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The rental market can be challenging for rental property owners and managers, particularly during a period of decline.

In recent years, the rental market has experienced fluctuations and downturns. Landlords are facing difficulties in filling their units, which can be a significant challenge, particularly for smaller landlords or those who rely on rental income as their primary source of revenue.

Filling vacant units can be difficult, but don’t panic—there are effective tools available to help you attract tenants.

This guide will explore some of the best strategies for rental property owners and managers to bring in more tenants and keep properties occupied.

Advertising Listings

The most important step in this guide is to make sure your rental property is advertised effectively. This includes taking high-quality photos and writing a clear and informative property listing.

The more you expose your property, the better your chances become of finding a tenant. List your property on popular rental listing websites, as well as local classifieds and social media platforms.

This might be easier said than done for some people, depending on marketing knowledge, so let’s discuss how to market your property in more detail.

Determine Your Target Market

Before you begin advertising your rental property, it’s important to understand who your target market is. Is your unit best suitable for families, young professionals, or students? Knowing your target market will help you to create effective marketing materials and determine the best places to advertise your property.

However, it’s essential to adhere to fair housing laws. While it’s acceptable to advertise where your target audience spends time online, landlords who include specific language (for example, “perfect for a single person!”) in their ad copy can find themselves in hot water. Turn to page xx for more information on fair housing laws.

Take High-Quality Photos

High-quality photos are essential when advertising a rental property. They are the first thing potential renters see, so make sure they showcase the property in the best possible light.

Consider hiring a professional photographer. However, if this is beyond your means, use a good camera. Make sure to take photos of the exterior, interior, and any amenities the property offers.

Create a Detailed Listing

Once you have high-quality photos, create a detailed listing of the property. Include the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, available amenities, and any important details about the property. Also include a detailed description of the whole property and its surroundings.

The goal is to give potential renters a good sense of everything the property as a whole has to offer.

Use Online Listing Platforms

Several online platforms allow landlords to list their properties for rent. Some popular options include Zillow and Trulia. These platforms allow you to create a detailed listing, upload photos, and reach a large audience.

As mentioned above, include all relevant information in your listing and respond promptly to any inquiries.

Utilize Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool for advertising rental properties.

Create a Facebook page for your property and share photos and information about the property.

Use Instagram and Pinterest to showcase the property’s best features; use Twitter to share updates and respond to any questions.

Don’t put effort into marketing on a social media platform if your target audience doesn’t spend time there. For example, if you want to target senior citizens, maybe don’t spend too much time marketing on TikTok.

Network With Local Real Estate Agents

Real estate agents can be a valuable resource for landlords looking to advertise their rental properties. Network with local agents and let them know about your property. They could help you find renters or at least give you some advice on how to advertise your property.

Be Responsive

Respond promptly to any inquiries about the property.

If potential renters are interested in the property, schedule a showing as soon as possible. Be prepared to answer any questions they may have about the property and follow up with them after the showing.

Be Prepared for the Legal Process

Before renting out your property, make sure you are familiar with the legal requirements. Know local laws and regulations, and if necessary, consult with an attorney.

SFAA offers excellent educational resources for members in the form of in-person classes and webinars. Turn to page xx for a calendar of upcoming events.

A great lease agreement is extremely important. SFAA members can pay to access, email, and print the SFAA Residential Tenancy Agreement online (sfaa.org > resources).

Use “For Rent” Signs

Classic and simple “For Rent” signs are a great way to grab the attention of those in the neighborhood who are considering moving to a new apartment but haven’t started an in-depth search yet. Make sure the sign is visible, easy to read, and includes your contact information.

Be Available for Showings

Another way to secure qualified tenants is to be available to show your property. This will give people an opportunity to see the property in person and ask any questions they may have.

Meeting a prospective tenant in person is also a great way to gauge their personality and behavior.

Tenant-Screening

As a rental property owner, your top priority is to find tenants who will take good care of your property and pay their rent on time. To achieve this goal, it’s important to screen your tenants thoroughly before signing a lease agreement with them.

Tenant screening is the process of verifying a potential tenant’s background information, including:

• Credit history

• Employment status

• Rental history

Tenant screening can provide you with a wealth of information about the applicant and help you make informed decisions about whether to rent to them. Fill