Which parts of the metro have the most deals, and how to work out what a special is really worth.
On October 4, 2026, about 7 in 10 Denver-metro apartment communities in my pull were advertising a move-in special. Aurora had the highest share and Denver proper the lowest. The most common deals are weeks of free rent, a reduced deposit, or waived fees. What matters is the effective rent, meaning what you really pay per month after the special.
| Area | Communities advertising a special |
|---|---|
| Aurora | 88% |
| Lakewood | 80% |
| Other Denver-metro suburbs | 77% |
| Denver proper | 67% |
| Whole metro | 71% |
Share of the 127 professionally managed communities in my October 4, 2026 pull that were advertising any move-in special. Some areas have a small number of communities, so treat the percentages as a guide.
| 1 bedroom | Median asking rent | With 6 weeks free | With 8 weeks free |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver proper | $2,139 | about $1,892 | about $1,810 |
| Aurora | $1,690 | about $1,495 | about $1,430 |
| Whole metro | $1,980 | about $1,752 | about $1,675 |
Illustration only: weeks free spread across a 12-month lease. Not every community offers these, and many specials only apply to certain floor plans and move-in dates.
6 weeks free on a 12-month lease is about 11.5% off the year. 8 weeks is about 15%. That can make a higher-priced community cheaper than a lower-priced one with no deal.
Step 1. Take the monthly rent times the lease length. Step 2. Subtract the free weeks (weeks free divided by 4.33 times the monthly rent). Step 3. Add the one-time costs: deposit you will not get back, admin or application fees, pet fees. Step 4. Add the recurring extras: parking, pet rent, trash, utilities. Divide by the lease length. That is your real monthly cost.
Specials often apply only to certain floor plans, move-in dates or lease lengths. A longer lease can mean more free weeks but also a longer commitment. Some "free rent" is paid as a credit later in the lease, so ask when it applies. The special can end any week, so get it in writing before you pay a deposit.
Want the specials that fit your budget this week? Text or call Juan David at 720-560-2740. Free for renters, because the apartment community pays the locator.