How to Write a Rental Property Listing That Attracts Quality Tenants Quickly

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It’s not good enough to write a rental property listing. You must know how to write a rental property listing that quickly attracts high-quality tenants. Doing so will save you time, make you money, and reduce your stress as a landlord.

An Attention-Grabbing Rental Listing Title

You can write your rental listing title first or last. It doesn’t matter. What does matter is that it grabs the attention of potential renters. 

To craft a great title, include details like rent price, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, property type, and location. 

Also, try to add a unique feature of the property to set your listing apart. For example, instead of a generic title like “2-Bedroom Apartment for Rent,” you could write: “Spacious 2-Bedroom Apartment in Downtown with Rooftop Pool—$1,200/Month.” 

This title provides key information while highlighting a unique feature that could attract potential tenants.

The Perfect Rental Description

Crafting the perfect rental description is key to attracting quality tenants. You need to highlight the features of the property using vivid adjectives, provide essential details, and emphasize location perks. Here’s how you can do it:

• Start with the basics: Include the rent price, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, and property type.
• Highlight features: Use descriptive language to detail the property’s best features. Mention aspects like hardwood floors, updated kitchen, or in-unit laundry.
• List essential details: Don’t forget to mention practical information such as parking availability, pet policy, and any included utilities.
• Location perks: Describe the benefits of the property’s location. Are there nearby parks, public transport, or popular dining spots?
• Standout feature: Highlight one unique feature that makes your property special, like a spacious balcony, high ceilings, or a community gym.
• Call to action: End with a strong call to action, encouraging interested renters to contact you for a viewing.

Here’s an example.

Discover your new home in this spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment with stunning city views. This 1,000 sq. ft. unit features gleaming hardwood floors, a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and a cozy living room perfect for relaxation. Enjoy the convenience of in-unit laundry and reserved parking. 

Located in the heart of downtown, you’ll be just steps away from popular cafés, shopping, and public transportation. Pet-friendly with a small monthly fee. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity—contact us today to schedule a viewing and make this beautiful apartment your new home!

This description provides all the necessary details while painting a picture that entices potential tenants to reach out.

Rental Property Listing Checklist

Before you finalize your rental property listing, make sure you cover all the essentials and avoid common pitfalls. Here’s a checklist to guide you.

Must-have details

To create an effective rental property listing, ensure you include these essential details:

• Rent price: Clearly state the monthly rent to set expectations.
• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms: Specify the exact number to attract renters looking for that configuration.
• Square footage: Provide the size of the property to help renters visualize the space.
• Property type: Mention whether it’s an apartment, house, condo, etc.
• Location: Include the neighborhood or area, and mention proximity to key amenities like public transport, schools, parks, and shops.
• Key features: Highlight important features such as updated appliances, parking, laundry facilities, and pet policies.
• Contact information: Make it easy for potential renters to reach you with a phone number or email.
• Photos: High-quality images of the property can help attract renters.
• Availability date: State when the property will be available for move-in.
• Lease terms: Mention the length of the lease and any specific terms.

Things to avoid

When writing your rental property listing, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Vague descriptions: Avoid being too general. Provide specific details to give a clear picture of the property.
• Overly long text: Keep the listing concise and to the point. Long paragraphs can deter potential renters.
• Exaggerations: Be honest about the property’s features and condition. Exaggerating can lead to disappointment and mistrust.
• Ignoring negative aspects: If there are potential drawbacks (like no parking), address them honestly. Transparency can build trust.
• Low-quality photos: Blurry or dark photos can turn off potential renters. Invest in good photography, or take well-lit, clear pictures yourself.
• Jargon and abbreviations: Avoid using terms that might be confusing to renters. Keep the language simple and clear.
• Neglecting a call to action: Always encourage potential renters to contact you for more information or to schedule a viewing.
• Missing contact information: Ensure your contact details are clearly visible. If renters can’t reach you, they can’t inquire about the property.

By following this checklist, you’ll create a comprehensive, attractive rental listing that stands out and attracts quality tenants quickly.

Amazing Photos

Top-notch photos can be the difference between quickly finding a tenant and a long-term vacancy.

When taking photos for your rental listing, aim for at least 10 to 15 high-quality images. Focus on key rooms like the living room, kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms. 

Tip: Don’t forget to highlight special features such as balconies, storage spaces, and amenities.

Photography tips

• Natural light: Shoot during the day using natural light to make spaces look bright and inviting.
• Declutter: Ensure rooms are tidy and free from clutter to present a clean, spacious environment.
• Angles matter: Take photos from multiple angles to give a comprehensive view of each room.
• Highlight unique features: Showcase any standout features like a modern kitchen, large windows, or a cozy fireplace.
• Use a tripod: For steady, professional-looking photos, consider using a tripod.
• Edit sparingly: Enhance your photos with minor adjustments, but avoid heavy editing that misrepresents the property.

By following these tips, your photos will attract potential tenants and set your listing apart from the competition.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to write a rental property listing, it’s time to get started. 

Don’t rush the process. Take your time, create several iterations, ask for feedback, and choose the one that gives your property the best chance of attracting a quality tenant.

Note By BiggerPockets: These are opinions written by the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of BiggerPockets.