Why Your Rental Might Be Sitting Vacant—And How to Fix It
Let’s uncover what’s keeping your unit empty (and how to fill it fast).
You’ve got a rental property ready to go. The paint is fresh, the appliances are humming, and you’re watching the days tick by without a single inquiry.
No calls. No showings. No applications. Just… silence.
Vacancy is every landlord’s least favorite word—and for good reason. Every day a unit sits empty is a day of lost income, and over time, those losses can eat into your margins and momentum.
But here’s the good news: most vacancies aren’t random. They’re caused by a handful of common issues—and once you know what to look for, you can usually fix them fast.
Let’s break down the top reasons your rental might be sitting vacant and how to turn things around.
This is the most common culprit. Investors often base rent on what they need to cash flow, not what tenants are actually willing to pay.
Warning signs:
You’re getting clicks but no showings
Nearby listings with similar features are priced lower
Rent increases from the previous lease were too aggressive
How to fix it:
Run updated comps using active listings and recently leased units within a 1-mile radius
Factor in square footage, amenities, and condition—not just bed/bath count
If you're getting zero traction, consider dropping the price by 5–10% to start
Reassess your hold strategy if the property only cash flows at above-market rents
Pro tip: Markets shift fast—especially during the off-season. Be willing to adjust with demand.
Even the best unit can sit unnoticed if your listing doesn’t grab attention. Remember, your first showing happens online.
Common photo mistakes:
Poor lighting or low-resolution images
Cluttered or unfurnished rooms
No wide-angle shots to show layout
Outdated seasonal décor (like a snowman in June)
How to fix it:
Hire a professional real estate photographer—worth every penny
Stage the unit (even modestly) to help renters visualize living there
Highlight features like natural light, storage space, or updated finishes
Include floorplans or 3D tours if available
Think of your listing like a dating profile: If the photos aren’t appealing, you won’t get the swipe.
Posting your rental on one or two sites isn’t enough—especially in a competitive or slow market.
Where to list:
Zillow, Apartments.com, RentCafe
Craigslist (still surprisingly effective in some regions)
Facebook Marketplace and local housing groups
Corporate housing boards or traveling nurse platforms (for mid-term rentals)
Other strategies:
Reach out to local property managers or relocation companies
Partner with HR departments at nearby hospitals or tech firms
Offer a referral bonus to previous tenants, neighbors, or agents
The goal: Get your unit in front of as many qualified eyes as possible. Visibility drives velocity.
Photos might draw people in—but your words seal the deal. A vague or boring listing won’t inspire people to click or schedule a tour.
Red flags in listing copy:
Missing key info (e.g., pet policy, utilities, parking)
Generic language ("Nice home in quiet area")
Walls of text with no formatting
How to fix it:
Lead with what sets the unit apart (e.g., “Top-floor 2-bed with vaulted ceilings and in-unit laundry”)
Use bullet points for clarity: rent, deposit, square footage, amenities, lease terms
Emphasize walkability, nearby employers, or upgrades
Write like you're talking to a real person—clear, friendly, and honest
Bonus tip: Always include the call to action—how to apply or book a showing—at the end.
In some cases, the property is great, the price is fair… but no one’s seeing it because showings are limited or poorly scheduled.
What to check:
Are showings only available during weekday business hours?
Is there someone onsite to answer questions or provide access?
Are no-shows and cancellations wasting your time?
How to fix it:
Use self-showing lockboxes or smart locks to expand access
Offer evening and weekend slots—especially during move-in season
Send calendar invites and confirmation texts to reduce no-shows
Consider hiring a leasing agent if time or distance is an issue
The easier it is to see the unit, the faster it will rent.
Sometimes, the issue isn’t huge—but it’s just enough to turn renters off.
Watch for:
Dated carpet or flooring
Lingering odors (especially from pets or smoke)
Dim lighting, peeling paint, or lack of curb appeal
Unkept common areas (if in a multi-unit building)
How to fix it:
Invest in small updates like fresh paint, modern lighting, or new hardware
Deep clean thoroughly—including vents, appliances, and windows
Replace worn flooring or blinds
Add a welcome mat or plants near the entry
Think like a renter: Would you want to live there, as-is? If not, make it feel warm, safe, and move-in ready.
Sometimes, everything looks good—but you're marketing to the wrong audience.
Example mismatches:
A studio apartment in a suburban family-oriented neighborhood
A high-end condo marketed in a college-town Facebook group
A mid-term furnished unit promoted only on long-term rental platforms
How to fix it:
Reframe your marketing based on who your ideal tenant is
Use tenant avatars to guide your listing photos and copy
Test different platforms and groups to find where your best leads come from
Dialing in your messaging helps you reach the right tenants faster.
Diagnose, Adjust, and Don’t Panic
Vacancies are stressful—but they’re also fixable. The key is not to panic or slash rent right away, but to diagnose the issue with a clear process:
Audit your pricing against current comps
Improve listing photos and copy
Expand your advertising reach
Make showings easier and more flexible
Refresh the unit where needed
Target the right renter for the property
In most cases, a combination of visibility, presentation, and pricing will get your unit leased quickly—and often to a better-quality tenant.