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9 Effective Ways to Find Tenants Fast

Every landlord wants to minimize their vacancy rate, but looking for tenants to rent your property is not always a simple task, especially if you don’t know where to begin. There are several methods you can use, though, to find tenants fast.

 

How to Find Tenants Quickly and Easily

The job of a landlord is often time-consuming and difficult. It involves knowing how to rent out an apartment, how to communicate with renters, and how to fix a wide range of problems. Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of rental property management, though, is how to find quality tenants.

The good news is that there are more renters now than at any time in the last 55 years. As a landlord, that means you have a vast pool of prospective renters. The only thing you need to do now is to find them. But, how exactly do you do that? Here is how to find renters using different but effective ways:

 

1. Write a Persuasive Copy

There is more to finding tenants than simply posting “apartment for rent.” Your copy will inform readers what they can expect from the property you are renting out. As such, make sure to use attention-grabbing and compelling writing so readers don’t just scroll past your ad.

List down all the pertinent information, such as the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and also the rent details. Accompany your listing with high-quality photos of the property to pique and retain interest.

 

2. Advertise on Rental Websites

advertise | get rentersNever underestimate the power of online marketing. There are countless websites made specifically for advertising vacant rental properties.

You can enter all the necessary details, which prospective tenants can use to narrow down their search using filters. Most websites allow you to post an ad for free, such as Zillow, Avail, and Cozy.

Listings here automatically post on other websites, too, like Hotpads and Trulia for Zillow and Realtor.com and Doorsteps for Cozy. Don’t forget Craigslist!

 

3. Take to Social Media

With a large chunk of renters in the United States under the age of 30, social media is now a top priority for landlords who wish to find tenants. Most people never go a day without checking their socials, so it almost seems foolish not to take advantage of the opportunity.

Facebook and Instagram are among the most popular choices for rental listings. They offer many free features as well as paid ones, which will allow you to reach a wider audience. Since social media is predominantly a visual platform, though, you must make sure to use excellent, eye-catching photos to advertise your rental property.

 

4. Post on Local Bulletin Boards

Your community is bound to have places where you can post flyers and find tenants. Take advantage of local shops and restaurants. Put up ads in community centers, grocery stores, offices, and even bus stops. Areas that see a lot of foot traffic work best.

In addition to writing a compelling copy, you must also get creative with the design of your flyers. Use striking visuals and large fonts to effectively grab the attention of passersby. If you have the budget for it, print out your flyers in color. It is also a good idea to include the address and your contact information at the bottom that people can simply tear off.

 

5. Take Out a Newspaper Ad

Newspapers may not be as popular as they once were, but they have not faded into irrelevance just yet. Plenty of people still read the newspaper, and you might fare better using a newspaper ad to find tenants if you are targeting an older demographic.

Since newspaper ads tend to be on the smaller side, take advantage of abbreviations for your listing. For instance, “BR” stands for bedroom and “A/C” stands for air-conditioned. Make sure to take out an ad on a Sunday, too, as this is the time when newspapers see the most readers.

 

6. Place a Sign at the Property

for rent sign | get rentersAnother way to find renters is to put up a “for rent” sign at the rental property itself. This can attract potential tenants who are just passing by.

Make sure the sign is big enough so that people from the street or sidewalk can see it clearly. It doesn’t cost anything apart from the materials you use for the sign, and it is a good way to get the word out.

 

7. Rely on Word of Mouth

Most people trust recommendations from friends and family more than they do ads. If your tenant is moving out, ask them if they know anyone looking for a place to rent. Your current tenants may also have someone in mind, so make sure to tell them you have a vacancy. Tell your friends and family, too. You can even add an incentive by offering a referral fee.

 

8. Be Responsive

Your quest to get renters doesn’t stop at posting ads online and offline. If you played your cards right, you will soon get phone calls and emails from interested applicants. Given the fast-paced lifestyle of the average person, patience is not something you can test without consequences.

Therefore, you must make sure to respond to potential tenants quickly. If they are inquiring about your place, there is a good chance they are doing the same with other properties, too. Don’t miss out on your chance simply because you felt too lazy to answer a call.

 

9. Seek Professional Services

If searching for tenants sounds like too much work for you, consider hiring a property manager. A property manager can perform all the above tasks for you, and then some.

In fact, they can take over most of the responsibilities of a landlord. This includes screening tenants, collecting rent, tenant correspondence, maintenance, keeping up with fair housing laws, and more. Property managers are especially beneficial if you have numerous rental properties to manage.

 

A Solid Start

Needless to say, it is tough to find tenants if you take a haphazard approach. But, by using online and offline resources, writing a captivating copy, and using attractive photos, you are well on your way. You must also remember that there is no shame in asking for help, particularly if you are having a hard time balancing your many landlord duties.

If you want to hire a property manager, look for the best ones in your area using Florida Property Management’s online directory. Our online directory also lists credible HOA management companies and real estate agents.

 

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