The Rental Market is still active for those homes that are in good shape and priced right. Most for rent by owners are still overpriced so stay away. Still find it incedible how much time people are spending on there home search tours. Had a person contact me last week asking for availaiblity in 2011!! That is incredible.
Again, all you need to do is look that first week prior to the month you want occupancy. If you are trying to do this on your own which we never recommend you might want to start the process a bit sooner though less than 2% of the available rental market will for the month you want.
Our clients are still getting the homes they want all in one day. It's easy when you know how to search correctly.