trouble getting tenants?

Question

Ok here is the issue I am having with my first rental. I have shown it to about 6-7 people but all of them will take the application and not call back ? I am trying to see what may be turning them off, I think the molding around the couple bedrooms is all chipped and may need to be repainted and fixed (if section 8 were to come in they probably would require it) I also know  one of the light fixtures looks older on a bedroom maybe replace that? The hardwood flooring has some scruffs and marks but this is a low income area so I didn't think that was much of a concern. The other issue has to be the size. The bedrooms are all around 10x8 so they are tight, but how should I go about getting tenants to want to live here. The other option is to lower the rent a bit more but I feel I am right at market now and have the best price for a 2bedroom on craigslist. Thanks

Thomas M. · Answer

Going by what you said, Your best bet would be to go with section 8, if the moulding just have chips in it just use a filler putty or joint compound (depending on what kind of moulding) then sand and paint.

The floors you could try and buff them out.

Hud has a list of how much they per county at  http://www.huduser.org/datasets/fmr/fmr2011f/FY2011F_ScheduleB_rev2.pdf

I just went through the whole section 8 process this month and passed inspection, so I can answer any questions if you have any.

George P. · Answer

I started giving  the applications to people that I wanted to hear from. Most of lurkers and weirdos were encouraged to think about it and call me back.

Ayana Mingo · Answer

you mentioned all the bad stuff about apartment. so fix and then try to rent it out. again

Account Closed · Answer

what is i rented out each room seperatly for like a 100$ a week. Basically they can fit a bed and clothes in each room and share the family room, Den for extra space kitchen and bathroom?

Steve Babiak · Answer

How to post a picture:
http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/25/topics/45114-how-to-post-a-picture-

Follow the instructions there, and you can have a photo gallery that all BP members can view and comment on.

Account Closed · Answer

ok thanks greg that is my next approach I think in the add I will put perfect for a single person or couple. I have also lowered the rent to 700 and am putting clearly the sizes of the bedrooms. It is tough to get people in with kids when the unit is 10x8 feet for bedrooms. I will post a flyer on the window as well about it so they can see. I may try laundry mats and all that tommorrow morning as my next step I am running out of ideas. I also rejected a couple people because they had $500 a month of income and "were looking for a job", or someone that has a 50lb dog that wants to come in "pitbul" mix. I can't give up and need to push myself to advertise more.

Jeff L. · Answer

I am having more trouble getting the tenant out.

Greg B. · Answer

I told all of my relatives to shoot me if I ever invest in another 2 bedroom unit.  I have had the most trouble filling 2 br units.  Think about the numbers of people that rent 2br units.  Most families need at least 3 BR.  Most couples or single people only need a 1 BR unit.

John, how are you marketing your unit?  Are you marketing for your target tenants?

My rentals are lower income units as well.  I advertise on Craiglist with a link to my website.  I also post a youtube video of the outside and inside.  I also hang an info box on the porch and leave the blinds open and I tape and flier to a front window.  AND, if it's still not renting, I post fliers on community bulletin boards(laudromats, DQ's, local gathering spots).  It is important not to waste time on people that would not rent your property.  Good luck.

Account Closed · Answer

I am
Just a little concerned that they may not screen right as I feel like I can screen better for my rental. It is definitely something I can consider though. I am
Hoping they won't find any random tenant to put in place so they get there money

Scott Karg · Answer

Wow, I love my Baltimore sx8 rents. I just rented a 2br that I have $22,400 in to a sx8 tenant and am getting $1042 a month.
My prior deal I have $62K in it and am getting $1507 a month(4br).

To the OP, have you considered using tenant placement? I own and run a tenant placement company in Baltimore, I let my landlord clients know what they need to pass a sx8 inspection as part of my process.
Maybe you could contact a company in your area?

trouble getting tenants?

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