With such a competitive rental market, you need to keep on your toes. A good apartment can sit empty for weeks if the listing doesn’t hit the mark—and when rent’s on the line, that’s the last thing you want. These days, it’s not enough to just snap a few photos and throw the listing on Craigslist. Renters are scrolling fast, comparing dozens of options, and making quick decisions based on small details. Learning how to advertise an apartment for rent is essential.
If you want your place to stand out, you’ve got to do more than just list it—you need to market it. That means great photos, smart pricing, and knowing where (and how) to get it in front of the right people.
This quick guide walks you through everything you need to do to advertise your apartment the right way—from prepping the space to writing a listing that actually gets clicks. It’s not rocket science, but there’s definitely a method to it.
7 Steps of How to Advertise Apartments for Rent
- Get the Apartment Ready to Show
- Take Great Photos and Video
- Write a Listing That Actually Gets Clicks
- List Your Apartment Across Top Rental Platforms
- Use Social Media and Word of Mouth to Spread the Word
- Respond Quickly and Screen Smart
- Update, Refresh, and Repost If Needed
1. Get the Apartment Ready to Show
Before you even think about snapping photos or writing up a listing, make sure the place is actually ready. People aren’t just looking for a place to live—they’re imagining a lifestyle. So your apartment needs to look clean, well-maintained, and move-in ready.
Start with the basics:
- Clean everything. Not a light tidy—deep clean. Floors, windows, bathroom tiles, inside the fridge. The kind of clean that smells like fresh paint and soap, not last week’s residents.
- Fix what’s broken. Leaky taps, chipped paint, a door that sticks—small issues like these can leave a bad impression fast.
- Declutter. If you’ve got old furniture, random wall art, or anything that makes the space feel smaller, get it out. Keep it minimal and neutral so renters can imagine their own stuff there.
If you’ve recently done upgrades—new appliances, fresh flooring, modern light fixtures—highlight those. They’re major selling points.
Lastly, consider staging. You don’t need to hire a pro, but even arranging furniture thoughtfully, adding a few plants, or putting out clean towels can make a difference. It’s about helping people see themselves living there.
2. Take Great Photos and Video
Photos make or break your listing. You can have the nicest place on the block, but if the pictures are dark, blurry, or poorly framed, most people will scroll right past it.
Here’s how to get it right:
- Use natural light. Shoot during the day when the sun is coming through the windows—no one wants to rent a cave. Turn off overhead lights to avoid weird shadows and yellow tones.
- Shoot wide, not weird. Use your phone’s wide-angle setting or a decent camera to capture full rooms, not just corners. Show how the spaces connect.
- Shoot multiple angles. Living room, kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, hallway, closets, balcony—give people the full picture.
- Don’t forget the outside. Show the front of the building, entryway, and any extras like parking spots, shared gardens, or a rooftop view.
Bonus points:
- Create a simple video walkthrough. Even just a 60-second phone video walking through the space helps renters get a feel for the layout.
- Use 3D or virtual tours if you can. Sites like Zillow and Matterport make it easier than ever, and it gives your listing a serious edge.
Good visuals = more clicks = more viewings = better chances of locking in a great resident.
3. Write a Listing That Actually Gets Clicks
Once the place is looking good and the photos are solid, it’s time to write the listing. This is where a lot of people phone it in—but if you want your apartment to stand out, the words matter just as much as the visuals.
Start with a strong, simple headline. Don’t just say, “2BR Apartment for Rent.” That’s what everyone says. Try something like:
- “Bright, Pet-Friendly 2BR with Balcony in [Neighborhood]”
- “Modern 1BR with In-Unit Laundry – Walk to Transit!”
Use keywords renters are actually searching for—things like “in-unit laundry,” “near subway,” “pet-friendly,” “hardwood floors,” “balcony,” etc. That helps your listing show up in search results.
Then, move into the description. Keep it clean, organized, and easy to scan. A good structure looks like this:
- Opening line: Paint a quick picture—“Spacious top-floor apartment with tons of natural light and skyline views.”
- Key features: Number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, layout highlights, special features (dishwasher, central air, etc.).
- Location perks: Quiet block? Near a park? Walkable? Mention it.
- Logistics: Rent price, lease length, move-in date, security deposit, utilities included or not, parking, pets.
- Call to action: “Message to schedule a viewing” or “Apply directly through [platform].”
Keep it honest—don’t overhype or hide dealbreakers. People will find out anyway, and transparency builds trust.
Keep Tip: Optimize for mobile readers. Break text into short paragraphs or bullet points. Renters are mostly reading on their phones while multitasking—make it easy for them.
4. List Your Apartment Across Top Rental Platforms
You’ve got great photos and a solid listing—now it’s time to get it out there. And not just anywhere—you want it where people are actually looking.
Start with the Big Sites
These are the go-to platforms most renters check first. Post on as many as you can (some listings even syndicate across several of them):
- Zillow Rental Manager – One of the most popular. Easy to use and pushes your listing to sites like Trulia and HotPads.
- Apartments.com – Big reach, especially in urban areas. Their listings often look super polished.
- Craigslist – Old-school but still effective in many cities. Just watch out for scams and make sure your post looks legit.
- Rent.com, Realtor.com, Zumper, PadMapper, and HotPads – All solid options with varying reach depending on your area.
Most of these let you upload photos, write a detailed description, and include contact info or application links. The more places you post, the wider your reach.
If you’re managing more than one unit—or just want to save time—look into property management software. Tools like Buildium, Avail, or Zillow Rental Manager let you create one listing and push it out across multiple platforms with a few clicks.
Old-School Still Works
Depending on your location, a simple “For Rent” sign can still draw attention—especially if there’s decent foot traffic or you’re near a college or hospital.
Boost Your Listing’s Performance
- Write a catchy title that grabs attention in a sea of listings.
- Include a floor plan if you can—people love knowing the layout.
- Add 3D tours or video walkthroughs to stand out.
- Double-check your rental price with local comps to make sure you’re not pricing yourself out.
5. Use Social Media and Word of Mouth to Spread the Word
Even with your listing up on the big rental sites, don’t stop there. Some of the best leads come through personal networks and social channels—especially when time is tight or competition is high.
Start with your social accounts. Post the listing on:
- Facebook – Share it on your profile and in local housing or neighborhood groups. Facebook Marketplace is a goldmine for renters.
- Instagram – Use stories or reels to show off your best photos or do a mini video walkthrough. Use local hashtags like #nycapartment or #londonrentals.
- TikTok – Believe it or not, “apartment tour” content does surprisingly well here—especially for younger renters.
- Nextdoor – Great for neighborhood-based reach, especially if you’re targeting families or long-term renters.
Ask friends and family to reshare your post—you never know who’s looking or who knows someone who is.
If your apartment is in a community or shared building, ask the building manager if they have a bulletin board or community email where you can share the listing. The same goes for local cafes, gyms, or grocery stores—some still have real-world pinboards that get attention.
Make It Easy to Share
- Use a single, clean link (like your Apartments.com or Zillow listing) so people can easily forward it.
- Include a couple of the best photos, a clear headline, and your contact or application info in every post.
- Keep the vibe friendly but professional—avoid writing novels, but give enough info to hook someone.
6. Respond Quickly and Screen Smart
Once your listing is live and being shared around, messages will (hopefully) start coming in. This is where multifamily property management companies either build momentum—or drop the ball. If you want to find a solid resident fast, you need to stay on top of inquiries and have a system in place to screen people properly.
Respond Fast (and Professionally)
Speed matters. A renter who messages you today might have signed somewhere else by tomorrow.
- Aim to reply within a few hours or at least by the end of the day.
- Keep your replies friendly, clear, and direct. Answer their questions, offer viewing times, and let them know what the next step is.
- If you’re getting a lot of interest, set up a template response you can tweak and reuse to save time.
Ask a Few Pre-Screening Questions
Before setting up a showing, it’s smart to ask a few basics:
- When are you looking to move in?
- Do you have pets?
- How many people will be living in the apartment?
- Can you provide proof of income or references?
This helps filter out anyone who clearly isn’t a fit—and saves both of you time.
Schedule Showings Strategically
Try to group showings back-to-back on the same day if possible. Not only does this save time, but it also creates subtle urgency—people know others are interested too.
Clean up the space beforehand, open the windows, turn on lights, and have everything ready to make a good impression.
Once someone is seriously interested:
- Use a rental application form (many platforms have built-in tools for this).
- Run a credit check, background check, and rental history check.
- Call references—especially past property managers.
Make sure to stay compliant with fair housing laws. Don’t discriminate based on race, gender, religion, family status, disability, etc. Stick to consistent criteria and treat all applicants the same way.
A good resident should check the boxes on paper and feel like a responsible person when you talk to them. If something feels off or they’re dodging questions, that’s a red flag.
7. Update, Refresh, and Repost If Needed
Even the best listings don’t always get snapped up right away—especially in a slow market or during off-peak seasons. If a week or two goes by and you’re not getting much traction, it might be time to tweak your strategy instead of waiting around.
Start by looking at what you’ve already posted:
- Are the photos strong enough? If they’re dark, outdated, or cluttered, consider retaking them with better lighting or a different setup.
- Is the headline doing its job? If it sounds generic or doesn’t mention key features (like “washer/dryer” or “no broker fee”), change it.
- Does the description highlight the right stuff? Make sure you’re leading with selling points and using renter-friendly language.
If your rent is above average for the area, even by $50–$100, it might be turning people away. Use Zillow, Rentometer, or Apartments.com to check nearby listings and compare.
Lowering the price slightly—just $25 or $50—can sometimes completely change the response.
Repost on High-Traffic Days
Timing matters. Renters tend to browse listings more:
- On Monday through Wednesday
- In the evenings (after work)
- At the start of the month when new listings drop
Reposting or refreshing during these windows keeps your listing near the top of search results. Read this to learn more about multifamily seo.
If you’re using multiple platforms, test different versions of your headline or description and see which one gets more responses. Sometimes, just reordering your features (e.g., leading with “pet-friendly” instead of “two-bedroom”) makes a difference.
Make sure the availability date, contact info, and photos all reflect the current state of the apartment. Listings that feel outdated or inconsistent make people click away.
Need a Hand Learning How to Advertise a Rental Property? Brindle Digital Can Help
If you’re serious about getting your apartment in front of the right renters—but don’t have the time, tools, or expertise—Brindle Digital Marketing can step in. We specialize in marketing for the multifamily housing industry, digital and social media management, and helping property owners, developers, and leasing teams stand out in crowded rental markets.
Here’s how we help:
- Custom Websites That Convert: We can design a clean, user-friendly apartment website design that showcases your properties, integrates with your leasing software, and makes it easy for potential residents to take the next step—whether that’s booking a tour or applying online.
- Paid Ads That Drive Results: We run targeted Google and social media ad campaigns that put your apartment in front of high-intent renters right when they’re searching.
- Apartment Branding That Sets You Apart: From naming and logo design to brochures and signage, we help create a cohesive, professional identity that builds trust with renters.
If you want more eyes on your listings—and better residents in your units—let’s talk. Visit brindledigital.com to learn more or get in touch.
Conclusion
Advertising an apartment for rent doesn’t have to be complicated—you just need the right steps. Clean and prep the space, take great photos, write a clear and honest listing, and get it in front of as many eyes as possible. Use the top rental platforms, share it around, and stay on top of inquiries. If it’s not getting bites, tweak and try again. With a little effort and attention to detail, you’ll find the right resident—and fast. Soon you won’t be asking yourself ‘How to advertise an apartment for rent’ you’ll know the answer!
FAQs
What is the best way to advertise an apartment?
The best way is to create a compelling listing with great photos, a clear description, and competitive pricing, then share it across Google Ads and Meta Ads and top rental platforms like Zillow, Apartments.com, and Facebook Marketplace. Boost visibility with social media, video tours, and consistent reposting.
How do you say you want to rent an apartment?
You can say, “I’m interested in renting this apartment,” or “I’m looking for an apartment to rent starting [your preferred date].” Keep it polite, clear, and direct when contacting property managers or agents.
How do I write an advert for a room to rent?
Start with a catchy headline, then clearly describe the room, rent amount, location, amenities, and any house rules or preferences (e.g., no pets, professionals only). Add good photos and end with a simple call to action like “Message to arrange a viewing.”
Where do most property managers post rentals?
Most property management companies use online platforms like Zillow Rental Manager, Apartments.com, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace to reach potential residents. Many also use property management software to syndicate listings across multiple sites.