We bought our first duplex and are having trouble finding tenants.

Member since 2023 · 10 posts · 3 votes

My business partner and I have had our property posted for two weeks now on facebook, Zillow, and apartments.com. We've had a few showings but nothing crazy. It's in one of the best locations in Minneapolis, so we expected it to be rented right away. We have good photos, and a price comparable to the comps around the area. Do you guys have any tips if it doesn't rent out in the next couple of weeks? Anything helps, thanks!

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Nicholas L.Pro Member

Flipper/Rehabber · Pittsburgh · Member since 2018 · 6k+ posts · 5k+ votes

@Brenden Sperl

you can post the listing here and people will give you specific feedback.

you probably need to lower the price. if you do the math, vacancy will eat into your total rent collected much more than a price drop.

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Nicholas L.Pro Member
Flipper/Rehabber · Pittsburgh · Member since 2018 · 6k+ posts · 5k+ votes
1y
@Brenden Sperl
you can post the listing here and people will give you specific feedback.
you probably need to lower the price. if you do the math, vacancy will eat into your total rent collected much more than a price drop.
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Mackaylee BeachPro Member
Real Estate Agent · Kansas City, MO · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 492 votes
1y
One approach could be to reassess your listing to ensure it stands out. Consider updating the photos to include different angles or lighting, or even adding a virtual tour to give potential renters a more immersive experience. Highlight unique features of the property that may not be immediately obvious, such as energy-efficient appliances, recent renovations, or nearby amenities like parks, restaurants, or public transportation.

Additionally, you might want to review your listing's description to ensure it’s engaging and informative. Use descriptive language to paint a picture of what living in your property would be like, emphasizing the lifestyle and benefits of the location.

Another strategy is to broaden your marketing efforts. Share the listing on local community boards, social media groups, or neighborhood newsletters. You could also consider hosting an open house event to attract more interest.

If the property still isn't renting, reevaluate your pricing strategy. While you believe the price is competitive, a small reduction could increase interest and speed up the rental process.

Lastly, consider seeking feedback from those who have viewed the property. Understanding their perspective might reveal simple changes that could make your property more appealing.

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Greg W.
Buy and Hold Investor · Alexandria, VA · Member since 2013 · 180 posts · 48 votes
1y
Lower the price to below the comparable units you looked at for reference by $25-50. You could follow-up with the people who have looked at it and get their thoughts on why they passed. If you don't have in-unit washer/dryer, no parking, no storage, don't allow pets, don't have a dishwasher, etc. those could all be reasons people have passed. Make up some of the lower rent difference with a $25-50/mo. pet rent or parking or something like that. Make sure their credit score requirement is 650, if it's a good area. I also require 3x monthly rent. But get someone in before it gets colder. Most rentals turn over in the spring so you may have to lower the rent now, make it a shorter- or longer-term lease to get you back to the spring cycle when there's a lot more people looking to move. Good luck!
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Matt Thelen
Rental Property Investor · Denver · Member since 2021 · 74 posts · 53 votes
1y
Any updates on what you've tried and results over the past week+?
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Patrick O'SullivanBusiness Member
Property Manager · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2024 · 525 posts · 197 votes
1y
@Brenden Sperl congrats on the first duplex. If the photos are solid and the price seems in line with comps, but you're still not getting traction, it might be time to test a small price drop. Sometimes, even $50 can make a difference and get you more inquiries.

Also, consider reaching out to the folks who toured but didn’t apply. A quick message asking for honest feedback might reveal something simple you can fix or improve.

If you're not already, try posting in local neighborhood groups or forums specific to Minneapolis. That extra exposure can help, especially in a slower rental season.

Hope you find the right tenants soon. You're doing the right things by actively tracking and adjusting.
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Jason Stewart
Member since 2025 · 5 posts · 5 votes
1y
Does anyone use premium listings with Zillow etc with any success?
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Corby GoadeBusiness Member
Investor · Boise, ID · Member since 2014 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
1y
Congrats on getting in the game!
The simple answer is that if you are listed in the places people look in your market and not getting traction, you are priced too high. That could be because you are still learning your market and the nuances, but also, rolling in to fall, leasing timelines always go up. For future reference, when you DO get a tenant, make sure your leases cycle between April and June- faster turnovers, higher rents and higher quality tenants.
As for what to do now- I'd offer some kind of incentive- lower introductory lease rate- maybe $100 less for each month until you renew in April. $500 off of the first month or you could take payments for the deposit. We've had success in slow seasons with all of those options.
I know people always worry about a discount, but take in to account the pain and expense of a vacancy. Don't lower your screening standards, no matter what. A vacancy is always better and cheaper than a problem tenant.
Best of luck!
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