I need to rent out my apartment - help me brainstorm

[HoneySpider]

We officially told the property owner of our current apt that we are definitely going to move out early with a plan of being out by late June. We now have the pressure of finding a subletter for July 1.  They will help advertise but I don't want to rely on them, I want to be as proactive as possible. (The apartment building currently has no vacancies so they haven't been actively advertising, but now they will put the sign back out front, post craigslist ads, etc)

When we moved into our house several years back we also had to find a subletter to take over the condo we were renting. We just posted on craigslist, got a bunch of interest, and found someone fairly easily (it was a good property for a good price!) I think we have a desirable apt for this neighborhood but at the same time, I'm not expecting it to be EASY.

What are some ideas for advertising besides craigslist? I thought I'd post a flyer on the bulletin board at my PT job on the off-chance one of my co-workers knows someone who is looking. I'm not opposed to paying for something if I have to but would rather try free options first.

[HoneySpider]

I will also share on social media but I don't know that my personal network extends far enough

[estrellita]

Are there colleges nearby? Coffee shops, library, post office maybe?

As for online, maybe something like rent.com, apartmentfinder.com, etc. Not sure if you have to pay to post there though?

[HoneySpider]

There are several college in the area but it seems a lot of students are looking for subletters too because they are going home for the summer But, it doesn't hurt to look into it.

I will start keeping my eyes open for bulletin boards, I think our grocery store has one.

[ewall]

Maybe Rent.com? Any local apartment finding services or relocation services?

[amaranth]

I think redfin has a rent option, and maybe Zillow too

[amaranth]

Also call any churches in your neighborhood (if there are any). Sometimes they help people in their congregation search and may know of a need

[HoneySpider]

I will look into the various online sites and see what the deal is - I know our building is on rent.com etc

I hope I am being overly cautious and we will get someone in without a struggle but we can't afford to pay double rent so we need to find someone!

[bk1]

Good luck listing! The only times I've rented apartments I found them for word of mouth or driving around and seeing signs. So I'm no help. Just wanted to say good luck!

[krystee]

Are there any Twitter hashtags like #DC #forrent or something that might help get the word out?

I'd also put flyers in your neighbors' mailboxes in case they have friends who'd want to move in.

[katespade]

I don't have any ideas that haven't already been mentioned, but I wanted to say good luck when you do start advertising!

I changed my mind, I do have one: Does your area have local garage sale Facebook sites? I see rentals posted on mine pretty often.

[Marmee]

List it on Postlets....it automatically lists it on like 12 websites. That's all I've ever done & get tons of responses. I think it was sold to Zillow but still does the same thing. Just search "postlets".

Correction it looks like it lists on 20 websites now:


help.zillowrentalmanager.com/hc/en-us/articles/212934088

BTW: It's free

[HoneySpider]

Thanks everyone for the ideas! We'll be working on getting the apt "show ready" this weekend and taking photos so we can start postings and such on Monday. FX it's a smooth process.

[wanderingenough]

Nextdoor?

[HoneySpider]

So this might all be for nothing. We showed the apartment to someone today who was interested enough to put in an application and fees/deposit.

We didn't even advertise yet, the plan was to get the place ready this weekend to take photos and then start posting tomorrow. Well the other day the property owner did a blurb on some local blog/website and got a lead from there. The guy has been looking in the area so he knew this was a good property when he saw the listing (it really is, I am so sad to be leaving this neighborhood)

So, as long as his application goes through (which we believe it will) be have a subletter! Never expected this. FX.

Now we just need to find a place to live...

[awick14]

I hope it goes through and you are able to find a place that you can afford and is a better place for you.

[estrellita]

Yay! Glad you didn't have to do too much work to hopefully get it rented! Hope you can find a new place quickly!

[bk1]

That's awesome! ! I hope you guys find a new place that easily.

[Deleted]

I'm glad it wasn't too stressful. I hope finding a new place goes as smoothly.