Finding good tenants is one of the most important parts of owning a rental property. If you know how to find tenants the right way, you will be able to protect your investment, avoid long or unexpected vacancies, and create a steady stream of income.
Without a clear plan, finding tenants can feel overwhelming. It can also lead to problems such as missed rent payments, property damage, and more stress for both of you. At Good Life Property Management, we help owners find great tenants quickly and easily. In this guide, we’ll show you simple, proven steps to find tenants and explain why working with experts can make the process even easier.
Table of Contents
- Why finding the right tenant matters
- How to find tenants: Proven strategies
- How to prepare your property for new tenants
- How to find tenants with a rental listing that gets attention
- Red flags to watch for when finding tenants
- Why professional tenant placement services are worth it
- FAQs about how to find tenants
- Recommended resources for learning how to find tenants
Why finding the right tenant matters
Choosing the right tenants from the beginning can save you time, money, and a lot of worry. For example, a well-qualified renter will make their payments on time, respect your property, follow lease terms, and contribute to a good rental experience.
Finding a good tenant is essential because:
- It protects your investment. A good, responsible tenant will help maintain your property’s condition and value.
- You can minimize your turnover costs. Having a good tenant means that you will both have a good experience, leading to lease renewals. If their lease is renewed, it saves you time and money from screening more applicants!
- It ensures that you have a steady income. Consistent, on-time rent payments provide financial stability.
- It will reduce stress and legal risk. Thoroughly screened tenants are less likely to create disputes, violate lease terms, or cause legal issues.
How to find tenants: Proven strategies
1. Create an attractive rental listing
2. Market your property across multiple channels
When thinking about how to find tenants, remember to reach as many people as possible. List your rental on popular websites like Zillow, Apartments.com, and Realtor.com. You can use social media to spread the word and consider posting in local community groups.
Through our property management services, your rental can be automatically advertised across multiple platforms, saving you time and increasing your listing’s exposure.
3. Screen applicants thoroughly
Finding a tenant is not just about filling the space. It’s about choosing the right person to live in your property. When screening, look out for these good tenant qualities: a good credit history, employment and income verification, rental history and preferences, and a clean background check (including criminal and eviction records).
Screening must always follow fair housing laws, especially in states like California, where tenant protections are strong. If you want a simple way to handle tenant screening the right way, check out our Tenant Screening Guide.
4. Set the right rent price.
Setting the right price is key to finding tenants quickly. Research similar properties in your area and be realistic about the market. If your rent is too high, it could stay vacant longer. If it’s too low, you might not attract the right tenants. Minor adjustments, such as including utilities or allowing pets, can make your property more attractive without significantly cutting into your profits.
To figure out how much you should rent your property for, check out our free calculator or our free rent estimate calculator.
5. Respond quickly and professionally.
When prospective tenants reach out, fast communication makes a big difference. Responding quickly shows that you are professional and organized. If answering calls, emails, and showing the property sounds like a lot to manage, Good Life Property Management can take care of it all for you. We offer both tenant placement services and property management services.
How to prepare your property for new tenants
Before you start looking for tenants, make sure that your property is ready. A clean, safe, and well-maintained home will attract more interest. Preparing your rental property correctly shows that you care about the home, and it sets the tone for how you expect it to be treated.
- Boost curb appeal. First impressions matter, and they start at the front door! Trim any landscaping, power wash the walkway, and make sure the exterior looks neat. Even minor upgrades, like a new welcome mat or updated porch light can make a big difference.
- Deep clean the entire home. If needed, invest money in hiring professional cleaners so that every room looks its best. Pay special attention to the kitchen, bathrooms, floors, and windows. A spotless home will feel more welcoming.
- Handle any repairs or maintenance. Every detail matters. Minor issues, such as leaky faucets, broken blinds, stains, or chipped paint, can turn off potential tenants. Make sure all appliances are working, locks are secure, and all lights are in good condition.
- Complete a safety check. Tenants want to feel safe. Test all smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and locks on doors or windows. Check that all railings, fences, and gates are secure. Most importantly, check that you meet your local safety requirements.
Your property should be ready before you start marketing it for rent. It will help you attract more qualified tenants. When you show that you take care of your property, the right tenants will notice and want to take care of it too. For more information on how to make your property rent-ready, check out our full guide.
How to find tenants with a rental listing that gets attention
A great rental listing can make all the difference when you’re learning how to find tenants. Here’s how to create a listing that gets noticed:
Write a clear and honest description. Start with basics, like the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, and any features that make your property unique. Be honest about what the property offers, and avoid exaggerating. Highlight details tenants care about, like updated kitchens, in-unit laundry, private outdoor spaces, or proximity to public transportation. Keep your language simple and positive. Most importantly, don’t undersell your listing! For instance, instead of just saying “small backyard,” you could say, “Enjoy a cozy backyard perfect for relaxing or entertaining.”
Highlight the best features first. Attention spans are short, especially online. Put the best-selling points at the top of your listing. Is it a pet-friendly home? Is parking included? Are utilities partially covered? Lead with the details that tenants want most.
Use high-quality photos and videos. Photos are often the first thing a renter looks at, and sometimes the only thing. Take bright, well-lit photos of each room, and include outdoor areas too. A quick video walkthrough can also give renters a better feel for the layout, which helps attract more serious applicants.
Make sure your listing answers common questions right away, such as:
- Monthly rent and security deposit
- Lease length
- Pet policy
- Whether utilities are included or not
- Application requirements (credit check, income verification, etc.)
The more upfront you are, the easier it is to attract renters who are a good fit. For more information on how to write a great rental listing, check out our full guide.
5 red flags to watch out for when finding tenants
Even with a strong marketing and tenant screening plan, you should still watch out for signs that a tenant may not be the right fit. Here are a few things to look out for during the application process:
- Incomplete or inconsistent applications: If an applicant leaves important sections blank or gives you information that does not match what they said earlier, it could be a sign of dishonesty. Always double-check employment, rental history, and references.
- Unverifiable income: If a tenant cannot provide recent pay stubs, an employment letter, or bank statements, it may be challenging to confirm that they can afford the rent. Reliable tenants are usually happy to share this information quickly.
- Frequent moves or gaps in rental history: While some moves are normal, frequent moves or unexplained gaps may indicate financial instability or other issues. Ask potential tenants about past rentals and listen carefully to how they explain their situation. Keep an open mind to their particular situation, but try to verify that they are now in a more stable position to rent for the long term.
- Negative references: Take your time to speak with previous landlords, as they are the best indicators of whether a person will make a good, long-term tenant. If you hear about missed rent payments, property damage, or problems following lease rules, proceed with caution.
- Reluctance to authorize background checks: A qualified applicant should have no problem with a credit check, background check, and rental verification. If someone hesitates or tries to avoid screening, it’s a significant warning sign.
Paying attention to these details can help you avoid costly mistakes and protect your property. And if you want to make sure nothing gets overlooked, a professional tenant placement service like Good Life can handle it all for you!
Why professional tenant placement services are worth it
Finding great tenants takes a lot of work; even a small mistake can lead to big problems. That’s why many property owners work with tenant placement experts instead of doing it all themselves. Here’s why professional tenant placement services are worth considering:
- Attract better tenants faster. Property management companies have access to high-traffic rental websites, better marketing tools, and established screening systems. At Good Life Property Management, we know how to position your property to get more attention and how to find tenants who are the right fit.
- Stay legally compliant. Laws around tenant screening and rental applications are constantly changing. A professional service ensures that you follow Fair housing rules and avoid accidental violations that could cost you later.
- Lower risk and stress. Professional tenant placement services lower your risk by doing the careful work upfront, such as marketing smarter, screening thoroughly, and recommending only qualified applicants to you.
Final thoughts: take the stress out of finding tenants
Finding the right tenant is one of the best ways to protect your rental property and your income. When you take the time to prepare your home, market it well, and screen applicants carefully, you set yourself up for long-term success.
But you do not have to do it alone. Working with a trusted team can save you time, reduce stress, and help you find better tenants faster. At Good Life Property Management, we handle every step of the tenant placement process so that you can enjoy the benefits of renting without the headaches.
Hiring a Property Management Company
If you’re looking for a reliable property management company to help you rent your rental property and stay compliant with all the local, state, and federal laws and regulations, consider working with Good Life. We have over 10 years of experience in the property management industry and have managed over 1000+ properties. We make owning rental property easy.
Frequently asked questions about finding tenants
How long does it usually take to find a tenant?
What is the best way to find tenants for a rental property?
Should I allow pets in my unit to find tenants more easily?
How do I know if an applicant will be a good tenant?
Is it better to find tenants on my own or use a tenant placement service?
Recommended resources for learning how to find tenants
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