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What to Do If You’re Struggling to Find New Tenants

Struggling to find tenants? You’re not alone—but you’re not stuck either. Let’s uncover what’s blocking your rental success and fix it fast.

Rental property with for rent sign and updated curb appeal

Unfortunately, finding replacement tenants can be a challenge at times. As a landlord, this is a significant issue that can start to erode your bottom line. You might find yourself focusing on this rather than trying to identify the reason behind the struggle, and there often is a rational reason for it.

What to Do When Your Rental Property Isn’t Renting

Tenants are often deterred from a property due to its condition and presentation, or the application process might be overly complicated. Alternatively, the advertising strategies you utilize might not be as effective as they once were. It is these reasons that this post will focus on.

Below, you will learn what to do if you have been struggling to find new tenants for your rental property.

Ensure Your Property is Appealing

The property’s appearance is a significant factor when finding a new tenant. Prospective tenants are looking for a clean and well-maintained rental, as this will make their living experience more comfortable. To do this, you must focus on curb appeal to make a positive first impression.

Landlord preparing rental unit for new tenants with interior upgrades

The property’s exterior should be inviting with clear pathways, a fresh coat of paint, and a well-maintained lawn.

Maintaining the interior of the property is also a crucial duty for landlords. You must identify and address all repairs promptly, and it could be worthwhile considering upgrades to add value.

Some of the best upgrades are energy-efficient appliances and/or modern fixtures. With everything working correctly, the space can then be made more welcoming by using neutral colors and showcasing its best features.

Attractive properties not only command higher rent but also minimize vacancy rates and reduce the risk of tenant turnover, which can be costly. This is why you must ensure your property stands out from the competition to attract more interest.

Improve Your Marketing Strategy

Finding reliable tenants requires a well-executed marketing strategy. If you are struggling to find new tenants, consider targeted marketing. This can allow you to reach potential tenants who are more likely to be a good fit for you and your property. You should aim to find tenants who are responsible and more likely to stay longer.

Landlord creating an online rental listing to attract new tenants

An effective marketing strategy should focus on highlighting your property’s strengths on popular real estate listing websites. The listing should include high-quality photographs, compelling descriptions, and showcase positive reviews. Using social media to promote your property to a broader audience further is also advised, as is updating your own website when properties become available.

However, if you find this task to be challenging, you could seek professional assistance. Rental property management companies, for example, can curate a targeted marketing strategy that successfully appeals to quality tenants. This condo property manager in Toronto uses comprehensive advertising and photo tours to find the right tenants the first time. 

Streamline the Application Process

The application process can be off-putting, particularly if it is complicated and time-consuming. This is why landlords and property managers should simplify the process for applicants, especially if they have struggled to find reliable tenants in the past. Thankfully, there are many ways to do this, beginning with setting clear and consistent criteria for prospective tenants. It is wise to consider requirements like credit score and income.

This process can also be automated to ensure it is streamlined. You can collect the required information by using online forms and implement systems to check the criteria previously set out automatically. All of the application documents should be stored securely, and doing so online can ensure they are easy to access in the future.

Property manager helping prospective tenants tour available rental unit

Can’t Find Tenants? Boost Appeal, Fix Your Strategy, Fill Vacancies

To conclude, if you are struggling to find new tenants, there are numerous aspects you should focus on. You can begin by improving the appeal of your property and adjusting your marketing strategy. It is also a good idea to update the application process to ensure it is easy to complete. These changes should help you find a new tenant in the near future.

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