Finding long term tenants during covid

[Constantia Petrou]

Hello all,

I have a single family home class A rental on the coast in the bay area and I am facing difficulty finding long term tenants during the pandemic. 95% of people who contact me want to ride the work from home period of 6 to 12 months in a bigger place by the beach (which is my property). I can use the house for myself if it's just for a year and have my own escape. I am looking for people to rent for minimum of 2 years and have been able to find them in the past. Not so now with covid. Have any of you experienced this short term tenant market? Any suggestions of how I can improve my odds of attracting long term tenants? The house is renovated and we do accept pets too. The neighborhood is very quiet and safe and family friendly and again we found multi-year tenants on the past. Greatly appreciate your sharing any of your experience with the current covid rental market and finding long term tenants in this environment. Thank you

[Jon Reed]

Why are you so against people who want to sign a 6 or 12 month lease? There is obviously a demand in your area for 6 and 12 month lease so I would change your mindset and start targeting them. Increase your monthly rent amount by 10-20% to cover the additional cost.

For example, if you were getting $2,500 a month for a 24 month lease then charge $3,000 a month for a 12 month lease and $3,500 a month for a 6 month lease. 

You have an opportunity in your market... not a problem.