Apartments for rent on Cape Cod? Some towns have more to offer, local housing experts say

Zane Razzaq, Cape Cod Times
·2 min read

Finding an affordable, year-round rental on Cape Cod can be a job itself.

"There’s no easy quick fix," said Ronald Bourgeois, founder of Bass River Properties, who owns 180 apartments around the region.

The state's shortage of affordable and available rental homes reaches a fever pitch on the Cape, where 4,500 more year-round rentals are needed, according to housing experts.

The Times spoke with real estate agents and local housing officials to learn about upcoming projects and tips on how to find an affordable place to live.

Brewster Woods soon to open affordable apartments that are also energy efficient

Check out these towns and villages

Hyannis: Bourgeois said Hyannis, which is home to many multi-unit developments, is one of the more affordable places for renters on Cape Cod. Next, he'd suggest Dennis and Yarmouth.

In July, Corey Heaslip, vice president of Delphi Construction, examines a staircase in the new Brewster Woods housing development in Brewster.
In July, Corey Heaslip, vice president of Delphi Construction, examines a staircase in the new Brewster Woods housing development in Brewster.

"That's where the duplexes are, the inventory," said Bourgeois.

Brewster:  The most recently permitted affordable housing developments in Brewster have been multi-unit projects, according to the town's housing plan: Brewster Woods and Serenity Apartments.

Next up, the town recently accepted a proposal to develop 45 one-, two-, and three-bedroom rental units on 16.1 acres of town-owned land on Millstone Road. Brewster and the Select Board just executed a land disposition agreement, said Brewster Housing Coordinator Jill Scalise.

How do I find housing?: A housing matchmaker in Provincetown has 10 tips

Yarmouth: Ned Chatelain, a broker and owner at Chatelain Real Estate, said historically South Yarmouth has been the spot.

Yarmouth Gardens has immediate availability for affordable two-bedroom apartments. Those interested can request an application by calling 508-475-6233 or visit YarmouthGardensMA.com. Monthly rent is $1,468 for 60% AMI.

Beware of scams

Telltale signs of a scam include if a "landlord" cannot meet in-person or speak by phone, said Chatelain. Bourgeois said scammers often will be out-of-country and advised renters to use public records to verify who owns the property.

Have questionsabout renting at 3 Jerome Smith Road in Provincetown? Here are answers

As a general rule, avoid Craigslist, said Laura Clements, of Cove Road Real Estate, and never wire money or submit a nonrefundable deposits, which are illegal in Massachusetts.

Turn to organizations

Scalise advised renters to turn to those with "a breadth of knowledge."

Among her list: Homeless Prevention Council and Housing Assistance Corporation.

For those 60 and older, she suggested reaching out to the local Council on Aging, saying they can help seniors fill out applications as well as provide information.

Zane Razzaq writes about housing and real estate. Reach her at zrazzaq@capecodonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @zanerazz.

Gain access to premium Cape Cod Times content by subscribing.

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Tips for finding affordable rentals on Cape Cod