How to Rent Your House - Find a Renter

Once you’ve decided to rent your property, only a few more steps stand in your way of leasing your house and becoming a landlord.

Get your rental property in shape

Before you rent your home, make sure all appliances, plumbing and wiring are working properly and all flooring, walls and foundations are sound and clean. Check that all doors, stairways, windows and fire escapes work, and ensure that exterior walls, decks/patios and the yard are clean and safe. The outside of your home is often the first and most lasting impression for a potential renter, so make sure it looks appealing. Also, note the condition of all these items, and the house in general, for reference when the renter(s) move(s) out.

Appraise your rental listing

To gauge how much to charge for rent, you first need to know how much it is worth. Some online sources offer property appraisals, or you can consult a property manager.

Choose a rental price

The “right” price is based on a number of things, namely location, other area prices and property value. Good locations - those that will raise the rent of your home - offer close proximity to universities, shopping districts, metro stations, office parks and culturally popular areas. Locations that will require a decrease in price are crime-prone and/or significant distances from services. Also, check other rental prices around your property listing, particularly those with equivalent sizes, amenities and features, to gather a price range. Considerations such as providing furnishings and allowing pets will also affect rent price. Lastly, list the rental home at a slightly higher price than you seek and adjust based on reception.

Advertise your rental property

List your rental property on Rentals.com - the ultimate renting business tool and listing service - to reach millions of renters each month and rent your house in no time. Post rental property pictures, detailed descriptions, amenities and special features. Your property listing can also appear on our Network of Sites - more than 30 other Web sites - and you can track leads via My.Rentals.com, all of which makes rental advertising simple and easy. Print out the flyers included in your Rentals.com listing package, and distribute them around your community, including grocery stores, gyms and shopping centers. Also, talk to others in your community and inform your neighbors that you are renting your house. Additionally, you can order a Rentals.com yard sign to attract drive-by tenants.

Find a renter and lease your home

After advertising the rental and receiving leads from Rentals.com, you can check the rental history of prospective renters to choose the one best suited to your property. Then decide on lease specifics. Although most leases run for one year, are you willing to accept a six-month one? Nine-month? Is subleasing okay? Pets? Smoking? Make sure your lease covers all these issues explicitly and thoroughly.