How can I increase the chances of getting an rental applicant?

[Kevin Drouillard]

Hello everyone,

I'm in a bit of a pickle with a couple of my rental properties. I currently have two units vacant in Kansas City, both in C class neighborhoods. They have been vacant for about the last 2 months. There is a bit of trouble finding tenants, but the problem is my property management company is not much help either. I am trying so hard to get in touch with them, but they are not responding to my emails and voice messages. I am not sure how well they are marketing them either.

The main question of this post is, what should I do in order to get these units rented as soon as possible before the holidays? There's absolutely no way anyone is going to want to move into a place within the next two months. What might be some strategies that I could do to possibly take things into my own hands and get these units rented with quality tenants? I am trying to acquire more properties for my portfolio, but the banks will not give me a pre-approval for a loan with any of my units vacant. They all must have a lease attached to them in order for me to get funding. 

I could get another manager, but that (presumably) would only prolong the process and cost more.

I greatly appreciate all responses!

Thank you

[Karen Rittenhouse]

@Kevin Drouillard I have done property management for years. You can always find your own tenants, meaning you are not solely at the mercy of your property management company.

Post your properties yourself on ForRent.com, Craigslist, Zillow, any site you can find that lets you market your rentals (there are a ton of them). 

Properties rent all 12 months. I have had tenants move in on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. They need a home when they need a home so don't despair because of the calendar.

Then, as soon as you can, fire this management company and get someone who cares about you and your property. 

Good luck!