Finding Tenants - Canada

[Danny Di]

Hey all,

Just wondering what sites and sources you use to find tenants. I'm currently using kijiji. I heard about viewit, but read bad reviews. I may have it listed on MLS...will lose a full months rent to commissions, which I would like to avoid.

Any suggestions? Thanks!

[Joe Schwartzbauer]

Does Craigslist work in Canada? That is one of the best tenant resources! 

[Gary McGowan]

Craigslist is a bad resource up here in Canada. Kijiji being one of the best ones. 

You could always hire a PM to find a tenant although it usually costs the same as a realtor. 

[Danny Di]

I can try Craigslist but kijiji is hotter down there in Toronto.  I just posted it on CL anyway.

Gary, how can I find a good PM specialized in the Mimico area? Do you happen to know anyone?

Thanks!

[Stephen E.]

Kijiji is the way I find all my tenants. I find it is cost effective to be a 'top ad' although as they take more and more of the advertising market they keep putting the price up. Relatively recently top ad was about $32 per week. Now it is $40.

[Chad U.]

Back when I rented in the GTA, putting up a yard sign and running a small ad in the local community newspaper was still effective, not as many leads as Kijiji, but did get the occasional tenant from those means. The more advertising through different means the better. 

[Tyler Veres]

I've heard of people being fairly successful on Facebook (if you're like me you shudder with disdain at that word, but sometimes a necessary evil) as it seems to be one of those "hey I know someone who is looking for something like this" type of situations and they may refer them to your ad.  Probably more effective if your property is located in your local social network.

[Danny Di]

Still no bites.

I've tried craigslist, kijiji (paid for top ad).  I built a website with full blown pics and been doing FB Marketing for a week, nothing.  I had just two inquiries....one showing.  The one showing "too small".  The second was was supposed to show today but I just got the text message of the year "Hi, I'm cancelling the appointment today.  My kichen is on fire.  I will reschedule.  Thank you".  Not too sure about rescheduling that one, I have a pretty nice kitchen LOL.

[Jason Burr]

I'm not familiar with your market in Canada and how competitive it is to find tenants.  However, in my market I haven't paid for advertisement in years.  I find that a a few signs up and ads on the internet and the property is immediately gone.  I have been using postlets.com for a few year and love it....and it's free!

[Gary McGowan]

Hey Danny, Send me the link, I will take a look at it. 

I'm in the GTA, Perhaps I can offer some ideas. 

[Danny Di]

Thanks Gary, coming your way!

[Roy N.]

Danny:

If you are getting no bites ... not even viewings, its something in your ad (presentation, pictures, etc) or your asking rent is out of line with the amenities and location {your not in Jane & Finch are you ;-)}

If you are getting viewings, but no applications, it is most likely price, but could be something quirky about the place.

Gary should help you tune things up pretty quickly.

[Danny Di]

No, not Jane and Finch lol.  It's a really nice area, central and close to everything (The Queensway and Royal York).  Price point is quite good, thre are a couple units maybe 100-150 per mth cheaper but the units are not as attractive, bad views, exposure, no incentives, etc.

I spent $50 for a week - top ad on Kijiji - 341 Hits - 1 Inquiries - 1 Viewing

I spent about $35 on Facebook Ads - 136 clicks to my website - No inquiries

I'm not a pro with the fb advertising, it's hard to target "renters in Toronto'.  Anyone have any tips on how to target the right audience?

Gary advised that the ad, pictures, website is on par :) Just no luck!

[Thomas Lorini]

I've never paid to advertise.

I consistently use Kijiji and its very effective in Hamilton, ON,

I've also had good success with lawn and window signs.

Keep it up...sometimes you need to be patient.

Oh and I feel for you regarding cancellation/no-shows...Ive driven an 1.5hrs through traffic to show a place and the people didn't show....man can be frustrating....but once you have some solid tenants in place, more than makes up for it!