{"id":184284,"date":"2025-08-13T12:51:10","date_gmt":"2025-08-13T18:51:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/?p=184284"},"modified":"2025-08-13T12:51:13","modified_gmt":"2025-08-13T18:51:13","slug":"struggling-with-vacancies-these-five-things-can-help","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/struggling-with-vacancies-these-five-things-can-help","title":{"rendered":"Struggling With Vacancies? You Might Be Missing This"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>This article is presented by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/advertise-rental-property\/?utm_source=biggerpockets&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=augblog\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TurboTenant<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">We\u2019ve all been there: You post your rental listing with decent photos, a basic description, and a \u201creasonable\u201d rent price. You sit back and wait. A<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">nd wait. An<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">d\u2026w<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">ait.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">No bites. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Perhaps a<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> strange message from someone inquiring about your policy on ferrets and accepting cash payments.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> But no actual, qualified renters.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">If you\u2019ve got a rental sitting vacant longer than expected, here\u2019s the hard truth: It\u2019s probably not the market. It\u2019s probably you.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">I remember the<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> first time I listed my duplex, figuring a few cell phone pics, a short paragraph, and a price I pulled from a quick Zillow scroll would do the trick.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Two weeks passed, and the only interest came from a guy who asked if he could use the backyard to run a small dog grooming side hustle. I had no idea what I was doing, and it showed.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Don\u2019t worry:<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> We\u2019re going to fix that. Because the difference between a booked-up rental and a money pit often comes down to five simple (but overlooked) mistakes. Here\u2019s what they are, and more importantly, how to fix them without spending a fortune or losing your mind.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">1. Your Listing Isn\u2019t Showing Up Where Renters Look<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">These days, most renters aren\u2019t cruising neighborhood bulletin boards or calling phone numbers on yard signs. Over 50% of renters are searching online, and not just on one site.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">They\u2019re browsing Apartments.com, Redfin, Zillow, Craigslist, Zumper\u2014you name it. And if your property isn\u2019t showing up there? You\u2019re missing most of your audience.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">That\u2019s why using a platform that <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/advertise-rental-property\/?utm_source=biggerpockets&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=augblog\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">advertises your rental online<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> across dozens of sites is key. You create one listing, hit publish, and boom: It\u2019s everywhere that matters. It\u2019s like having your syndication assistant without the HR paperwork.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">2. Your Listing Reads Like You Gave Up Halfway Through<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Renters scroll through dozens of listings a day. If yours starts with \u201c2 bed, 1 bath. $1,500. LMK,\u201d you\u2019ve already lost them.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">A great listing doesn\u2019t need to win a Pulitzer, but it does need to tell a clear story. That means:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Describing the layout, size, and perks (in-unit laundry, fenced yard, granite countertops, etc.)<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Highlighting nearby hot spots (parks, coffee shops, public transit, schools, etc.)<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Including any relevant policies (pets allowed? Utilities included? Smoking? No ferrets?)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">And don\u2019t forget pricing. Guessing at rent based on your gut is risky. If you\u2019re too high, you scare people off. Too low, and you leave money on the table. Use a tool like this <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/landlord-toolbox\/rent-estimates\/?utm_source=biggerpockets&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=augblog\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">rent estimate calculator<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> to price it right.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">3. Your Photos Are<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">&#8230;<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Not Helping<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">You don\u2019t need a professional camera crew, but you do need more than one <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">dimly lit<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> photo of a hallway.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> At the very least:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Take at least six good-quality <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">photos<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Shoot during the day, with natural light.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Clean and declutter first (yes, that means no laundry baskets in the frame).<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Highlight key features, such as large windows, kitchen, living room, and outdoor space.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Think of it like a dating profile:<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> If your first photo is blurry or weirdly cropped, nobody\u2019s swiping right.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Need help stepping up your game? These <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/ipropertymanagement.com\/guides\/advertise-rental-property\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">tips for rental advertising<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> break it down.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">4. Your Application Process Might Be Scaring Off Good Renters<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Let\u2019s say your listing looks great and renters are clicking. But they ghost after the first message. Why?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">It could be friction. Renters don\u2019t want to print out PDFs, scan them, and wait 48 hours for a response. They want something easy, fast, and mobile-friendly.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">That\u2019s where tools like <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/advertise-rental-property\/?utm_source=biggerpockets&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=augblog\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">TurboTenant<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> come in. They let you handle everything in one place: applications, background checks, and messaging. That <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">lets you<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> focus on picking the right tenant, not juggling email threads and forms.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">5. You\u2019re Not Selling the Lifestyle<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">This one\u2019s big. Renters don\u2019t just want four walls and a roof; they want to imagine themselves living there and hosting friends. They want to walk around the community and decide which coffee shop deserves their daily visits.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">If your listing reads like a spreadsheet, it\u2019s time to spice it up. Add a few lines that paint a picture:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u201cEnjoy quiet mornings on the balcony, quick walks to the taco spot around the corner, and cozy nights in your sunlit living room.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">That kind of copy connects with renters. It makes your property feel like home, not just a place to crash.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Quick Recap<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">If you\u2019re struggling to fill your vacancy, here\u2019s what you might be missing:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">You\u2019re not on the right platforms. <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/advertise-rental-property\/?utm_source=biggerpockets&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=augblog\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Fix it with one-click rental advertising<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Your listing is too vague or dull. Use precise details, paint a picture, and <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/landlord-toolbox\/rent-estimates\/?utm_source=biggerpockets&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=augblog\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">calculate your rent right<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Your photos are doing you dirty. Good lighting. Clean rooms. No sock piles.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Your process is clunky. Use software that makes the application process fast and easy for renters.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">You\u2019re not telling a story. Every renter is picturing a lifestyle. Help them see it.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Final Thoughts<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Every day your unit sits empty, you\u2019re losing money. That\u2019s rent you\u2019ll never get back. But the good news? With a few tweaks, better photos, the right price, and a smoother process, you can cut your vacancy time in half (or more).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">You already did the hard part: buying the property. Now it\u2019s time to run it like a pro. And that starts with showing up where renters are, telling a better story, and making it ridiculously easy to say yes to the rental.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/advertise-rental-property\/?utm_source=biggerpockets&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=augblog\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Advertise your rental online today<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, and get back to doing what you <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">actually<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> enjoy\u2014like cashing rent checks and not meeting another person who wants to pay in Subway gift cards.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This article is presented by TurboTenant. We\u2019ve all been there: You post your rental listing with decent photos, a basic description, and a \u201creasonable\u201d rent price. You sit back and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":613755,"featured_media":178867,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5183],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-184284","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-landlording"],"acf":[],"comment_count":0,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/184284","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/613755"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=184284"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/184284\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/178867"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=184284"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=184284"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=184284"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}