What Is The Best Way To Find Tenants?

[Kyle Baron]

Hello fellow Bigger Pockets members, I am a beginning investor in Minnesota and I will soon be in need of new tenants as I have a vacancy opening up due to Eviction of current tenants. What does everyone use to find tenants? Are there any websites that you would suggest I advertise the space on? The space is one side / one unit, of a Duplex - Is there a name for this type of space / property (since it's technically not an 'apartment')? What about tenant screening and background checks - Thoughts & Opinions & Referrals & Websites? What about a form for an Tenant Application? Should I charge for the Application? Is there anything that I can do to make my property get more attention and to attract better, higher-quality tenants? Please let me know what you guys think - I appreciate the advice and sharing of knowledge! Thanks.

[Amber Gonion]

I do caution on taking referrals from tenants, sometimes it is not a good thing as if they are friends or family they can tend to think they have a lot of control since they now occupy they entire duplex. Just something to be aware of.

One of the better sources is neighbors, very often a sign in the yard will get a neighbor to call his buddy, or family so they can live close by.

For apartments with 30+ units and class A properties it differs, but most times Zillow and Cl work just fine for smaller units.

Also for class B/C properties I would schedule a time time block to show the property and schedule as many as you can into the time block (maybe 2 hours). Just pick a time that the majority of people can make. Often people will be no shows and waste your time. Doing a two hour block makes it worth your time and creates a sense of value and urgency for them to quickly fill out an application.