Embarking on your new journey as a landlord can be intimidating, especially when you begin looking for tenants, but Apartments.com is an excellent option when listing your rental online. Apartments.com ensures you can maximize your exposure and generate high-quality leads to help you find the perfect tenant for your property as soon as possible.
How Do I List a Rental on Apartments.com?
To list a property on Apartments.com, select the “Add a Property” button in the top right corner of the home page and choose whether you have a single-family home, condo, townhome, or apartment. Then, input the address of your rental property and click on “Add Your Property.” If you select apartment, you will be asked to input the number of units you have, then you can click on “Add Your Property” to continue.
Advertise Your Listing
Apartments.com can give you everything you need to have a standout listing to help you find the perfect tenants. Below are the options Apartments.com offers to help you advertise your rental property:
Is it free to list on Apartments.com?
Yes, It is free to list your rental property on Apartments.com if your rental property has four units or less. Properties with four units or less that have a free ad on Apartments.com receive:
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21 days of standard visibility
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High-quality leads
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Appear on five websites across the Apartments.com network
If you're looking to get more exposure and leads, you can upgrade your ad and pay for a Premium listing. Properties with four units or less that pay for the Premium package on Apartments.com receive:
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9 times more search results impressions
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3 times more high-quality leads
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Maximized visibility on five websites across the Apartments.com Network
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A bigger, more prominent ad
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The ability to upload up to six videos on your listing.
If you decide to upgrade your listing to Premium, it’s important to note that pricing for Premium varies depending on your state and market. You will be prompted with this market-specific pricing when you access the Premium upgrade screen. To access the upgrade screen and enable Premium on one of your listings:
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Navigate to your account page.
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Select Properties & Listings and then Properties.
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Select the Go Premium button on the listing of your choice.
Remember, a Premium listing and its features last for 30 days, starting on the date it was purchased.
What if my rental property has five units or more?
If your rental property has five units or more, you can still list it on Apartments.com, but you’ll need to purchase an advertising package. Choose the one that works best for you and your rental property. To get started with an ad package, contact the Apartments.com team at (877) 531-3821 or advertise@apartments.com and our team will help you get set up.
Adding Listing Details
After you have set up your account and added your listing on Apartments.com, it's time to add all your listing details. On the listing details page, you will be able to add photos and enter more information about your rental property, such as the number of beds and baths, select amenities, and a property description. Once your listing is live on Apartments.com, you can start collecting applications as well as screening reports. The application fee for renters is $29.99 + tax for 10 applications. As a landlord, this benefits you because you won't have to worry about collecting an application fee or running a screening since TransUnion provides you with information such as a credit report, an eviction report, annual income, and income to rent.
Contact Information
The most important part of your listing is your contact information. This is how renters will contact you to inquire about a tour and ask any questions. Be sure you include an email address and a phone number. Once your listing is live, your phone number won't be displayed on Apartments.com but a vanity number that links to your phone number. To email you, renters can click the "Message" button, and you will receive their first and last name, email address, preferred move-in date, and phone number.
Property Description and Amenities
When a renter clicks on your property, they will want to know what your property is near, if there is HVAC, a back yard, or maybe even a pool; therefore, it's essential to write a thorough and detailed property description. Apartments.com includes a brief description of the neighborhood the property is in and points of interest such as shopping centers, parks and recreation, military bases, and the distance from local transit and schools and universities. If you need help writing a property description, look around at other properties in the area to see what they include. Apartments.com provides you with an unselected list of amenities, so be sure to select all your property's amenities on the list so they display on your listing.
Photos and Videos
Photos and videos help potential tenants envision themselves in your rental property. Be sure to include pictures of the outside of your property and each interior room of your property. You can use a camera or smartphone to take photos and upload them on Apartments.com. Just be sure you have good lighting, but use the flash sparingly because it could wash the room out. With an upgraded ad package, you can include videos, as well. To upgrade your ad package, contact your sales representative or call or email customer service.
Pricing Information
Typically, renters search for properties based on location and rent price. So be sure to set your rent at a fair, competitive price. If you need help with how to price your rental, Apartments.com provides you with free rent comparison reports. This valuable information in the rent comparison report gives you a clear understanding of the market so you can price your rental right, compare your property’s value to other similar properties, and review market conditions like the average days on the market and the average rent rates. This information can help you make an informed decision to maximize your rental income while remaining competitive in your local rental market.
Create a Lease on Apartments.com
To ensure a smooth tenant acquisition process, it is crucial to have a well-drafted lease agreement in place. If you're unsure about creating a lease, seeking guidance from a real estate attorney might be necessary. However, with Apartments.com, generating lease agreements has never been easier. Our Rental Tools platform offers a streamlined solution that allows you to create custom lease agreements tailored to your property and standards. These state-specific and legally binding agreements comply with all relevant state laws and local ordinances. Plus, our platform enables tenants to sign leases online, eliminating the need for paper documents and the hassle of storage. With Apartments.com, all your leases are meticulously organized and accessible, ensuring convenient reference whenever needed.
Receiving Applications
When you begin receiving applications, it is crucial to perform a comprehensive background check in order to find the most suitable tenant for your property. With Apartments.com, the process of screening tenants is made effortless, allowing you to obtain the necessary information and quickly locate a qualified renter. Unlike our competitors, who rely on various third-party resources for data collection, we have partnered with TransUnion to provide you with comprehensive screening reports encompassing evictions, credit records, and criminal history. Apartments.com also offers exclusive support for co-signers, guarantors, and co-applicants, ensuring flexibility in tenant selection. Furthermore, should you require additional information to make an informed decision, our platform enables you to directly request supporting documents from potential tenants.
After Finding a Tenant…
Once you have found a tenant, Apartments.com can help you with collecting payments, maintenance requests and organizing your expenses. To start using Apartments.com Rental Tools, all you have to do is verify your identity and invite your tenant. If you or your tenant need help, contact customer service.
The key to success while using Apartments.com is to make sure you’re regularly updating your listing and utilizing the platform's features to enhance visibility. By doing all of these things, you can ensure you will find your next tenant in no time!
