12 Ways to Rent Your House Faster and for More Money

[Kyle Mccaw]

In a competitive rental market, knowing how to stay ahead of trends and rental dos and don'ts is an important key to the success of your investment property. Renter expectations and behaviors, codes, and laws are constantly changing, leaving the property owner with the burden of knowing when and how to find the right renters for their space.

With nearly two decades of experience overseeing the management of rental properties across Dallas Fort Worth, we've combined our expertise into our top tips for getting your space rented quickly. Why lose money with an empty property? Instead, here are twelve ways to get your house rented now.

Advertise online

Knowing where quality tenants search for rental properties is the first step to getting your space filled. Qualified tenants are using platforms such as Realtor.com, Zillow, and Hotpads to find great properties. Advertising on these websites will increase the likelihood of finding a good renter.

Take quality photos

Nothing says drab quite like a poorly quality photos of your house. Attract prospective tenants with professional photos that pop off the webpage. Help renters envision the space by appealing to their visual side. If you don't have the budget or time to bring in a professional photographer, consider enhancing your DIY photos with tools such as retouchingpros.com or boxbrownie.com.

Share a video tour

We have rented countless properties sight unseen to tenants relocating from out of state. How? By posting a video tour and giving renters an opportunity to explore the layout and floor plan of the property. Be sure to include the correct property information in your video tour description so that prospective renters will find it in their search.

Answer your phone every time it rings

Tenants today are accustomed to instant gratification and a competitive rental market. If you don’t answer your phone when they call, they will quickly move on to the next property. If you cannot answer the phone for any reason, be sure to at least include details about the property and application requirements in your voicemail greeting.

Learn to Utilize Text Messaging

Tenants love texting. It's quick, easy, and efficient. By making yourself available to prospective tenants via text, you open up a world of opportunity for fast, effective follow-up communication. After every call with an interested party, text listing info and the video tour to keep your property front and center in their minds.

Be available to show the property on demand

Tenants expect to view properties on their time, not yours. Smart home options and electronic locks allow you to show a property even if you can't be present. Remember to prescreen tenants prior to showing them the property or allowing them access. Nothing is worse than wasting time with a tenant that could never afford your rental.

Clearly post application requirements

Keeping your application requirements clear, simple, and consistent is important for maintaining the trust of your renters, as well as protecting you from a discrimination lawsuit. Don't change requirements mid-process or adjust them to accommodate different tenants. Keep them straightforward and available for renters to see before they even apply.

Go beyond a credit check

Not all previous landlords report poor payment history, so a basic credit check will only reveal so much about a tenant. Instead, applications should include prior landlord references, employment history/income, and identification documents. There are even websites that specialize in creating fake pay-stubs, so do your research and call the employer.

Be Okay with Pets

Whether or not they disclose them, most tenants have pets. Instead of fighting a losing battle, be open to tenants with pets. You also need to consider the legalities of tenants with service and emotional support animals. To make things easier, we suggest signing up with petscreening.com ASAP to cover you bases.

Set the tone of your relationship with renters

Establish clear boundaries with renters—and your authority as the owner—from the moment you accept an application. Don’t give the impression that you can be persuaded to budge on important issues. Believe us when we say, if you open that door just a crack, you'll be flooded with every issue you can imagine. And things you can’t imagine.

Prep the property for move-in

Word spreads quickly, and so does a bad reputation as a landlord. Be sure your property is safe, secure, and clean prior to move in. Want to take the extra step toward building a quality landlord-tenant relationship? Consider offering a move-in welcome package.

Collect payments on your terms

Many landlords struggle with effective payment terms for tenants. Instead of setting the terms for payment, they end up continually adjusting to the renter's needs. It is up to you to set the payment terms. Our number one piece of advice in this area: do not drive over to pick up the rent…EVER. See tip #10.