Struggling Getting a Renter for This Apartment

[Christian Nachtrieb]

Hi all,

I'm a first time landlord and took the dive after a long time of reading the forums and of course listening to the BP Podcast. I live in the Boston area and the apartment in question is located in the Ashmont / Peabody Square area of Dorchester. I'm getting a decent amount of "hits," but no solid takers, people either decide not to show up or don't get back to me. Some of mentioned the size is too small for them, but it's really intended for one individual as it's only 450 sq. feet. Would you mind taking a look at my Craigslist post and possibly offer a suggestion on how to entice more people?

Thanks!

https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/abo/d/sun-filled-apartment-in-the/6329480315.html

[Matt Leonard]

@Christian Nachtrieb

DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT put in the listing that it is "ideal for 1 person or couple" you will get your *** sued so for discrimination so fast it will make your head spin (or at least flagged on CL).  The square footing listed in the ad tells people exactly who it will fit.   Your timing isn't good, in my experience in the area, august and September are the peak times to move, so that is probably hurting you.  See if your potential tenant is willing to do a 10 or 11 month lease to get you back in the sweet spot.

Are you doing individual appointments or group showings?  I find that having a couple "open houses" that gets as many people there as possible is the best way to go.  Cuts down on the time you need to be there and hopefully you get 3-4 groups show up at the same time to create a little competition or urgency.  I tell everyone that come through "This is going to go fast.  if you are interested let me know ASAP, because I am renting it to the 1st qualified tenant that gets an application in"  IF you use Cozy or another software, you can do a background check, e-sign a lease and collect payment  within 15 minutes.

Is 1st, last, and sec deposit standard?  I've always done 1st months rent and security deposit at time of lease signing, but I might be the outlier.

I would also put some info in the listing about what your background/credit check requirements are... I.e. min 650 credit score, no felonies, no prior evictions, proof of income... whatever your criteria is.

Good luck & welcome to the club!