Best Apartment Specials in Tempe, AZ
What rent specials are currently happening in tempe?
Tempe’s rental market is actively running concessions right now, with the dominant special type being weeks of free rent — several properties are offering anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks off base rent for qualified move-ins this summer. Look-and-lease discounts and short-term savings are also available at select communities. Based on current listings, renters can find units ranging from around $970 for studios up to $2,695 for larger floor plans, giving meaningful room for these concessions to add up to real savings.
🗓️ Last updated: June 09, 2026 at 10:26 AM PDT
Tempe’s rental prices span a wide range depending on size and location, with more affordable options clustered near university corridors and higher price points along Baseline Road and downtown. Specials are moving fast as summer lease-up season heats up — this post is updated weekly so you always have the freshest deal data before you sign.
What types of rent specials should I look for in tempe?
The most common rent specials in Tempe right now are weeks of free rent (ranging from 2 to 8 weeks), look-and-lease discounts, and move-in deadline promotions tied to specific dates. Below is a breakdown of every type found in the current listings, plus other common specials you may encounter in this market:
- Weeks free (2–8 weeks) – Free weeks are spread across your lease term, effectively lowering your true monthly cost without changing the listed rent price.
- Look-and-lease discount – You save a flat dollar amount (currently $100 off) by applying the same day you tour, rewarding decisive renters immediately.
- Move-in deadline special – A concession tied to a hard move-in date (e.g., by June 30 or July 10), creating urgency but also a clear window to plan your move.
- Months free (1–2 months) – Two free months on a 12-month lease is the largest single concession available in current Tempe listings, equivalent to a ~17% reduction in annual rent cost.
- Reduced first month’s rent – A one-time discounted first month, common in lease-up communities trying to fill units quickly.
- Waived application or admin fees – Eliminates upfront costs of $50–$300, reducing cash needed at move-in.
- Waived security deposit – Frees up a significant sum (often equal to one month’s rent) that you keep liquid.
- Reduced deposit – A partial deposit waiver, sometimes tied to good credit, lowering your move-in cash requirement.
- Referral bonuses – Existing residents earn rent credits for referring new tenants; new renters sometimes receive a small move-in credit in return.
- Preferred employer / student discount – Recurring monthly discounts for ASU-affiliated renters or employees of partner companies, relevant given Tempe’s large student population.
When is the best time to find a rent deal in tempe?
When is the best time to rent in tempe? The best time to find rent deals in Tempe is October through February, when demand drops sharply after the summer student rush and the brutal Arizona heat discourages casual apartment hunting. Landlords facing vacancies during these slower months are far more willing to offer concessions, waive fees, or negotiate lease terms. That said, the current June listings show that even peak season brings strong specials as communities race to fill units before the summer lease-up window closes.
When is the worst time to look for deals in tempe? March through May is the hardest time to score a deal in Tempe, as ASU’s end-of-year cycle drives a flood of incoming students and new graduates signing leases for the fall semester. Demand spikes, vacancies tighten, and landlords have little incentive to offer concessions when waitlists fill naturally. Expect advertised specials to shrink and listed prices to hold firm or rise during this window.
What day of the week should I check for new listings? Tuesday and Wednesday are the best days to check for new Tempe listings, as property managers typically post new availability and update specials at the start of the mid-week leasing cycle. Weekend listings are less likely to be fresh, and by Friday many specials already have pending applications.
How do I act fast when a deal appears?
- Pre-qualify your documents before you search — have pay stubs, bank statements, and a photo ID ready to upload so you can apply within hours, not days.
- Set a Sunny saved-search alert for Tempe so you get notified the moment a new special is posted, rather than discovering it after the unit is gone.
- Call the leasing office directly rather than only filling out a contact form — a phone call the same day a special drops can get you a hold on the unit.
- Ask specifically about look-and-lease deals during your tour — some discounts are only activated if you apply on the same calendar day as your visit.
- Know your move-in date range before you tour — many specials (like Nines at Lakeside’s June 30 deadline) require a move-in commitment, and hesitation can disqualify you.
Which neighborhoods in tempe have the most rent specials right now?
Downtown Tempe leads all neighborhoods with 6 active listings offering specials, more than any other area in the city right now.
| Neighborhood | Listings with Specials |
|---|---|
| Downtown Tempe | 6 |
| Riverside | 5 |
| University Heights | 2 |
| Escalante | 2 |
| Alegre | 2 |
| Hudson Manor | 1 |
| Cavalier Hills | 1 |
| Continental Villas East | 1 |
| Dobson Ranch | 1 |
| North Tempe-College | 1 |
The heaviest concentration of deals is in Downtown Tempe and Riverside, suggesting that higher-density, newer communities along Tempe’s core corridors are competing most aggressively for renters this season.
What are the top 5 apartment specials in tempe this week?
Alexan Tempe’s up-to-8-weeks-free offer stands out as the most aggressive deal in Tempe right now, representing a potential savings of roughly two months’ rent on already competitively priced floor plans.
🥇 Alexan Tempe
2160 East Baseline Road, Tempe, AZ 85281
Alexan Tempe offers studios through 2-bedroom apartments priced from $1,350 to $2,232, positioned along East Baseline Road with convenient access to the broader Tempe metro. The community sits in a well-connected corridor near shopping, dining, and major transit routes. With a range of floor plans available, it’s a strong fit for young professionals and couples alike.
Deal: Up to 8 weeks free on select floor plans — at the mid-range price of $1,791/month, that’s up to ~$3,320 in savings depending on the unit selected.
Up to 8 weeks free on select floor plans! Call for details. Restrictions apply
🥈 Emerson Square Apartments
1701 E 8th St, Tempe, AZ 85281
Emerson Square offers studios through 2-bedroom units starting at just $970 — among the most affordable entry points in Tempe’s current market. Located on E 8th St near the heart of Tempe, this property suits budget-conscious renters who still want a central location. Two months of free rent on a 12-month lease is the equivalent of a 17% reduction in annual housing cost, making this one of the highest-value deals by raw dollar savings at lower price points.
Deal: Two months free on a 12-month lease for select units with a move-in deadline of June 10, 2026 — worth up to $1,940 based on the starting rent.
Dos meses de alquiler gratis al firmar un contrato de arrendamiento de 12 meses en unidades seleccionadas. La mudanza debe realizarse antes del 10/06/2026. Sujeto a aprobación de crédito.
🥉 Emerson Park
1701 E Don Carlos Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281
Emerson Park offers studios through 2-bedroom floor plans in the $970–$1,119 range, making it one of the most affordably priced communities with an active special in Tempe right now. Like its neighboring Emerson Square, it delivers strong dollar-for-dollar value on the free-rent concession. The slightly extended move-in deadline of July 10, 2026 gives renters a bit more flexibility to plan their move than the Emerson Square offer.
Deal: Two months free on a 12-month lease for select units — worth up to $2,238 at the top listed rent, with a move-in window extending through July 10, 2026.
Dos meses de alquiler gratis al firmar un contrato de arrendamiento de 12 meses en unidades seleccionadas. La mudanza debe realizarse antes del 10/07/26. Sujeto a aprobación de crédito.
4️⃣ Lakeside Drive by Mark-Taylor
500 West First Street, Tempe, AZ 85281
Lakeside Drive by Mark-Taylor is a luxury community offering studios through 2-bedroom homes priced from $1,745 to $2,695, situated near Tempe Town Lake on West First Street. As a Mark-Taylor property, it delivers a premium amenity package and upscale finishes consistent with that brand’s reputation in the Phoenix metro. Up to 6 weeks free on a $2,695 unit represents a potential savings of over $3,700, making this the top value in the luxury tier.
Deal: Up to 6 weeks free on select luxury floor plans — on the highest-priced unit, that equals approximately $3,743 in savings.
Up to 6 weeks free on select luxury apartment homes! Lease today. Restrictions apply
5️⃣ Nines at Lakeside
999 E Baseline Road, Tempe, AZ 85283
Nines at Lakeside offers one of the widest unit-size ranges in Tempe, from studios up to 3-bedroom apartments priced between $1,099 and $2,140. Located at 999 E Baseline Road, the community is well-positioned for renters who need easy access to South Tempe and the surrounding area. The 4-weeks-free June special is time-sensitive but clearly defined, with no ambiguity about the timeline.
Deal: 4 weeks free base rent for move-ins completed by June 30, 2026 — worth approximately $1,099–$2,140 depending on the unit selected.
Hot June Deal! Make your move this month and enjoy 4 WEEKS FREE BASE RENT! Start your summer in a new home and take advantage of this offer. Don’t miss out! Offer valid for move-ins completed by June 30.
Check back weekly for updated specials or explore more listings in tempe.
