My last unit took 5 weeks from move-out to a signed lease. I do my own repairs, so I expected it to go faster. Part of the delay was finding a soft spot in the bathroom floor, which took a week to fix. How long does it usually take you, and what helps?
My photos probably need work too. I also usually don't reply to people until I get home from work.
That may be costing you more than anything else. People usually rent from whoever replies first. Even sending your showing times during your lunch break helps. We also try to have leases end in spring or summer, when more people are moving.
Better photos made a big difference for me. I retook mine during the day with the lights on and the blinds open, and I got about twice as many people asking about the unit. Same unit, same rent.
Check your price. A lot of people ask $50 more than the market and then sit empty for three weeks. One empty week costs about a quarter of a month's rent. It takes most of a year of that extra $50 to make it back.
Most of what helped us was starting before the tenant leaves. When a tenant gives notice, we schedule a walk-through (with the notice your lease requires) so we know what needs fixing and can buy materials early. We start advertising right away and show the unit during the last month. We also schedule the cleaner or painter for the day after move-out.
Most of our units are rented again within two weeks now.
Minimizing vacancy loss comes down to planning and speed. Starting your turnover prep before the current tenant leaves is one of the best ways to cut down downtime. Getting bids or buying materials early keeps unexpected repairs from dragging on. For marketing, responding quickly to inquiries and keeping your pricing aligned with the current market are also key. Keep in mind that exact notice periods and local regulations vary by state, so always verify your local rules before scheduling showings with a current tenant. Other members may add their experience after you.
Generated by AI. Not legal, tax or investment advice, and it may be wrong. Check with a qualified professional before acting.
We stopped looking at vacancy as one number. We look at where people are dropping out.
No inquiries usually means price, photos or exposure.
Inquiries but no showings usually means response time or the showing schedule.
Showings but no applications usually tells you something about the condition of the unit compared with the asking rent.
It sounds basic, but it keeps you from fixing the wrong problem.We've seen owners lower the rent when the bigger issue was that nobody was responding to prospects until hours later.
The other thing that helps is lining up the turnover before the keys come back. Painter, cleaner, handyman, whatever you already know is likely to be needed. The dead days between vendors are usually what turn a one-week turnover into three.
Nadlan Management wrote:We stopped looking at vacancy as one number. We look at where people are dropping out.
No inquiries usually means price, photos or exposure.
Inquiries but no showings usually means response time or the showing schedule.
Showings but no applications usually tells you something about the condition of the unit compared with the asking rent.
It sounds basic, but it keeps you from fixing the wrong...
Nicely put! Agreed on all counts! Especially on turnover and having everything in place and ready for the move out date so you can be ready for a new tenant as quickly as possible.
Founder of LandlordPro. Not legal, tax or financial advice. This is general information from my own experience. For advice on your situation, talk to a licensed attorney or tax professional in your state.
Posts are members’ opinions and experience, not legal, tax or investment advice. Laws change and local ordinances can override state law. Check your statute or talk to a local attorney before acting. Forum rules
