Attracting Tenants: Online Leasing in Student Housing
Affordable
Attracting Tenants: Online Leasing in Student Housing
By ExactEstate7 min read
Last reviewed: July 2026
Single-Family Housing
Property managers and landlords agree — the key to a successful rental business is finding fantastic tenants. You want reliable, responsible tenants that take good care of your property and pay rent on time. But how can you do that when competing against other rental property owners in the area? The answer is more complex than it seems.
In this blog post, we'll look at some ideas and strategies that you can use to attract excellent tenants to your single-family home rentals, multifamily rentals, and digital leasing.
List on Multiple Platforms
The more places you list your rental property online, the higher the chance of getting noticed by ideal tenants. Posting your listing across multiple websites increases visibility and expands your reach. This way, you can reach potential renters who might have missed your listings if they had been listed on just one platform.
Some popular platforms include:
Zillow
Trulia
HotPads
Craigslist
Create an Eye-Catching Online Listing
Create an eye-catching online listing to grab potential renters’ attention and encourage them to inquire about your property. Ensure that all pictures are clear and up-to-date so prospective renters get an accurate idea of what the space looks like before scheduling a visit or submitting an application form.
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Take a focused 20-minute walkthrough built around the properties and programs you manage.
Additionally, provide detailed information about amenities such as:
Laundry facilities
Parking availability
Pet policies
Anything that would make living there more desirable
Prospective tenants need this information to know what they’re getting into before signing any paperwork!
Leverage Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool for marketing any product or service, including rentals. With social media, you can create content and connect directly with potential renters in a way traditional advertising cannot. Try creating a Facebook page dedicated solely to your rental properties, and then use this platform to post photos of the home, updates about availability, and more.
You could also set up an Instagram profile where potential renters can get a visual tour of the property before deciding whether they want to rent it.
How To Maximize Social Media for Your Rental Property
Social media platforms offer powerful advertising options that allow you to target specific audiences and ensure the right people see your posts.
You can also create targeted posts for different areas of interest, such as pet-friendly properties or apartments with balconies. This will help draw the attention of tenants looking for precisely what you have to offer!
Be Responsive
Once you start getting inquiries through social media, respond promptly. If you cannot answer immediately, let the potential renter know that you received their message and will reach out as soon as possible with more information.
Responding quickly to inquiries will show potential tenants that you are serious about renting your property and that you value their interest in it.
Connect With Potential Tenants Directly
You can also use social media to connect with potential tenants directly. Interact and engage with them by asking questions about their needs and interests. This will help you determine if they would be a good fit for your rental property and make it easier for you to narrow down the list of applicants.
Offer Incentives and Perks to Tenants
Incentives are great ways to attract high-quality tenants who may be hesitant or unsure about signing a lease agreement.
Some incentives include:
Offering discounted rental rates
Waiving specific fees such as pet deposits
Providing gift cards or other rewards after signing the lease agreement
Offering free move-in services such as packing supplies or movers
These incentives may help sway undecided renters towards choosing your property over another one.
Stage the Home for Maximum Appeal
If you want to draw people in to rent from you, the home must look its best before potential renters come for viewing appointments or virtual tours. Make sure everything is tidy, clean up any clutter that might be lying around, and add some pops of color by adding throw pillows or wall art if needed.
No one likes living in an old, run-down home with no repairs or maintenance. Potential tenants will be interested in renting a safe, well-maintained property — so you must keep up with maintenance and repairs before they arrive.
This includes checking smoke detectors regularly and ensuring all appliances are in working order (including water heaters!). Not only will this help make tenants feel safe in their new homes, but it will also reduce any unexpected costs due to neglected maintenance or repairs.
Ask for Referrals From Previous Tenants
Word-of-mouth marketing is still one of the most effective ways to promote any business or product — including single-family and multi-family rentals.
If you were happy with the performance of one of your previous tenants, reach out and ask them for referrals. Chances are they know someone else who’d also be an excellent fit for renting from you!
Utilize a Property Management Software
Property management software such as ExactEstate effectively manages all aspects of your rental business, including attracting new tenants. This software allows you to keep track of current and prospective tenants, automate tasks such as rent payments and leases, and create marketing campaigns for your listings.
All these features help make it easier for potential tenants to connect with you to learn more about available properties and apply for them quickly and easily. Additionally, tenants are more likely to trust your rental business if you use reputable property management software, showing them you are serious about providing quality services.
Resident Portals
ExactEstate offers resident portals, which make renting from you even more streamlined. This allows applicants to submit their applications online and securely pay rent through the portal, making it easier to stay on top of deadlines and payments.
Automate Landlord Tasks
Most tenants are looking for a hassle-free renting experience, and the best way to provide that is through property management software. ExactEstate automates landlord tasks such as rent collection, tenant screening, and maintenance requests.
This makes it easier for potential tenants to trust your rental business because they know you will promptly care for their needs.
Keep Track of All Your Marketing Data
Lastly, property management software like ExactEstate allows you to keep track of all your marketing data, such as the number of leads you generate, the number of applications you receive, and even how successful your rental promotions are.
All this data helps you better understand what’s working and where you can improve for future campaigns.
Make Sure Your Lease Agreement Is Airtight
Before renting out your single-family home, ensure your lease agreement is airtight and includes all necessary tenant rights and responsibilities information. It should also include details about what happens if a tenant breaches their agreement or fails to pay rent on time.
A detailed agreement helps protect both parties if something goes wrong during the tenancy period. It also serves as a reminder of what’s expected of each party throughout the lease term.
Manage Your Rental Property With ExactEstate
Reliable and excellent tenants are out there, and by following the right marketing strategies and using quality property management software, you can easily find and attract them. With Exact Estate, you’ll have no trouble renting to quality renters who will care for your home.
Schedule a demo today to see how we can help you attract and retain the perfect tenant.
