How to Advertise Your House for Rent
A clear rental advertisement helps landlords reach suitable tenants and answer the questions renters ask before arranging an inspection. This guide explains how to prepare the property, set the rent, write the listing and advertise online without appointing a traditional letting agent.
Prepare the Property
Start by checking the property’s condition and gathering the information you need for the advertisement. Make sure the rooms are clean, the main areas are presentable and any visible maintenance issues have been reviewed.
Prepare a list of confirmed property details, including:
1. Property address and property type
2. Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
3. Parking availability
4. Kitchen, laundry and outdoor features
5. Included appliances or other inclusions
6. Availability date and inspection arrangements, where confirmed
Set a Competitive Rent
Choosing the advertised rent requires research into comparable properties in the same area. Look at rentals with similar property types, sizes, features and locations. Compare the asking rents and consider how your property’s condition and inclusions differ from those listings.
Use recent and relevant information rather than relying on a single example. The rent you advertise should reflect your assessment of the property and the local market.
Also consider the costs associated with owning and maintaining the property. These may include maintenance, insurance, council rates and other applicable expenses. Your financial circumstances can help inform your decision, but they do not determine what prospective tenants will be willing to pay.
Review the advertised rent before publishing and make sure it is consistent wherever the property appears.
Write the Rental Advertisement
Describe the property’s features in plain language. Mention relevant facilities and location details only when they are accurate. Do not describe prospective tenants or promise suitability for a particular group. Keep the focus on the property and the information someone needs to decide whether to enquire.
Use Quality Photos
Photographs help people understand the property’s layout, presentation and main features. Use recent, clear images of the living areas, bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms and relevant outdoor spaces.
Before taking photographs, tidy the rooms, remove unnecessary clutter and make sure the main areas are easy to see. Use suitable lighting and take photographs that represent the property’s actual condition.
Only use images you own or have permission to publish. Avoid editing photographs in a way that changes the apparent size, condition or features of the property.
Check that the photographs match the written description. If a feature has changed since the photographs were taken, update the images before publishing the advertisement.
Publish and Manage Enquiries
Decide how you will monitor incoming enquiries and provide the next steps. Keep property information consistent across your advertisement and your responses. Arrange professional advice for tenancy, application, lease or other requirements where needed.
A clear advertisement helps prospective tenants understand what is offered. Review the completed listing for accuracy, then keep its information current as availability or other confirmed details change.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I include in a rental advertisement?
Include accurate property details, the advertised rent, photographs, confirmed features, availability information and a clear way for prospective tenants to enquire. Check the applicable advertising requirements before publishing.
2. How many photographs should I use?
Use enough clear, current photographs to represent the main areas and relevant features of the property. The appropriate number will depend on the property and the requirements of the advertising platform.
3. How do I decide what rent to advertise?
Compare similar properties in the local area and consider differences in condition, size, location and inclusions. Review relevant market information before setting the advertised rent.
4. Can I advertise my rental property without a traditional letting agent?
You may be able to manage your own rental advertising, depending on the services and requirements involved. Compare the available advertising packages and check the landlord obligations that apply in your state or territory.
5. What should I check before publishing the listing?
Verify the property details, rent, photographs, availability, contact information and package inclusions. Make sure the advertisement follows the relevant requirements and that you have a plan for responding to enquiries.
