14 Apartment Showing Tips for Landlords [2023 Guide]

Scheduling an apartment showing is the next step after prospective tenants reach out to you. Understanding proper apartment showing etiquette is vital, as this encounter serves as your first impression for prospective renters.

Learn how to show an apartment like a professional with the tips from this article. Soon, you’ll be well on your way to filling vacancies sooner and maximizing the return on your investment.

1. Write a Detailed Listing

You can’t schedule apartment showings without attracting prospective renters first. That’s why you need to take your time to draft up a descriptive, well-written, and catchy listing.

2. Know All Featured Amenities

Prospective renters will likely have several questions at your apartment showing. Knowing the featured amenities of your property and the surrounding area will help you make a great first impression.

3. Schedule Separate Property Showings

While open houses are often considered time savers, they can hurt landlords in the long run. Scheduling an individualized apartment viewing instead of an open house helps you to prioritize renters. Those who plan a rental viewing quickly show initiative and typically indicate a higher level of interest.

4. Take Timing Into Account

Know when your listing looks best and schedule an apartment showing during that time.

For example, are there times of the day that are unbearably hot?

Maybe the view of the sunset is unbeatable?

Whatever the case, work the best aspects into your showings to better showcase your listing.

5. Prepare All Relevant Paperwork

It’s no secret that a lot of paperwork is involved in bringing on a new tenant. Thankfully, with the help of online application and lease software, you don’t have to worry about lugging countless stacks of paperwork to each apartment showing.

6. Determine Tenant Criteria Beforehand

Before you show your apartment, ensure you understand what criteria you are willing to accept in a tenant and what is entirely unacceptable. Having written criteria before meeting may help prevent potential issues with tenants not upholding community rules and regulations.

7. Prepare Questions Beforehand

In line with knowing your tenant criteria, you should also prepare a list of questions ahead of time. Consider factors such as who will be living in the unit, what pets they have, their parking needs, etc.

8. Maintain a Flexible Schedule

Consider prospective tenants’ schedules when arranging apartment showings. Remember that most will only be available on weekends or after working hours during the week. Maintain a flexible schedule during times of vacancy to help get it filled quicker.

9. Consider Creating Handouts

Creating handouts demonstrates your thoughtfulness and organization levels as a landlord. Flyers also allow renters to have readily available information without asking as many questions. They also serve as excellent take-home pieces to keep your property front of mind after they leave the apartment showing.

10. Give a Great First Impression

Remember that an apartment showing will be your opportunity to leave a great first impression on a prospective renter. Come early to tidy up, be professional, and be eager to answer any questions they may have.

11. Communicate with Existing Tenants

If you show your apartment before it is vacant, ensure you constantly communicate with existing tenants. Schedule showings around their availability and ensure the property will be in its best condition before your apartment showing appointments arrive.

12. Be Stern with Rental Requirements

It can be easy to waver on your rental requirements when meeting with individuals in person, but you must stand firm. As long as your rental conditions are fair, you should avoid making exceptions to things such as background checks, credit checks, security deposits, etc.

13. Soft Sell The Unit

On the day of the apartment showing, provide the necessary information and take a step back. You never want to hard sell your apartment, as it can make potential tenants uncomfortable. Instead, let your property speak for itself by being relaxed and confident.

14. Take The Fix, Stage, and Clean Approach

To showcase that you are a responsive and attentive landlord, ensure any maintenance issues, big or small, have been addressed before the apartment showing. Staging can help tenants visualize living in the unit as well. Lastly, arrive early to every apartment showing to clean up any last-minute items.

Final Thoughts

An apartment showing shouldn’t be taken lightly. After all, it’s your time as a landlord to showcase your unit and yourself. So put your best foot forward by knowing what questions to ask potential renters, and get started listing your unit today with Apartment List!