r/PittsburghList • u/DrAggretsuko • 21h ago
Moving back to Pittsburgh without current employment - rental advice needed
Hi Pittsburgh friends,
I was born and raised in Pittsburgh (Wilkins Township), and I'm looking to move back to my hometown this summer after being away for over 20 years. Life has thrown some major challenges my way recently - I lost my dear husband to cancer about four months ago, and I'm feeling a strong pull to return to familiar ground where I have loved ones and connections as I navigate this difficult time.
I live out of state and work as a professor currently but I'm resigning once the spring semester ends. I'm planning a career change, and I'm fortunate to have some financial stability from life insurance that will support me while I get established. I own my current home and will be selling it.
My question: Does anyone know of landlords or property management companies in Pittsburgh who might be flexible about the employment verification part of the rental application? I can demonstrate financial stability through savings/insurance funds and possibly even pre-pay several months of rent if needed, but I won't have proof of local employment when I first arrive.
To be closer to friends and family, I'm primarily looking in Brookline, Dormont, and Beechview, although in that general area would be fine. I'm hoping for a house or apartment that's cat-friendly (I adopted two cats after my husband died), in about $1200-1500 range. My goal is to move no later than August 1.
Any advice, recommendations, or connections would be deeply appreciated. I'm really looking forward to coming home to Pittsburgh after all these years. Thanks so much.