Vacant rental properties can certainly be compared to a migraine headache, a pounding headache that will only be cured by one remedy- a paying tenant. Hazard insurance, mortgage payments, property taxes, utilities, break-ins, vandalism, maintenance, and landscaping are many of the costs associated with vacant rental properties. Reducing your vacancy rates to a bare minimum is extremely important, if you intend to have a successful real estate investing career.
We hope the following eight steps will help you avoid or reduce your rental property vacancies!
Step 1: Before You Invest… Research
Obviously certain areas are better for investing then others for a variety of reasons; research the neighborhoods you are considering investment. Speak with local realtors, fellow investors, property managers and anyone else who is knowledgeable about the area. You must find out if the neighborhood has a high or low vacancy rate, if there are currently an oversupply of other rentals nearby, and what current market rents are in the area.
Step 2: Location, Location, Location (and Visibility)
Rental properties located in areas where there happens to be a lot of foot traffic are often easier to rent then that of a hidden property. A crucial element in keeping your rental occupied is that of visibility and location. If your tenant plans to move, and your property is located in an area where it's highly noticeable, often prospective tenants will see the “For Rent” sign and call to inquire without any further advertising required. Additionally, these applicants are already familiar with the area and exterior of the property, and like them both enough to call you.
Step 3: Act Immediately
The day your tenants vacate is the very same day your handyman/contractors should asses repairs and then begin refreshing your rental property. Every day that passes while your contractor "gets around to it" will cost you money; the clock is ticking and the bills piling on your vacant investment.
Step 4: Step 4: Price Right
Pricing your rental unit properly is key; “guesstimating” what the market will bear is not advised. You must know exactly how to price your investment so that you are maximizing on both your return and maintaining a competitive price. We suggest not only researching similar local rents, but touring other rental properties in your direct area and speaking with local property experts.
Step 5: Advertising for Your Rental Area
When advertising your rental property you must think outside the box, and outside of the advertising that reaches you. You must consider where your rental is located and what types of editorials/media outlets your possible tenants may read. For example, the internet- you use it, but your potential tenants may not even have a computer. If your rental property is located in an area where English may not be the first language, consider using another. As a final note, it’s worth mentioning that the Fair Housing Act places some limitations on rental advertising – see our article on
Tenant Screening, Rental Advertising, and Fair Housing Act for more details.
Step 6: On Site Management
Larger, multi unit properties statistically fill vacancies quicker with on site property management. This is something you should certainly consider, as you may even be able to compensate the property manager with subsidized or free rent instead of paying them out of pocket.
Step 7: Long Term Lease Agreements
Longer term rentals will be vacant less often, as their turnover rate is inherently lower. Additionally, the longer tenants reside in a property, the deeper their roots grow. Incentives can work wonders: for example, offering a reduced rate for a two year rental or lowered utility bills, possibly free cable. Remember, maintaining filled rental units is the goal, and it tends cost far less to offer an incentive than it does to carry a vacant rental unit month after month… incentives work!
Step 8: Rent-to-Own
There are many advantages to marketing your rental property as rent- to -own. As home ownership is ideal for many, and offering this option will most likely attract a higher caliber tenant. Additionally, your rent-to-own tenants will have a very high incentive to pay the rent on time- maintaining their credit score and the eligibility to purchase. Rent-to-own tenants are more invested in the rental and will treat the property with respect. And last but not least, you can sell the property without paying a real estate agent’s commission!
Start advertising, print out a stack of rental applications, and remember the big picture: minimize vacancies and maximize the quality of your tenants, and you’ll be well on your way towards a profitable rental business!