How to Make Your Boston Apartment for Rent Stand Out and Get Rented

You’re a Greater Boston Property Owner and want to rent out your Boston apartment as quickly as possible to the best tenants. You face free market forces, and just like in sports, you must compete to win. It is incumbent upon you to figure out a way to make your rental unit stand out in a crowd. Even with the slowdown of new construction in apartment rentals due to inflation and high-interest rates – that doesn't mean you are in the clear. “Differentiate or die” – it’s a term often used by urban planners to help communities rethink their Greater Boston development strategy. The same line of thinking should be used by landlords and property managers who want their older buildings to compete with the glitz and glamour of new construction.

A great landlord or property manager must put on their thinking cap and figure out the marketplace. There are always things you can do to help get your properties rented faster.

Let’s examine some of the key considerations in getting your apartment in Boston rented.

Play Up Your Property’s Best Features.

This always sounds cliché but I often encounter terrible property descriptions of various Boston apartments written by either property managers or inexperienced agents. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen content that is devoid of pointing out some of the absolute best things about the property. Yes, it is hard to believe that people leave out talking about the breathtaking skyline views or high ceilings. You will often see people not describing the incredible floor-to-ceiling windows or a building with historical significance and incredible details. When you see something that is unique or great, don’t assume everyone can understand what you are seeing. When it doubt; describe it in great detail. Let the reader know and feel your positive vibe about the apartment. Your pictures and even video sometimes do not do your apartment justice. Many people also look at apartments on their smart phones and the unit can seem smaller or more cluttered than when you go there in person.

It’s also very easy to forget all of the wonderful features a property contains; don’t be afraid to ask a trustworthy friend to walk through a unit with you and ask them what stands out the most. Sometimes when you become to familiar with your own properties you lose the perspective of fresh eyes on it. Be sure to thoroughly describe these features in your listing ads–but remember, whenever possible, SHOW, DON’T TELL! Include well-lit pictures in your listing ads to let apartment hunters see just how tremendous these features really are. Asking your tenants to clean up the place before a showing occurs can also be a big help in getting the place rented.

Remember That Not Everyone Wants the Same Type of Lifestyle.

It is important to list as many nearby activities and shops within close proximity. If you don’t list all the nearby great things; they might not call you. Perhaps they are swayed to call someone else because they did list a bunch of goods and services that resonated with that renter. Some people have active lifestyles might be looking to spend their weekends in a more laid back, tranquil setting. Other people may have a boring work environment all week and want some hustle bustle and mingling nearby. People are people – it is important you cast a wide net and both the apartment and the surrounding environment. Show people how your property offers a different type of look and feel: maybe there’s a private backyard that’s perfect for entertaining, or raised garden beds that are just begging for someone to plant seedlings. These are the types of features that stand out to those looking for a simpler lifestyle.

Consider Investing in the Pricey Remodel You’ve Been Putting Off.

The strength of the rental market in recent years has made it easy for landlords and property managers to kick the can down the road instead of making investments in their properties. Interest rates are still low and property values are up; consider pulling out some of the equity in your portfolio to make big-ticket improvements. Nowadays, renters consider granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and central air to be standard finishes. If you’ve put off replacing the mint-green bathroom and formica countertops, now is the time to invest in higher-end finishes if you want to stay competitive. Larger complexes might even consider transforming underutilized spaces into amenities that have become common in newly-constructed multifamily properties, like fitness rooms, entertainment centers and club houses that can be used for complex-wide events (wine tasting, anyone?!) or rented out by tenants.

Make Small Gestures to Show Your Future Tenants You Appreciate Them.

When showing the property; make sure to let them know you are a responsible landlord and that you care about their well-being. When you let a tenant know you care that can often be a big difference in someone renting your apartment. People moving into one of the thousands of newly constructed apartments can sometime feel like a small cog in a giant wheel. Many renters want to know their management company or landlord is going to provide information and perhaps opportunities to things they never even considered. I think most renters want to they’re more than just one of many renters in that building. Use your personalized service to your advantage by creating an emotional connection with your future tenants.

If you have years of experience with the property and live close by – let them know. If you built, renovated or designed the property—let them know. If they come to the showing and like the place but your current tenants are messy-- offer to bring in a professional cleaning service for them. Get to know their names, their families, and their personal stories. These simple gestures help renters feel more connected to you—and the property. I like my tenants to stay in my Boston apartments as long as possible. It costs far less time and money to retain a current tenant than it does trying to find a new one. Focus on keeping the ones you have. Turnover means less time with your family and friends because you busy updating your unit and doing busy paperwork etc. If you feel you are late in the apartment leasing season or not getting enough renter calls; don’t be afraid to use incentives and offer renter concessions.

Work With Professionals.

You might also want to look for a professional real estate company that specializing in renting thousands of apartments each year. They probably have the built up clientele from various disparate resources to help fill your apartment. Some real estate companies in Boston have tremendous marketing power with hyperlocal websites and dominant google search rankings. Other real estate companies may also have a tremendous social media presence in the Greater Boston Area. You will also probably want to steer clear of residential sales companies as they much more likely to suggest that you sell your place rather than bring you top dollar for rent.

Do Your Own Due Diligence.

Investigate what other properties in your area are offering. Go to reputable Greater Boston websites that show reliable real time rental data that isn’t outdated or mixed in with non-verifiable individuals. Sadly; there are a lot of scams out there on many national portals. Local websites with a long established history of multiple media presences and street cred matter. These small details can make a big difference in terms of landing a quality tenant at the rate you’re seeking.

At the end of the day – DON’T STRESS OUT. Remember that there will always be competition for renters and embrace the challenge! Housing is something people will always need. Now it’s up to you to position yours as the housing they want.