Owning a rental property with attractive amenities and a stunning view is one thing, but attracting renters is a whole different ball game. Without the right marketing strategy, you may find yourself struggling to get renters to view your listing and submit applications. That's why it's crucial to know the best sites where renters are searching for their next home. These sites can help you find qualified renters quickly and efficiently.
What Are the Best Sites for Finding a Tenant?
Not all rental listing sites are created equal. Some sites have proven to generate more leads and bring in potential tenants than others. Based on Avail data, here are the top rental sites that have generated the most leads for landlords in the past year:
1. Apartment List
Apartment List takes the top spot, accounting for 19.18% of the overall leads generated by landlords. One of the standout features of Apartment List is its pay-per-lease model, meaning landlords only pay when a renter moves into the property. Creating an account is free, but landlords can expect to pay between $399 and $449 per signed lease, depending on the metro area where their properties are located. However, discounts based on the size of the landlord's portfolio might apply.
Apart from its pricing model, Apartment List provides verified badges for rental listings, assuring potential renters that the listing is trustworthy and reducing the risk of online scams. The platform also offers various features to help landlords generate leads throughout the year, which is particularly beneficial during slower rental periods.
2. Apartments.com Rental Manager
In second place with 18.34% of total leads, we have Apartments.com Rental Manager (formerly known as Cozy). Millions of renters rely on this platform to find their next home, making it a popular choice for landlords. Apart from appearing on the main Apartments.com site, listings are also published across the Apartments.com network, including ForRent.com, ApartmentFinder, ApartmentHomeLiving.com, and Apartmentos.com.
By upgrading to their Premium subscription, landlords can extend the reach of their listing to seven additional network sites.
3. Realtor.com®
Realtor.com®, historically known for homebuying, has emerged as a great platform for marketing rental properties. It generated 15.32% of new leads for landlords and continues to be a go-to option. Listing your rental property on Realtor.com® allows you to tap into one of the leading rental sites, increasing your chances of generating leads and finding your next renter. The platform also enables you to upload virtual or 3D tours and provide detailed information about your rental property, making it more accessible to potential renters.
When it's time to schedule in-person or virtual showings and screen applicants, you can do so directly through the platform using Avail landlord software.
4. Zumper
Zumper, a rising star in the rental market, captured 10.67% of new leads for landlords in the past year. What sets Zumper apart is its filtering options for both renters and landlords. Landlords can input specific criteria, such as minimum credit score or monthly income requirements, and the platform will present potential renters who meet those criteria. This feature saves time by reducing the need for extensive prescreening of applicants.
In addition to publishing on Zumper, your listing will also appear on Padmapper.
How to Publish a Rental Listing on Avail
Instead of manually posting your rental listing on each site individually, save time and effort by using Avail. With just one click, Avail automatically publishes your rental listing across the top dozen sites, including Apartment List, Apartments.com, Realtor.com®, Zumper, and more. The best part? There are no additional fees for marketing your listing through Avail, allowing you to get more eyes on your rental property without any added costs.
Find Your Next Renter With Avail
To fill your vacant units quickly and efficiently, it's crucial to use platforms that can generate qualified leads. Avail is the perfect solution for managing your rental property, saving you time and money. Create an Avail account today to set up your rental properties, market your rentals, schedule showings, and screen applicants – all for free.
*Data pulled from April 5, 2022, to March 31, 2023.
