How to Show a Rental Property to Prospective Tenants

Knowing how to properly show a rental property is important.

Showing an apartment or house to prospective tenants is an important aspect of owning or managing rental property. If you make errors during the showing process, you risk scaring away potential good tenants. Punctuality, organizational skills and professionalism are among the tools you need to set the right tone as a landlord to prospective renters.

Things You'll Need

• Punctuality
• Organizational Skills
• Professionalism

Instructions

1. Make sure the unit is in good condition before showing it. The home should be clean with no noticeable damages. Apply a fresh coat of paint and make repairs if needed. Be prepared to explain flaws if you don't fix them.

2. Know your property. Be prepared to answer questions regarding utility bills, security deposits, pet policies and other information prospective tenants may ask about.

3. Show the unit in time blocks, booking several appointments at one time. Some apartment hunters never show up to appointments, so by setting up two or three showings at once, you avoid wasting your time. If two or more prospective tenants do show up at one time, they will know that they must jump on the opportunity if they want it.

4. Point out the best features of the unit. Apartment hunters may be looking for certain criteria, causing them to miss other nice features of the property. Make sure you call attention to appliances, fireplace, balconies and architectural features. Doing this helps the apartment to stand out in renters' minds later.

5. Be professional. Dress and conduct yourself appropriately when showing a housing unit. Be punctual for your appointments, and never keep a prospective tenant waiting.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep copies of rental applications on hand.

• Do not try to hide problems with the unit. Give the tenant an honest timeline of when a problem will be rectified.

References

• Mutual Property Management: How to Show Your Rental Property to Prospective Tenants
• Nolo: 10 Steps Toward Low-Risk Landlording