Securing great tenants quickly doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these five strategies, you’ll attract quality renters and make the process more efficient.
1. Create an Advert That Pops
Your property advert is the first thing potential tenants see, so make it stand out:
- Take high-quality photographs: Use your smartphone and take pictures during daylight to highlight the space. Capture wide angles to show the room’s size.
- Edit your photos: Most smartphones have built-in editing tools. Adjust the brightness, contrast, and sharpness to make the images more appealing.
- Write engaging copy: Highlight key features like proximity to amenities, included furnishings, or unique selling points (e.g., recently renovated). Don’t use cliché terms like “we are proud to offer this…” as people tend to skim over them. Since portal previews are often limited, make sure the best aspects of the property or location appear in the first two sentences.
A professional-looking advert increases interest and ensures your property gets noticed.
2. Offer a Slightly Below-Market Rate
By pricing your property just below the market average, you’ll attract more applicants. For example, if similar properties are renting at £1,200 per month, consider listing yours at £1,150. The increased interest gives you a larger pool of tenants to choose from, making it easier to find someone reliable and respectful.
3. Provide a 3D Tour
Virtual tours save time by giving prospective tenants a clear idea of the property without needing an in-person visit.
- Use free or affordable tools like your smartphone’s camera to record a walkthrough.
- Use apps like Matterport for a polished tour.
- Share the video link on your advert.
A 3D tour helps to filter out “carpet treaders”—people who aren’t serious—saving you time and effort.
4. Pre-Vet Tenants Before Viewings
Pre-vetting ensures you’re only meeting serious, qualified tenants:
- Use a Google Form to collect key information, such as:
- Employment details
- Monthly income
- Rental history
- Number of occupants
- Share the form link with interested applicants.
This simple step weeds out unqualified candidates. Plus, tenants unwilling to fill out a short form are likely to be time-wasters.
5. Double-Check References and Documents
Thorough referencing is non-negotiable:
- Collect all necessary documents upfront for Right to Rent checks (e.g., passport, visa, or residency permit).
- Personally verify references from previous landlords and employers.
- Use a third-party referencing service for additional checks, such as credit history and affordability.
Now we are past the point of no return in regards to the Renters Rights Bill, you need to ensure this tenant is going to be the right fit for the long term. Paying for a professional reference check is worth it for peace of mind. It ensures you’re renting to someone reliable who will respect your property.
Final Thoughts
These five strategies help you attract quality tenants while saving time. By creating a standout advert, offering a competitive rate, and implementing tools like virtual tours and pre-vetting forms, you’ll streamline the tenant selection process. Remember, the extra effort upfront saves you from dealing with issues down the line.
What do you currently do to find tenants? Share your thoughts below!
*If you want any more advice on how we use these strategies then get in touch with our team and we can walk you through them.