The single best deal available in Des Moines this week is at The Edge Grays Landing, where renters can score two full months free with a June 15th move-in — the largest time-based concession in the current market.
🥇 The Edge Grays Landing
406 Southwest 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Located in Downtown Des Moines, The Edge Grays Landing offers a wide range of floor plans from studios to 3-bedrooms priced from $1,043 to $1,729. The range of unit sizes makes this deal accessible to solo renters and households alike, and the downtown location adds everyday convenience. Two months free on a 12-month-or-longer lease represents a savings of at least $2,086 on the entry-level unit — the highest dollar-value concession currently listed in Des Moines.
Deal: Two full months free when you move in by June 15th on a 12-month or longer lease, worth $2,086–$3,458 depending on your unit.
Receive 2 MONTHS FREE when you move in by June 15th! Terms & conditions apply. 12-month leases or longer.
🥈 The Scott at East Village Apartments
700 E 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Situated in the sought-after East Village neighborhood, The Scott offers studios through 3-bedrooms ranging from $839 to $1,176 — making it one of the more affordable options with a major concession attached. The East Village location puts residents close to local dining, boutique retail, and the Des Moines River. Up to two months free on all new leases translates to savings of up to $2,352 at the top of the rent range, with no hard move-in deadline listed — giving renters a bit more flexibility than competing offers.
Deal: Up to two months free on all new leases, worth up to $1,678–$2,352 depending on the unit selected.
Enjoy up to two months free on all new leases. Restrictions apply, see agent for details.
🥉 Wakonda Village
1800 Watrous Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50315
Wakonda Village offers studios through 2-bedroom apartments priced from $765 to $1,040, making it one of the most budget-friendly communities currently running a significant special in Des Moines. Located in the Watrous South neighborhood, it’s a solid option for renters who want real savings without downtown price tags. One month free on already-below-market rents means your effective first-year monthly cost drops to as low as $700 on a studio, making this the strongest deal per dollar for cost-conscious renters.
Deal: One month free rent on a limited-time basis, saving $765–$1,040 depending on your unit size.
1 month FREE rent - hurry now, limited time offer
4️⃣ Soll Apartments
2301 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
Soll Apartments sits on Ingersoll Avenue and offers studios through 2-bedrooms spanning $1,017 to $1,830, giving it one of the broader price ranges among current deal listings. The tiered special structure — a $1,000 rent credit on studios and 1-bedrooms, or one month free on 2-bedrooms — lets renters choose the unit type that maximizes their savings, all tied to a 13–15 month lease signed before June 30th.
Deal: $1,000 rent credit on studios, 1-beds, and townhomes, or one month free on 2-bedrooms — both on a 13–15 month lease with a June 30th move-in deadline.
Receive a $1,000 rent credit on studios, 1-bedroom apartments, and townhomes when you sign a 13- to 15-month lease. Or receive ONE MONTH FREE on all 2-bedroom apartments when you sign a 13- to 15-month lease. Start the month off fresh in your new apartment today! *Must move-in by June 30th. Terms and conditions apply. See leasing office for details.
5️⃣ The Pointe on Fleur
2800 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321
The Pointe on Fleur offers 1- and 2-bedroom apartments at some of the lowest listed rents in Des Moines, with prices ranging from $675 to $750 — already well below market average. Located in the Southwestern Hills neighborhood near Fleur Drive, it offers a quieter residential setting while still being accessible to downtown. The combination of already-reduced rents plus $500 off the first month creates an effective move-in cost as low as $175 on a 1-bedroom, making this the most affordable entry point among all current specials.
Deal: Reduced rents as listed plus $500 off the first month’s rent — call today as this limited-time offer may expire soon.
Currently Reduced Rents as Shown PLUS $500 off First Months Rent. Call Today Before this Special Goes Away!
Check back weekly for updated specials or explore more listings in Des Moines.
