The way you present your rental listing can determine how many prospective tenants you can attract. Not only does it tell what your unit has to offer, but the rental property description can also help you reach your target market better.
Details You Should Add to Your Rental Listing
Property Type
Clearly state what kind of property it is, even if it seems obvious in the photos you include. The rental listing description should indicate if it's a single-family home, an apartment, a condo, or another type, as this will help your listing show up on search results.
Square Footage
The size of the rental unit is a huge factor in the decision-making process for prospective renters, especially if more than one person will live in the unit. Adding the size of the space can also explain the price of your monthly rent.
Floor Plan
If available, include the floor plan in your description or photos. Some tenants prefer an open floor plan since it appears more spacious, while others might want walled units. Some applicants already have layouts in mind and this information can help them along with their decision.
Number of Bedrooms and Bathrooms
Most, if not all rental listing sites add the number of bedrooms and bathrooms in the description as it is arguably the most crucial element when it comes to renter preferences. Just like the square footage, major rooms also explain the rent amount to potential renters.
Unique Features
If your rental property has unique and desirable features like floor-to-ceiling windows or hardwood floors, it's best to include that as it adds to the appeal of your rental listing. You'll never know if that will be the feature that will catch a prospective tenant's interest, especially when it helps save costs like energy-efficient features.
Amenities
Many prospective renters will look into in-house amenities they have access to. With utilities, for instance, they might need in-unit laundry, in-unit washer, air conditioning, or smart home features. It's best to mention parking as well and whether the rental property has a private outdoor space.
Storage Space
This includes a storage unit your building might have or in-unit storage like walk-in closets. A lot of rental listings don't include this kind of information, and prospective tenants will appreciate having this detail in the rental listing description.
Security
Mention the kind of security system you have installed to make prospective applicants feel safe. This can include CCTVs, security on entrances, or secure locks on the premises. Include what kind of neighborhood or community the rental property is in as well.
Rental Terms
When you write a rental listing description, the prospective tenant should know what to expect when they rent your unit. List the most important terms in your lease agreement such as rental price, rent payments, parking and pet restrictions, security deposit amount, lease duration, parking fees, and so on.
Availability
While it's not common for a rental property listing to indicate availability, it would benefit you and your potential tenants to have this information. Green Tree Property Management adds this at the bottom of the immediate listing. This allows the applicant to make adjustments when they are set on a rental property that's not available yet.
How to Make Your Rental Listing Stand Out
Use a Catchy Rental Listing Title
You can include the best part about your rental property in the title itself. For example, you might want to write the rental listing headline as "2 Bedroom Apartment in Nashville with Natural Lighting." If you decide to create a rental ad, this can be a good way to catch the attention of potential renters when they make a rental search.
Rental Advertisement
You can create a rental ad of your rental property listing on top of an organic online presence, just for the extra exposure it can bring. This also allows you to control the target market your rental ad will show up to. There are several platforms you can show your rental ad on such as Zillow or Facebook.
Use High-Quality Photos
When applicants look through rental properties, one of the first things they see are photos of the building. You can hire a property manager who offers services for professional photos or hire a photographer yourself, and make sure they can capture the indoor and outdoor features right since it will appear attractive on rental ads as well.
Mention Nearby Amenities
If your property is in proximity to amenities or facilities like specialty food stores, nearby parks, public transportation, or malls, many renters would be more inclined to choose your rental property listing over others.
Post on Popular Rental Websites
It goes without saying that putting your listing on a popular rental listing website like Zillow or Avail will help with online exposure. Some sites even have features that will require certain details like rent price or how many bedrooms your rental property has, eliminating the need to write a rental description.
Rental Listing FAQs
Can I specify who can rent my property?
No. While renting to high-quality tenants is what every landlord wants, specifying which people can rent your unit will violate fair housing laws. You cannot base screening decisions on national origin, religion, sex, race, familial status, or disability.
How can I market my property effectively?
You can research how others market their property or hire an off-site property manager who can do your marketing for you. If you intend to do it yourself, use at least one picture to show your property, or include terms that can widen your prospects like a lenient pet policy.
What should I include in the photos?
Apart from a photo of the building itself, include images of all the major rooms in the unit, as well as the special features the tenant will have access to like pools or outdoor spaces.
Hiring a Property Management Company to Do the Work
If you're struggling with listings or managing the rental business, you can always hire professionals who have experience and expertise in the field. Green Tree Property Management has a dedicated leasing specialist on the team and can provide professional rental market analysis for your property.
We can take care of the day-to-day operations as well, allowing you to earn passive income and turn your attention to other opportunities. You can use our free ROI Calculator to calculate your expected returns, or better yet, schedule a free consultation with us!
