How to Attract Tenants to Your Rental Property: 7 Simple Tips
Are you a landlord looking to rent out your property? Finding suitable tenants starts with making your property stand out.
Whether you own one rental property or manage several, attracting interest from prospective tenants is an important part of being a landlord.
With so many people searching for homes online, how your property is presented can make a real difference.
Here are seven practical tips to help your rental property get noticed.
- Take high-quality property photographs
First impressions matter, especially when someone is scrolling through rental properties online.
Good photographs can encourage potential tenants to take a closer look at your listing.
Before taking photographs:
- Open curtains and blinds to allow natural light in.
- Make sure rooms are clean and tidy.
- Remove unnecessary clutter.
- Photograph every main room.
- Include outdoor spaces, where available.
- Show useful features such as parking, storage or a garden.
You don’t necessarily need a professional photographer. A modern smartphone and good lighting can produce attractive images.
Most importantly, make sure your photographs accurately represent the property.
- Write a clear and informative description
A good rental advert should tell prospective tenants everything they need to know.
Rather than simply writing “Two-bedroom house to rent”, explain what makes the property appealing.
For example:
“Well-presented two-bedroom home with a private garden, modern kitchen and convenient access to local shops and transport links.”
Include useful details such as:
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
- Monthly rent.
- Location and nearby amenities.
- Parking availability.
- Garden or outdoor space.
- Whether the property is furnished.
- Availability date.
- Pet policy.
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating.
Be accurate and avoid misleading descriptions.
- Set a realistic rental price
Choosing the right monthly rent is an important decision.
Set the rent too high, and you may discourage prospective tenants. Set it too low, and you could miss out on potential rental income.
Research similar properties in your local area.
Consider:
- Property size and condition.
- Location.
- Local rental demand.
- Nearby transport links.
- Energy efficiency.
- Features such as parking and outdoor space.
A realistic asking rent can help generate enquiries from people genuinely interested in your property.
- Highlight what makes your property special
Every property has something that may appeal to potential tenants.
Perhaps your rental home has a large garden, a recently fitted kitchen or excellent access to schools and public transport.
Think about the features people might value most.
These could include:
- Off-street parking.
- Energy-efficient heating.
- A home office or spare bedroom.
- Nearby parks and green spaces.
- Modern appliances.
- Storage space.
- Good transport connections.
Make sure these features are mentioned in your advertisement.
- Make your rental property presentable
Before arranging viewings, take a little time to consider how the property looks.
Small improvements can sometimes make a big difference.
For example:
- Repair damaged fixtures.
- Refresh tired paintwork.
- Ensure rooms are clean.
- Tidy the garden.
- Check that doors and windows operate properly.
- Address outstanding maintenance issues.
A well-maintained property can help prospective tenants imagine themselves living there.
Landlords must also ensure the property meets applicable legal and safety requirements.
- Respond promptly to enquiries
When someone is interested in renting your property, clear communication can help keep the process moving.
Try to respond to questions promptly and provide accurate information.
Prospective tenants may want to know about:
- Viewing arrangements.
- Monthly rent and permitted deposits.
- When the property will be available.
- What is included in the tenancy.
- Whether pets are permitted.
Being approachable, professional and organised can help create a positive first impression.
- Advertise your property online
One of the most important steps is making sure people can find your rental property.
Online property advertising platforms allow landlords to showcase their properties and connect with potential tenants.
That’s where HownIt comes in.
HownIt is an online property advertising platform that brings landlords and prospective tenants together.
Landlords can create property listings, upload photographs and receive enquiries directly from interested renters.
Unlike a traditional letting agency, HownIt provides an advertising platform rather than managing the tenancy on behalf of the landlord.
This gives landlords another option when deciding how to market their rental properties.
Don’t forget your responsibilities as a landlord
Attracting tenants is only one part of renting out a property.
Landlords in England must also comply with relevant legal requirements, which may include:
- Obtaining a valid EPC, unless an exemption applies, and commissioning one before marketing where required.
- Meeting relevant gas, electrical and other safety obligations.
- Following applicable deposit protection rules.
- Carrying out required Right to Rent checks.
- Ensuring the property is suitable and legally permitted to be rented.
Legal requirements can change, so landlords should check the latest government guidance before advertising or letting their property.
Ready to advertise your rental property?
Finding tenants starts with getting your property noticed.
By taking quality photographs, writing an informative description, setting a realistic rent and communicating effectively, landlords can give their rental properties a better chance of attracting interest.
Whether you have one property or several, choosing the right advertising approach can help you connect with people looking for their next home.
Have a property to rent?
Visit www.hownit.com to explore a different way to advertise your rental property and connect directly with prospective tenants.
HownIt is a property advertising platform, not a letting or estate agent. This article provides general information for landlords in England and does not constitute legal or financial advice.
