The lights go up. The judges lean in. Your rental listing steps onto the runway, but it's giving early 2000s Craigslist—blurry photos, ominous descriptions, all caps.
Yikes.
It’s okay, we've all been there. When you've got a handful of vacant rental properties that need to be filled, nailing listings the first time can be a challenge. But here's the thing—if you want more leads, your rental property has to get noticed.
Time for a makeover. Let's talk fresh headlines, sharper descriptions, and a clearer perspective—because in the high-stakes realm of rental marketing, you've got to sell the idea of living there, not just the property.
Here's how to write listings to get more leads and be runway-ready in no time:
1. Transform the Headline
Your potential renters are sifting through dozens of property listings at a time, which means that a bland headline is one of the fastest ways to get ignored. While "2 Bed Apartment for Rent" might be accurate and to-the-point, it won't stand out on rental listing sites nearly as much as "Spacious 2-Bed with Free Covered Parking."
Example Headline Formula
Try out this formula: [Feature] + [Property Type] + [Perk/Location]
You want to get as specific as possible to create a visual and encourage interested renters to click. Feel free to test different headlines with different features to see which ones resonate the most with your ideal audience.
Tip: Write three headline variations for each listing and test them out. Short, specific headlines work best on mobile, where most renters are scrolling.
2. Lead with Lifestyle
Renters are looking for more than just a space to hold their stuff. Many of them want a place to rent that feels like home and matches their lifestyle. While specs like square footage, amenities, and accessible schools are important, adding a vibrant description right at the beginning can help the reader visualize living in your space.
Perfecting the First Sentence
Instead of jumping right into "1,000 sq ft property with 2 bedrooms..."
Try a softer, more descriptive approach: "Wake up to mountain views every morning in a spacious, vaulted kitchen with large windows."
This paints a picture for your rental and keeps potential tenants engaged, rather than scrolling out of it and landing somewhere else.
Tip: Keep property descriptions concise, as overly fluffy descriptions may detract readers, having the opposite effect of what you're going for.
3. Accessorize with Details
You already know that accessories make the outfit. The same goes for rental descriptions.
As you're working on what to say about your rental and its amenities, think "specific." You don't need a multi-million-dollar rental to have a five-star description.
Even switching the wording from "updated kitchen" to "updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops" creates a clear image that will stick in prospective tenants' minds.
Features to Include
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Flooring type (e.g., hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, tile, new carpet)
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Countertop material (e.g., quartz, granite, butcher block)
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Appliances (name brands, energy-efficient or smart features)
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Built-in storage (pantry, walk-in closets, built-in shelving)
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Lighting upgrades (recessed lighting, pendant lights, dimmers)
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Ceiling fans, skylights, vaulted ceilings
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Fresh paint or accent walls
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Bathroom features like double vanity, walk-in showers, etc.
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Outdoor features like private balcony, dog park, etc.
Tip: When in doubt, walk through your property with a friend and have them describe what stands out most. This can give you pointers on where to start.
4. Be Honest (But Style the Quirks)
It's important to build transparency with potential renters from day one. You never want to mislead tenants, and since we're talking makeovers, let's focus on embracing the quirks—and knowing how to work with them.
For example, if your rental property is on the small side, words like "cozy" or "efficient" bring your listing to life. If you've got a property on the outskirts of a major city, highlight that it's in a quiet, relaxing part of town. (Who doesn't want a cozy, charming 2 bed apartment in a quiet neighborhood?)
Tip: Be realistic with your descriptions. Set expectations early on, but frame it in a positive light.
6. Lights, Camera, Action
Even the best rental listing description will be lackluster without high-quality images to match. Your photos are the big reveal, the moment prospective tenants decide whether to schedule a showing or keep moving along.
If your photos need a makeover, follow these tips. Lighting is Everything
Use natural light whenever possible, opting for a photoshoot in the late afternoon when lighting is warm and bright. Open the windows and doors to light up every angle. Skip the flash if you can, as it often creates harsh shadows.
Stage for Success
Remove any clutter, including piles of mail, laundry bins, bathroom products. Add small, neutral touches such as plants, throw pillows, or a bowl of lemons on the kitchen counter to add a touch of warmth without looking too lived in.
Show Off the Good Side
- If you have multiple vacancies or high-value rental properties, consider:
- Hiring a real estate photographer who knows how to shoot for rental platforms.
- Using a DSLR or high-quality phone camera with a wide-angle lens attachment.
- Include photos of each room (preferably at multiple angles) so viewers can mentally "walk through" the space.
- Include transition spaces like hallways, entryways, and open-plan connections between rooms. (Unless they're giving dark alley in a scary movie vibes.)
Tip: Keep it honest. Don't over-edit or use filters to make your rental look different than in real life. You want to showcase your property at its best while being realistic.
6. Price Like a Pro
A perfectly written listing may not get far if the price is not matching the market. If you've had an engaging, high-quality rental listing sitting on the market for awhile, it's probably time to adjust the monthly rent price according to the local market.
Research the Market
Use pricing tools such as a rentability report to look at comparable properties in your neighborhood and find the right price ballpark for similar properties. Local market insights will give you a better idea of rental price compared to national trends.
Be Flexible
Try lowering your price to see if you're pricing your rental property too high. At the same time, if your rental property has premium perks, you may not be pricing high enough for the renters you want to attract. Make small adjustments and test out the results (give it 30 days) to see what sticks.
To Round Up Or Not?
You may be tempted to round up your monthly rent price to look more attractive on a rental listing site, but—oddly enough—a price at $1,495 can feel more approachable than $1,500. Yes, even with only a $5 difference.
Tip: If you make a pricing change, update your listing copy to reflect it. A lower price paired with the same "stale" description won't have the same impact.
7. Keep Your Listing in the Spotlight
Even the most makeover-worthy rental listing won't shine if no one sees it. Promotion keeps your listings on the runway where it belongs, not hidden backstage.
Use Multiple Channels
Do you post on one rental listing site or several? Increased exposure will enable you to cast a wider net and attract more prospective renters. Consider posting on major rental listing platforms, social media, and your own website.
Syndicate Automatically
Take advantage of listing syndication tools. With Tenant Turner, you can push your listing out to multiple popular listing sites with one click—no copy-paste or extra logins required.
Highlight via Social and Email
Create a simple walkthrough video and post it on Instagram, TikTok or Facebook to reach renters where they're already scrolling. If you have a lead list, send them a quick "new listing" email with a link to schedule a tour.
Tip: Make advertising a regular part of your rental to-do list. Promotion should be an ongoing process, not just a "post once, forget about it."
Final Reveal
Filling vacancies is one of the most important tasks as a rental manager. If your rental listings need a boost, try these tips for your own listing makeover.
With the right headline, lifestyle copy, specific details, and eye-catching visuals, you'll attract high-quality tenants faster and spend less time chasing cold leads.
Ready to automate your listings? Schedule a Demo and let Tenant Turner help you run the show—and see fewer no-shows, more viewings, and faster rentals.