Be a Summer Rental Standout: Tips to Attract Tenants During Peak Season

Gear up for the leasing and marketing process during peak rental season and learn how to stand out from the crowd with these strategic steps. From preparing your property to upgrading your rental listing and implementing technology-driven solutions, these strategies will help you attract quality tenants and optimize your rental’s desirability. Discover how to make your rental property shine and unleash its full potential this summer and beyond!

Strategies to Stand Out During Peak Rental Season

To make the most of the peak rental season, landlords should consider these five strategic steps:

1. Prepare Your Property:

Give your rental property the attention it deserves to make it shine in the competitive market. Start by conducting a thorough inspection to identify any necessary repairs or maintenance tasks. Use an apartment turnover checklist to keep track of what needs to be addressed, making sure no detail goes unnoticed. Consider the following practical steps to go the extra mile:

• Freshen Up: Give the interior a fresh coat of paint in neutral colors to create a clean and inviting atmosphere. Don’t forget to touch up any scuffs or marks on the walls.
• Enhance Curb Appeal: Make a great first impression by sprucing up the exterior. Trim overgrown bushes, mow the lawn, and add some colorful flowers or potted plants to the entryway. Ensure that the property looks well-maintained and visually appealing from the outside.
• Deep Clean: Hire professional cleaners to thoroughly clean every corner of the rental unit. Pay attention to often-neglected areas such as baseboards, windows, carpets, and appliances. A sparkling clean space will leave a lasting impression on potential tenants.
• Update Fixtures and Hardware: Consider replacing outdated fixtures, such as faucets, doorknobs, or light fixtures, with modern and stylish alternatives. These small upgrades can significantly enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of your property.

By investing time and effort into preparing your property, you create an inviting space that stands out from the competition. Tenants will appreciate the attention to detail and be more likely to choose your rental over others.

2. Strategic Rent Pricing:

Take a fresh approach to setting your rent price during the peak season. Once you’ve identified your ideal market price, go the extra mile by leveraging online platforms like Zillow or Apartments.com. Set your search parameters within the desired range (plus or minus $100, for example) and evaluate how your listing stacks up against the competition.

Rather than merely matching the prices of other listings, aim to position your rental as one of the most attractive options available in the market. Ensure that your property stands out as a top choice, prompting potential tenants to eagerly schedule showings. By being competitive and strategic in your pricing, you can capture attention and maximize your rental’s desirability.

Remember, the rent price should not only reflect the value your property offers but also align with local rental comparables. Striking the right balance will help you attract quality tenants and optimize your returns during the peak season.

Lastly, remember that no one knows the rental market like a prospective tenant. The feedback you receive is valuable, so take quick action if you are hearing that your property is overpriced. 

3. Upgrade Your Rental Listing:

Make your rental listing shine by creating a compelling description that captivates potential tenants. With the help of modern platforms like ChatGPT (an Ai copy generator), you can develop an attention-catching product description in seconds. Here are some prompts and tips to help you create a fresh and enticing rental listing:

• Start with a Captivating Title: Grab the reader’s attention right from the start with a catchy title that highlights the unique selling points of your property. For example, “Stunning Downtown Loft with Panoramic City Views” or “Charming Family Home with Private Backyard Oasis.”
• Highlight Key Features: Showcase the best features and amenities of your rental property in the description. Whether it’s a spacious living area, upgraded kitchen appliances, or a picturesque balcony, emphasize what sets your property apart from the rest. Use descriptive language to create a vivid image in the reader’s mind.
• Provide Detailed Information: Give potential tenants a comprehensive understanding of what your rental offers. Include details such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, and any additional features like a garage or in-unit laundry. Mention nearby attractions, schools, or public transportation options to highlight the property’s convenient location.
• Use High-Quality Photos: A picture is worth a thousand words, so ensure your rental listing includes high-quality photos that showcase the property in its best light. Capture each room from multiple angles and consider hiring a professional photographer to make your listing visually appealing.
• Emphasize Benefits and Lifestyle: Connect with potential tenants by highlighting the lifestyle they can enjoy by choosing your rental. For example, mention the proximity to popular restaurants, parks, or entertainment venues. Emphasize any unique aspects of the neighborhood or community that would appeal to your target audience.
• Include a Call to Action: Encourage potential tenants to take the next step by ending your listing with a clear call to action. Prompt them to schedule a showing, submit an application, or contact you for more information.

Here’s an example you could use in ChatGPT to create your listing:

“Describe my [property type] rental located in [neighborhood/city]. It features [number of bedrooms] bedrooms and [number of bathrooms] bathrooms, offering a [adjective] and [adjective] living space. The [property type] showcases [highlight key features, such as a spacious kitchen, hardwood floors, or a private balcony/yard]. Additionally, tenants will enjoy [mention nearby amenities or attractions, such as proximity to parks, schools, shopping centers, or public transportation]. This [property type] is perfect for [target audience, such as young professionals, families, or students] seeking [mention desirable qualities, like a comfortable and convenient lifestyle].”

By leveraging platforms like ChatGPT and following these tips, you can create a rental listing that stands out from the competition. A compelling description combined with captivating photos will pique the interest of potential tenants and increase the chances of attracting high-quality inquiries.

4. Prepare for Screening Prospective Tenants:

Implement a comprehensive tenant screening process before listing your property. To be well-prepared for tenant screening before listing your property or receiving applications, consider these practical steps:

• Define Your Tenant Criteria: Determine the specific requirements and preferences you have for potential tenants. Consider factors such as credit score, income level, rental history, and any specific rental policies you want to enforce.
• Research Local Laws: Familiarize yourself with the tenant screening laws and regulations in your area. Understand what information you can legally request from applicants and any limitations or restrictions in the screening process.
• Prepare Application Documents: Create a tenant application package that includes all the necessary forms and documents for applicants to provide relevant information. This may include an application form, authorization for background and credit checks, and any additional disclosures required by law.
• Choose a Screening Method: Decide on the screening methods you will use, such as background checks, credit checks, employment verification, and rental history verification. Research reputable screening services or consider partnering with a professional screening company.
• Set Up a Screening Process: Establish a systematic process for screening tenants. Determine the sequence of steps to follow, including when and how to request necessary documents, when to perform screenings, and how to evaluate the information you receive.
• Develop Screening Criteria Checklist: Create a checklist or scoring system to evaluate applicants based on your tenant criteria. This will help you objectively compare and assess potential tenants when reviewing their applications.
• Prepare Standardized Communication: Develop templates for communication with applicants, such as email or letter templates for requesting additional information, scheduling interviews or property viewings, and informing applicants of their screening results.
• Establish Application Deadline: Determine a specific timeline for accepting applications. Setting a deadline will allow you to review and compare applications together, ensuring a fair evaluation process.
• Plan for Efficient Communication: Set up a dedicated email address or phone number to handle tenant inquiries and applications. Having a separate contact method for rental inquiries will streamline communication and keep it organized.
• Document and Track: Create a system to document all interactions, communications, and screening results for each applicant. This will help you maintain organized records and stay compliant with data privacy regulations.

By proactively preparing for tenant screening before applications arrive or the property is listed, you can streamline the process, ensure compliance with regulations, and effectively evaluate potential tenants for your rental property.

5. Use Technology: 

Leverage online tools to simplify the rental process for prospective tenants. This could include an online rental application, digital lease agreements, and online rent payment options. To streamline the rental process and enhance convenience for prospective tenants, consider the following proactive steps and utilize recommended technology:

• Online Rental Applications: Implement an online rental application system that allows potential tenants to easily submit their information electronically. Platforms like Rentalutions, Cozy, or Buildium offer user-friendly online application forms that can be customized to collect the necessary details from applicants.
• Digital Lease Agreements: Utilize digital lease agreements to save time and reduce paperwork. Services like DocuSign, HelloSign, or Adobe Sign enable you to create legally binding digital lease documents that can be securely signed by both parties online. These platforms also provide options to track document revisions and store signed copies for future reference.
• Online Rent Payment Solutions: Offer tenants the convenience of online rent payment options. Platforms such as RentPayment, Avail, or Cozy provide secure and efficient methods for tenants to submit their rent payments digitally. These services often include features like automatic reminders and recurring payments, making it easier for tenants to stay on top of their rent obligations.
• Virtual Property Tours: Consider offering virtual property tours to allow prospective tenants to explore the rental unit remotely. You can use platforms like Matterport, 3D Vista, or iStaging to create immersive virtual tours that provide a realistic and interactive viewing experience. This can save time for both you and potential tenants by allowing them to narrow down their choices before scheduling in-person visits.
• Tenant Screening Services: Opt for reputable tenant screening services that leverage technology to simplify the screening process. Platforms like RentPrep or SmartMove enable you to request background checks, credit reports, and eviction history screenings directly from applicants. These services provide comprehensive reports and help you make informed decisions about potential tenants.
• Property Management Software: Consider using property management software to streamline various aspects of managing your rental property. Platforms like AppFolio, Buildium, or Rent Manager offer features such as online vacancy listings, rent collection, maintenance request tracking, and financial reporting. These tools can help you stay organized, automate routine tasks, and enhance efficiency in managing your rental property.

By implementing these strategies, you can elevate your rental property’s appeal and set yourself apart from the competition during the peak rental season. Prepare your property meticulously, strategically price your rent, upgrade your rental listing, establish a comprehensive tenant screening process, and leverage technology to streamline the rental process. By doing so, you’ll maximize your chances of attracting high-quality tenants, optimizing your rental returns, and ensuring a successful and hassle-free peak rental season. Unleash the full potential of your rental property this summer and stand out as the go-to choice for tenants seeking an exceptional living experience.