There are dozens of ways to attract prospective tenants to a rental listing. However, almost all of them involve driving interested folks to a listing for more information. The question is, how do you design a compelling listing that really shines through?

Why You Need to Pay More Attention to Your Rental Listings

A rental listing is a crucial tool for landlords as it helps them to market their property and find potential tenants. Here are some of the important reasons why rental listings are essential for landlords:

  • Attracting potential tenants: A rental listing provides detailed information about the property, such as the location, size, amenities, and rental price. This information helps tenants to determine whether the property meets their requirements. If so, they may contact the landlord for further details.
  • Saving time and money: A rental listing allows landlords to reach a large audience of potential tenants, which can save them time and money that they would otherwise spend on advertising and marketing.
  • Filling vacancies quickly: With a rental listing, landlords can attract more potential tenants and fill vacancies more quickly, reducing the amount of time that the property remains vacant and minimizing the loss of rental income.
  • Screening potential tenants: A rental listing can also help landlords to screen potential tenants by providing information about the rental application process, such as the required documentation and background checks.
  • Establishing credibility: By creating a professional and informative rental listing, landlords can establish credibility with potential tenants and build trust, making it more likely that tenants will choose to rent their property.

9 Tips for Designing Better Rental Listings

If you want your rental listing to stand out from the crowd, you have to focus on the elements that matter most. Here are a few tips for a better-designed rental listing: 

1. Use high-quality photos

Photos are the most important element of any rental listing, as they give potential tenants an idea of what the property looks like. High-quality photos can make a significant difference in the number of inquiries a rental listing receives. Consider hiring a professional photographer to take photos of the property, or use a high-quality camera to take the photos yourself. Make sure the photos are well-lit, in focus, and showcase the best features of the property.

2. Highlight the best features

When designing a rental listing, it’s essential to highlight the best features of the property, such as a spacious living room, a modern kitchen, or a beautiful view. Use descriptive language to showcase these features, and try using bullet points to make the information easier to read. If the property has unique features, such as a fireplace or a private balcony, make sure to mention them in the listing.

3. Provide accurate information

Accurate information is crucial for any rental listing. Make sure to include the rental price, the size of the property, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and any other relevant information. Be sure to double-check the information before posting the listing to avoid any misunderstandings or confusion.

4. Include a floor plan

Floor plans can be a great addition to any rental listing, as they give potential tenants a better understanding of the property’s layout. Consider including a floor plan in the listing to make it easier for tenants to visualize themselves living in the space.

5. Use a catchy headline

The headline is the first thing potential tenants will see when browsing rental listings, so it’s essential to make it catchy and attention-grabbing. Use descriptive language to highlight the best features of the property, and consider using numbers or adjectives to make the headline more interesting.

6. Keep it concise

When designing a rental listing, it’s important to keep the information concise and to the point. Potential tenants are likely to skim through the listing, so make sure the most important information is easy to find. Use bullet points and short paragraphs to make the listing easier to read, and avoid using long, complicated sentences.

7. Include contact information

Make sure to include contact information in the rental listing, such as an email address or phone number. This will make it easier for potential tenants to get in touch with the landlord and ask any questions they may have.

8. Use keywords

Keywords are words or phrases that are commonly used by potential tenants when searching for rental properties online. Including these keywords in the rental listing can improve its visibility and make it easier for tenants to find. Some common keywords include “pet-friendly,” “furnished,” and “utilities included.”

9. Highlight the neighborhood

The neighborhood can be just as important as the property itself when it comes to choosing a rental property. Consider including information about the neighborhood in the rental listing, such as nearby parks, restaurants, or public transportation options. This can help potential tenants get a better sense of the area and decide whether it’s a good fit for them.

Adding it All Up

A rental listing is a living, breathing organism. It’s important to update the rental listing regularly to ensure that the information is accurate and up-to-date. If the rental price changes or if any new features are added to the property, make sure to update the listing as soon as possible. Regularly updating the listing can also improve its visibility and make your property more competitive.

About the Author

author photo

Mirko Humbert

Mirko Humbert is the editor-in-chief and main author of Designer Daily and Typography Daily. He is also a graphic designer and the founder of WP Expert.