Attracting Tenants - Ideas

[Steve DellaPelle]

Hi all, I just recently purchased a 4-unit property in the Merrimack Valley area of Massachusetts. My plan is to owner occupy one unit and rent out the other 3. As closing approaches I am thinking of ideas on how to attract potential tenants. One idea I heard of (from an attorney) was to NOT collect a security deposit as the laws associated with them are too strict. This, I assume, would definitely be more attractive to a tenant seeking housing. Are there some other good ideas landlords have had that bring in a decent pool of potential tenants?? Thanks, Steve

[Andrew Acuna]

Steve DellaPelle I don't mean this to sound harsh,
But not collecting a deposit is an awful idea. If you're okay being out that amount of money just take it off the first month of rent (I would personally not do either). The most attractive thing is a beautiful well cared for property. Second to that have professional photos taken and take the time to leverage all the online postings (Zillow, Craigslist, etc).