What you include in your rental listing plays a crucial part in whether you catch a prospective tenant's attention. A catchy rental listing title only serves as a hook, but the listing description is what will keep them there. We are here to guide you in creating an enticing rental listing to get tenants as fast as you can.
Key Highlights:
- Clearly state the rent amount, deposit, and other fees, square footage, property type, number of beds/baths, amenities, and rental terms to inform and attract serious applicants.
- Mention smart home features, hardwood flooring, dedicated work-from-home space, lease renewal incentives, and proximity to public transit or shops to stand out from generic listings.
- If your property is pet-friendly, go further by promoting amenities like dog parks or pet washing stations. These are strong differentiators for pet-loving tenants.
- Use high-quality, well-lit images that showcase major rooms and special features. Photos are just as important as the written description in grabbing attention.
- Post on major listing platforms (Zillow, Trulia, etc.), use keyword-rich titles, and ensure compliance with Fair Housing laws to boost visibility and avoid legal issues.
Let's Start With the Basics
Let's get the most common things out of the way before we get into the rental listing description that most don't think of. These are not just common but necessary to provide applicants with all the information they need. Those are:
- Rent Amount
- Other Fees (Security Deposit, Parking Fees, etc.)
- Property Type
- Square Footage
- Floor Plan
- Number of Bedrooms and Bathrooms
- Amenities
- Storage Space (Optional)
- Rental Terms
Unique Features to Add to Your Rental Listing Description
Flooring
Floors significantly contribute to the overall look of your rental property. Hardwood floors, for instance, may appeal to tenants who want a more luxurious aesthetic, whereas some would prefer carpets to avoid the need for polishing the floor. With current trends, prospective tenants tend to prefer hardwood floors.
Lease Renewal Incentives
Yes! It's okay to add what lease renewal incentives tenants get in your rental listing, especially since most tenants plan to stay long-term, no matter what your lease term is. Some of the lease renewal incentives include deductions from the original rental price, free access to amenities, and more.
Proximity to Amenities
Prospective tenants want a place where facilities and amenities are within walking distance, such as public transportation stops and grocery stores. Having a convenient location is a selling point for many, and while the exact address is included in the rental listing description, most landlords don't include what's close by.
Smart Home Features
If you have unique features like smart thermostats or smart appliances, they deserve a mention in your rental description. Include which major rooms they are installed in, as well as the benefits of having them. (ex. Smart Thermostat - for automated temperature adjustment, Smart Lights - with app connectivity)
Dedicated Work-From-Home Space
What many landlords underestimate is the emergence of remote work across the country. Most rental listing sites don't include this information, but that doesn't mean you can't add it in the rental property description you're required to write.
You want to write a great rental listing? Appeal to your tenants' unique needs. Include at least one picture.
Pet-Friendly Amenities
Many rental businesses allow pets to widen their tenant pool, but you can get ahead by also mentioning the amenities that can benefit pet owners. If you have pet parks or washing stations, you can include them among the listing photos.
Tips to Make Your Rental Listing Stand Out
- Keep your rental listing description coherent. Prospective renters only want to know what you have to offer, and they may lose interest when they have to read through fluff that adds no value to your rental listing.
- Take high-quality photos of your rental property or rental unit, including all the major rooms. A great listing description will not be enough to entice potential tenants. Take eye-catching photos of great amenities and special features, like in-unit laundry or floor-to-ceiling windows.
- Post on as many rental listing websites as you can to maximize visibility. Some of the most popular rental websites include Zillow, Apartment.com, Craigslist, Trulia, and Zumper.
- Optimize your rental listing description and title by using essential keywords. Many potential renters now opt for online listings, as they are more convenient instead of checking out the rental property in person.
- Find great examples from other listings. If they mentioned a spacious backyard, you can write that you have a spacious backyard with outdoor amenities. If other listing descriptions say they have private balconies, write that you have a private balcony overlooking the park.
- Put your basic property details in bullet points, such as number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, rental price, and more. You can add the other highlights of your property in a paragraphed listing description.
- Hire professionals like photographers, staging experts, or property management companies to arrange a marketing plan for your rental property listing to maximize its visibility.
They will know how to take advantage of natural light to produce virtual tours, optimize your rental listing for visibility, and find potential tenants for your property faster.
- Learn about the local and state laws to determine what you can and can't add to your rental listing. For instance, Fair Housing laws won't allow you to restrict potential tenants based on race, sex, religion, national origin, disability, or familial status. Adding the wrong information can lead to your rental property listing being taken down from sites.
Rental Listing FAQs
How can I make my rental listing more visible online?
- Utilize search engine optimization practices and include key aspects of your property in the rental listing description. Don't forget about the unique features and the perks of living in the rental property, as these are also your selling points.
What are the details that I should avoid in my rental listing description?
- Your rental description should not have unnecessary words that make the listing too wordy or conditions that may violate Fair Housing laws. When in doubt, consult real estate professionals.
Why is my rental listing not getting attention?
- If your rental property listing is not getting attention despite the mentioned tips and practices, it might be external factors beyond your control, such as rental demand in the area. Try adjusting your rent price first. If that doesn't work, you can consult a property manager about the right rent amount to set.
How to ensure that I attract great tenants?
- You can't control which applicants you attract, but you can determine who rents your rental property. To ensure that they are quality tenants, conduct thorough tenant screening by doing credit and background checks.
Hiring a Property Manager for Expert Marketing
Companies like Green Tree Property Management possess the resources and expertise to market your rental property and maximize its visibility. Not only do we conduct research and assign a leasing specialist for you, but we will also take all the photos needed for your listing.
After posting your listing on over 170+ websites and finding tenants for you, we can conduct credit and background checks to ensure they are good tenants and secure your rental income.
Let us keep your rental business profitable with creative listings and attentive property management! Contact us today and learn about all the services that can benefit you as a landlord.
