When do you show an apartment ?

Question

Do you show an apartment while the current tenants are still there?

Or do you wait till they move out?

Any pros or cons to either side?

Thanks

Carolyn Fuller · Answer

I also rent many months in advance so I must be able to show occupied apartments. This need is stated clearly in the leases. I also mitigate the number of showings by requiring that all prospective tenants review a detailed walkthrough video and fill out an online application prior to taking any next steps.

We use to show one of our apartments to many non-serious prospective tenants just because they wanted to see it in person. The apartment is both stunningly beautiful and unique. The walkthrough video seems to meet the needs of these curious but non-serious prospective tenants. We've reduced the number of showings to darn close to one per semester. Often, the tenant will sign a lease without even visiting the apartment in person.

Kevin Moules · Answer

I am currently showing two properties for a landord I do work for. Showing the house with tenants is a pain because of logistics of scheduling. I dont want to show the property every time someone calls so I try to book 1-2 hour blocks so people can show up. This makes it easier for me and for current resident. The other place is vacant so it makes it easy to show even late in the evening after work. Market here is hot, so even if the landlord would wait to show place after vacant he should have a qualified person within the first week of showings. Each has their reasons why. I would personally wait because you do not know what the condition of the home looks like with current resident.

Joshua Hively · Answer

I recently heard on a podcast where the owner was actually giving discounted rent for the final month, for the tenants to allow some of the necessary renovations to be completed. That being said, I'll have to agree with @Michael Noto on this one. It just depends. The last unit I rented I showed to some tenants while I had the entire kitchen ripped out and they put down a deposit.

Michael Noto · Answer

This all depends on how cooperative and tidy the current tenants are. It is really a case by case type of thing because you never get a second chance to make a first impression on a perspective tenant.

Jill F. · Answer

If the apartment is not due for renovation I try to show it occupied. Our lease allows us to do that but many tenants aren't happy about it. I try to sweeten the pot by telling tenants if it looks nice I usually can schedule all my showings in 1-2 days and I will do a cash deposit refund at the walk through if they leave it clean and rent-ready like they received it. In Ohio, we have 30 days to refund the deposit so usually that takes the sting out and most tenants willingly cooperate or sometimes they decide to leave early and just come back for the walk through. Either way win-win.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

Some refuse to show an occupied property. They have their reasons but it doesn't make sense for my market.

My lease tells tenants that I have the right to market and show the property during their last 30 days of occupancy. I have a new tenant lined up before the old tenant leaves, probably around 80% of the time. That dramatically cuts down on vacancies.

G Brian Juk · Answer

@Nathan G.

I great idea to put that in the lease and explain that when signing it all in the beginning, and being upfront about it.

No surprises that way.

Thank you for the ProTip

Mary M. · Answer

Since many of my units are rented 9 months in advance (students) showing occupied units is always happening.

For the rest of my units “it depends” on the current tenants, the condition of the unit etc

I always try to have as little vacancy as possible, however i am very unit specific.

Pros- less vacancy

Cons- you have to have good clean tenants for this to work.

G Brian Juk · Answer

@Mary Mitchell

Thank you.

The property was just refurbed before the current tenants moved in a year ago(one year lease) I’m scheduling showings on the 28th while the tenants are in there. They are scheduled out by the end of the month. It’s kind of inconvenient for them, but I’d like it rented ASAP.

When do you show an apartment ?

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