Using Craigslist For Rental Leasing

Craigslist is one of the largest sources of new rental prospects in most markets. All managers should have a Craigslist strategy and process. The Internet is the largest single source of leasing for rental properties today. More prospective renters identify their next home through the Internet than any other source. Looking more closely, in many markets and especially for rental homes, no source produces more prospects than Craigslist. Owners and managers are drawn to the tool by the cost - Free. Renters are drawn to the tool because the service is almost ubiquitous.

Before you use Craigslist, you have to recognize a couple points. First, Craigslist is subject to a significant amount of spam. The service is continually working to limit this, but the issue is large. Secondly, the service operators try to prevent advertisers from trying to manipulate it unfairly for their advantage. Because of this, you will need to read the terms and conditions of using Craigslist carefully. If you do not, you can find yourself unable to use the service.

There are several keys to using Craigslist successfully. First, you have to develop a standard ad structure that presents the impression you want your properties / rentals to have. At a minimum this form should include:

1) A description of the property,

2) A description of the rental units,

3) A description of amenities,

4) A clear statement of pricing and fees,

5) Contact information via email, phone, cell phone and (if possible) text,

6) Photos of the property. Craigslist limits you to 4 images. If you need more pictures, you will need to place them on the same image.

7) Directions to the property (I recommend offering directions from key landmarks). More than 1 set of directions can significantly improve results.

8) Hours of operation for the office if they will visit it first

Your ad should offer a professional and warm view of the property. Additionally, the ad should be simply organized with enough white space to make reading the information simple. Confused readers do not rent.

Plan to repost your add every 4th day. This will keep your property prominently among the Craigslist ads and will ensure you do not violate any terms of service you are implicitly agreeing to when you advertise. If you operate an apartment complex plan on only one ad per floor plan and one ad per address (advertise by individual address).

In general, most markets see steady strong traffic from their Craigslist advertising.

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