Make Your Home Rent Fast: 4 Tips for Writing Strong Rental Listings
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Looking to rent your home, condo or duplex? With home sales still struggling, many homeowners opt for renting instead of selling. One must-do item to put on your list is writing a killer rental ad. If done right, this will attract potential renters quickly and get your home occupied. Here are 4 tips for doing just that.
1. Research State Landlord Laws
Before you even begin tackling the listing itself, are you aware of the landlord/tenant laws in your state? Rules and regulations do vary from state-to-state and one of the best places for research is RentLaw.com.
Beyond learning what’s legal and what’s not, you can also download a free lease agreement and other rental forms.
2. Avoid Words That Don’t Offer Relevance
Even if you plan on interior painting or making other fixes, when writing the listing, avoid using the negative. An example would be “Will paint” or “Possible New Appliances.” If a potential renter reads these negatives, they will immediately dismiss your listing.
Non-descriptive words are also bad. Using “Comfy” means the apartment or home is small. Renters do visualize words and if you use too many adjectives without listing actual features, you’ll end up with an ad that reads, “Cozy home in quiet neighborhood with charming floorplan and nice backyard.”
What does this mean to a renter? It conveys a small home, doesn’t reveal how many bedrooms or bathrooms, and as far as the backyard goes, “nice” could mean anything.
3. Stick to Features of the Rental
Make a list of all features of the rental, including outdoor or neighborhood amenities. Your list might look something like this:
- Three bedrooms
- Two bathrooms
- Large yard with privacy fence
- Granite countertops
- New kitchen appliances
- Washer & dryer
- Utility room
- Floors: tile and carpet
- Two-car garage / security system
- ABC Park in walking distance
- Pets allowed
- Minutes from City Shopping Center
- Walk-in closets
- Storage space in garage
- $650 per month
Now turn the list into a killer rental listing:
“Must-see three BR/two BTH, just minutes from City Shopping Center and within walking distance of ABC Park available June 1st. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and new appliances with tile/carpet flooring. A utility room with washer/dryer is included. Also check out the large backyard with privacy fence for entertaining and pets allowed. Walk-in closets, storage shelves in two-car garage and security system; only $650 per month. Call Joe at 310-555-5555.”
If one was seeking apartments for rent in Chicago IL, for example, this listing outlines real features and reveals an image to the reader. Practice writing a couple ads and choose the best one.
4. Avoid Ads with Discriminatory Word Usage
Believe it or not, if you write a listing that includes words like, “Couple with no children” or “No students” or “Seeking elderly couple only,” in many states this could be considered an advertisement that discriminates.
Sure you have the ideal renter(s) in mind, but you can’t advertise that information. You can weed through the potential renters by on-site visits, their application, and the results of their credit check.
It’s not hard to write a good rental listing if you focus on renters’ likely needs, are specific about apartment or home features, and avoid unneeded or discriminatory words. Stick to the essentials, and you’ll find a renter in no time.
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Category: Housing
