Tips to rent out an apartment quickly and still get the best tenant?

Question

I currently own and manage 5 units, but I want to see if anyone can provide some solid tips for renting out an apartment quickly. What is your process? Any ways to improve it?

Gualter Amarelo · Answer

@Sabrina I have always used Craig'slist with good results. I'm interested in knowing what side scans you have run into are also. We are always sharpening the saw.

Cheers!

Adam Hamm · Answer

Some very good tips, I just got an offer accepted on my first rental property with 3 units. Two are rented and one is vacant so I will be looking for a tenant in the next few weeks.

@Sabrina Callahan, I was thinking of posting on craigslist, what kind of scams are there? I have never heard of that.

Sabrina Calnan · Answer

I would suggest being very deliberate when writing your descriptions. Right the description for the type of person that you want in the property and for the type of person that is a good fit for the unit. Also pictures, pictures, pictures. Have lots of pictures and consider having them professionally done. Good pictures are the key to attracting renters. Price the rent appropriately – It will take longer to rent if pricing is above market rents; however, a renter that is able to pay more is usually a better renter. I use postlets to for listing and I don’t post on craigslist (too many scams).

Beth L. · Answer

@Gualter Amarelo

Try holding an Open House.

Make sure your listing on Cragislist (or other listing site for your area) is complete, well written and includes lots of clear pictures.

Make sure to show the unit after it is ready. No one likes to see a unit during a reno or when things still need to be repaired.

Offer an incentive if this is common for your area and time of year (i.e., so much off first month's rent).

Tips to rent out an apartment quickly and still get the best tenant?

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