Long Beach Rental Listings: What Should They Look Like?

As a property manager or landlord, creating property rental listings are a normal part of the job. But when you’re marketing your rental property, a quality listing can play a key role in the success of the rental and in attracting potential renters. A great listing can even influence how much a renter is willing to pay. Whether you’re writing your first listing ever or your 100th listing, here are some tips you can use to maximize potential inquiries.

Use Great Photos

Good photos of your property can be a great way to attract future tenants and help you stand out in a competitive market. In an ideal situation, you should hire a professional photographer to take pictures of your rental. Such professionals understand how lighting, staging, and color combinations can make a normal room look outstanding.

If you’re working with a budget, you can also take good photos yourself. All you need is a digital camera but a smartphone with a modern camera will also do the job. You should also have a tripod to keep the camera steady and avoid blurriness. Investing in this equipment will be a great idea if you have other rental properties you want to list as well.

Always take photos during the day and use natural light whenever possible. Be sure to get a variety of angles and shots, including close-ups and wide-angle shots. Make sure to remove any clutter, add some colorful throw pillows or decorations, and use a few pieces of art to add a touch of personality to the room.

Be Detailed

To write a good rental listing, first, identify the features that make your unit unique and will intrigue potential renters. This includes features such as nearby public transportation, grocery stores, schools, and parks. Also mention any upgrades or renovations that you’ve made to the property, such as new appliances, updated bathrooms, and so on.

It’s important to be as honest as possible and provide accurate information. If the unit is not in the best condition or has certain restrictions or limitations, honesty is the best policy. Potential renters will appreciate the transparency and it will help establish a good relationship between landlord and renter.

Highlight the Strengths

Always make sure to highlight the strengths of the rental. This could include the size of the unit, the quality of the appliances, or any other amenities included in the unit. Make sure to always mention the positives and provide specific details about the features that make the rental unique. When taking photos of each room, make sure to include any interesting features like fireplaces, built-in shelving, or large windows. 

The final step is to provide any additional information about the property that may be important for potential renters. This could include information about pet policies, parking availability, or any other features that could be a deciding factor for a potential tenant. Once these three elements are covered, your description of the rental's unique properties should be complete.

Rental Requirements

A rental listing should clearly state what kind of tenant the landlord is looking for. This should include the renter's credit score and background check requirements, income level, and any other special requirements that the landlord may have. Also, make sure to list any restrictions on pets, smoking, and other activities that may be prohibited in the rental unit. When possible, outline the rental terms such as the monthly rent, security deposit, and any other fees that may be charged.

Call to Action

The purpose of a listing is to get people to come by and see it, or to make inquiries to you. Always end your listing with detailed information on how to contact you, how to tour the unit, and how to apply for it. You can even include an application attachment and email address for where they should forward their information to you.

You want your listing to be a mix of information a tenant will want, but you also want your listing to inspire curiosity. Make it attractive and write about it in an honest but exciting way. This will help future tenants envision themselves living at the rental, and hopefully reach out for a tour.

If you are considering listing your Long Beach rental property and need some help, consider calling us at (562) 888-0247, or feel free to fill out our free rental analysis to see what your rental could yield today.