Inquire to your landlord how far in advance is a notice required, 30 days or 60 days), then start tour search about a month prior to your move out date.

The longer you wait you will have less avialable, if you found a place now and worked with the new owner they might work something out to let you move in when you lease is up. It is better to move into a place you want, not one you have to move in to because that is all you could find.

If you're like me I like to get an early start and decide which property I would like to live at! Start now! :)

now.....! you may find what you want and lock it in. removes headaches. OR you can be my roommate.....hahaha

At 3 months, you can certainly contact larger property managers and buildings to see if they are going to have any availabilities. Since most landlords only require 30 or 60 days notice, though, you won't be able to get a full picture.

I'd start making lists of places you are interested in and contacting them, but really start searching around 45-60 days in advance.

If you have a lower credit score or pay grade, you may have to start looking further in advance as you live in a city where renters are often competing for properties.

Look now to get an idea of what you want, but you can't expect what you see now to be available when you are ready to move. About one month before you move start touring places and when you find what you want fill out the application and show them the money.