The open house gives you an opportunity to transform potential renters' interest into a signature on your lease application. While an average tenant looks at several homes in one afternoon, blending in leaves no opportunity to make an impression. 

Therefore, you want to create the perfect first impression through a clean, bright home and a timely/urgent process that creates a sense of urgency. 

This article explains what you can do to prepare properly (i.e., curb appeal, repair work, deep cleaning) and avoid common "owner mistakes" so your rental stands out as the number-one choice for potential renters.

Why Rental Open Houses Matter

Open houses for rentals are important because they provide a faster way to lease property and attract more qualified renters quickly. 

You schedule one showing of your property at once instead of separate individual showings, which saves time. You get all of these pre-screened prospective tenants to view your home. 

When multiple qualified applicants see the same space, it creates natural urgency, and they will apply much more quickly than if there was no open house. An open house also provides you with a chance to highlight the best features of your property in a controlled environment that creates immediate emotional connection.

Prepare the Property Before the Open House

That first impression starts when the prospect leaves their vehicle. For example, you need to properly prepare your house for rent by maximizing natural light and deep cleaning.

If you have done everything you can at this point to make sure the property looks well cared for, you will be able to get ahead of other properties on the market immediately.

Enhance Curb Appeal

Cut the grass so that it is short enough to mow once per week; cut or trim back any shrubs along the sidewalk. Add new mulch around your plants. Paint your front door a good color (i.e., blue, red, yellow); replace old house numbers with new ones, and wash the driveway. 

 

When a potential tenant sees a clean and attractive exterior before viewing your home from the inside, he/she may begin to emotionally connect with it before stepping inside. This sets the tone for the remainder of the tour and creates a positive connection with your home.

Complete Repairs and Maintenance

Repair each leaky faucet, fix each sticky door, repair each broken outlet cover. Turn on all light switches, turn up/down both heating/cooling thermostats, and repair squeaky doors/hinges. 

 

When prospects see many minor maintenance issues during a viewing, they often view them as proof of lack of maintenance by the owner(s), which lowers the rental bid. A properly working home allows the owners to show pride in their investment and helps support the asking price without requiring justification.

Deep Clean the Rental

Go deeper than a surface cleaning. Clean the baseboards and clean the carpet with a steamer. Wash the windows on both sides. Sanitize each appliance. Eliminate ALL odors, not just visible stains. The cleaner a rental appears to be in terms of cleanliness and odor, the more likely potential renters are to imagine themselves living in it. This creates no hesitation for them to submit their application prior to leaving the property.

 

Common Open House Mistakes of Property Owners

Even a showplace-quality property can be completely un-rentable due to some basic leasing showings errors. Avoid the five most common leasing showings errors that will keep your open house from converting prospects into applicants.

Hovering During the Tour

Prospects do not enjoy being followed from room to room by a potential landlord/property manager. Allow them to tour your property in their own way. It is best for them to be able to imagine themselves living on your property. Keep yourself available for questions only at a single location such as an entryway. The extra space and lack of intrusion allow the prospect to develop a personal connection to the property rather than a negative experience.

Poor Lighting and Closed Blinds

Rooms that are dark appear small, cramped, cold, and very non-welcoming. Open every curtain and blind to let natural light shine through. Turn on all overhead lighting as well as all accent lighting. Schedule the open house during peak daylight hours. An empty room with plenty of natural light will appear much larger, cleaner, and move-in-ready, which will encourage quicker applications.

Failing to Pre-Screen Attendees

Allowing unqualified strangers to view your property wastes your time and eliminates urgency. Landlords who host successful rental open houses require strict pre-screening to build natural urgency. 

Therefore, prior to allowing anyone to view your property, have them complete a simple registration form indicating their income level (minimum gross monthly rental rate) and their expected move-in date. 

This will help identify qualified renters who are seriously looking for a place to rent. Additionally, it helps create competition among pre-registered renters who may arrive simultaneously at the same viewing.

Leaving Pets or Pet Evidence Behind

The barking of pets, pet evidence (e.g., pet hair, dander), and pet odors immediately drive prospects away. Renters who consider your rental property "pet friendly" still do not want to see another person's pet. 

Eliminate all signs of pets, including removing pets, thoroughly cleaning carpets and upholstered furniture, and eliminating all pet evidence. Ensure your rental property smells fresh and neutral, which signals a clean slate.

No Takeaway Information or Follow-Up Plan

Prospects looking for a home to rent before buying one may not remember you without a souvenir. Give them a well-organized, easy-to-read, single-page set of marketing materials that includes rental prices, amenities, and how to apply. 

At check-in, give them an opportunity to provide their contact information and then send out a follow-up e-mail as soon as possible after the viewing. The sooner you can follow up on a prospect's interest, the sooner they are likely to become a signed leaseholder.

Conclusion

A good rental open house does not happen without planning. The little things matter at an open house from the curb appeal through to your last follow-up. Make use of all available natural light while deep cleaning each surface and avoid common mistakes such as standing over people or using low light. 

Screen potential renters before they arrive for your open house. Create take-home materials and have a follow-up in place. If you prepare your open house with professionalism, you will be able to generate urgency and find quality renters quickly.