How to Market Your Rental Property Effectively (And Attract the Right Tenants)

Finding a tenant is rarely the hard part. Finding the right tenant — quickly, compliantly and without unnecessary disruption — is where good marketing and structured management make the difference.

In an increasingly competitive rental market, how a property is presented, advertised and managed at the outset often determines the quality of enquiries that follow.

This guide explains how landlords can market their rental property effectively, while avoiding common pitfalls.

Where to advertise your rental property

Most tenants now search for rental property online, and the main property portals remain the primary starting point. Visibility on the right platforms ensures a property reaches tenants who are actively looking, rather than browsing casually.

That said, exposure alone is not enough. Listings that are poorly presented or unclear tend to attract unfocused enquiries, leading to wasted time and avoidable frustration.

Targeted advertising, combined with accurate information and clear expectations, is far more effective than broad, unfocused reach.

Why presentation matters more than price

Tenants form an opinion within seconds of seeing a listing. Before location, rent or floorplan, presentation sets the tone.

Clean, well-lit photographs that reflect the property honestly tend to outperform heavily edited or misleading images. Over-styled photography can create unrealistic expectations and often leads to disappointment at viewing stage.

A well-presented property signals good management. That impression carries through to the type of tenant enquiry received.

The role of photography in tenant quality

Good photography is not about making a property look larger than it is. It is about making it look clear, bright and well cared for.

Natural light, tidy spaces and simple composition are usually more effective than dramatic angles or excessive filters. Tenants respond well to clarity and realism.

Importantly, accurate photography also reduces the risk of disputes later. When a property is marketed honestly, expectations are aligned from the outset.

Writing a listing that works

A good property description should be informative, not promotional. Tenants want to understand what the property offers, how it is laid out, and what is included.

Clear details about rent, deposit, furnishings, parking, and council tax band reduce unnecessary back-and-forth. Overly vague listings often lead to unsuitable enquiries and wasted viewings.

Transparency at this stage benefits both landlord and tenant.

Viewings as part of the process, not a formality

Viewings are not simply about showing a property. They are an opportunity to set expectations and assess suitability.

Well-managed viewings tend to be calm, organised and informative. Rushed or disorganised viewings often lead to rushed decisions.

Tenants who feel informed and respected at viewing stage are more likely to proceed smoothly through referencing and into the tenancy.

Why compliance starts before the tenancy

Marketing and tenant-finding sit alongside legal obligations. Right to rent checks, deposit requirements and prescribed information should be considered early, not after an offer is accepted.

A structured approach avoids delays and reduces the risk of errors that can later affect possession or enforcement.

Good marketing brings the right tenant forward. Good process ensures the tenancy starts on solid ground.

A joined-up approach to tenant finding

Successful lettings are rarely accidental. They are the result of clear presentation, accurate information and consistent management.

At Hermens, tenant finding is approached as part of a wider, law-led process. Marketing, viewings, compliance and documentation are treated as connected steps, not separate tasks.

When done properly, this leads to better tenants, fewer issues and a smoother tenancy overall.