Tips for Finding Renters

If you have properties that you need to rent, here are some tips for finding renters. These tips are primarily intended for residential properties, but can be used for commercial properties as well.

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Landlords should have a website or a complete rental listing somewhere on the internet. These listings should provide a lot of information and pictures. Long ads in the local paper may be expensive, but a short ad referring the prospective tenant to your listing on the internet can be quite inexpensive.

One of the most important tips for finding renters is to list the property on Craigslist. Craigslist is a must for listing rental properties in many areas. Younger people who are more likely to use Craigslist are also more likely to be renters than owners making this a win-win advertisement for the landlord. Even better, Craigslist ads are free.

Bulletin board style ads placed in local stores, churches, hospitals, colleges, technical schools, laundry mats, bus stops, book stores and other areas that see a lot of foot traffic can be useful in many areas as well. Hospital newsletters can also be a great source of renters as many hospitals are likely to have numerous doctors, nurses, and other professionals that are new to the area. These professionals should be well paid and make great tenants.

Real Estate Agents

Even if a landlord doesn't need a real estate agent for management purposes, an agent can be a good source to find a renter. Landlords are likely to interact with some frequency with real estate agents, always have a card ready and try to build a relationship with the agent. Real estate agents can also provide tips to landlords on great deals on rental property. Consider offering an informal finders fee to real estate agents for locating a tenant.

Signs

Many people drive around looking for places for rent in areas that they want to live. Though having a sign out front announcing that your property is empty, or soon will be, can be problematic, a sign can help to rent the property quickly.

Neighbors

If you property has good neighbors, ask them if they know anyone who may be interested. Neighbors have an interest in who moves in next door, and may be able to provide some good leads on possible renters.