Finding quality tenants for your rental property is essential for maintaining a steady income, reducing vacancy periods, and avoiding problematic renters. In South Africa’s competitive rental market, landlords need a strategic approach to attract and retain reliable tenants. This guide outlines the best practices for marketing your rental, setting the right price, and ensuring your property appeals to prospective tenants.
1. Set a Competitive Rental Price
Pricing your rental correctly is one of the most critical factors in attracting tenants. Overpricing can lead to longer vacancies, while underpricing can reduce your return on investment.
How to Set the Right Price:
- Compare similar listings in your area on Propertify, Property24, and Private Property.
- Consider factors like location, size, amenities, and condition of the property.
- Check market demand trends—areas near business districts, schools, and transport hubs typically command higher rental rates.
- Offer flexible lease terms if market conditions are slow.
📌 Tip: If you’re struggling to find tenants, consider offering incentives like a reduced deposit or one month rent-free.
2. Advertise on the Right Platforms
A well-marketed rental property reaches more potential tenants and fills vacancies faster.
Where to List Your Rental Property:
- Propertify.co.za – A growing platform connecting landlords with serious tenants.
- Property24 & Private Property – Two of South Africa’s largest property listing sites.
- Facebook Marketplace & Groups – Many renters search for accommodation on social media.
- Gumtree – Popular for casual rental seekers.
- Real Estate Agencies – If you prefer a hands-off approach, an agent can market your property for you.
📌 Tip: Use multiple platforms to increase visibility and reach different tenant demographics.
3. Create an Attractive Listing
A strong online listing makes your rental stand out and generates more enquiries.
What to Include in Your Listing:
✅ High-quality photos – Clear, well-lit images of each room and key features.
✅ A compelling description – Highlight unique features like pet-friendliness, security, or backup power.
✅ Amenities & extras – Fibre-ready, secure parking, pool, gym, etc.
✅ Exact location – Mention nearby schools, malls, public transport, and business hubs.
✅ Transparent pricing – Clearly state rental costs, deposit requirements, and levies.
📌 Tip: Listings with videos or virtual tours get 40% more engagement than those with just photos.
4. Keep Your Property Well-Maintained
Tenants are more likely to apply for a well-presented, move-in-ready home.
How to Make Your Rental More Appealing:
- Deep clean the unit before listing it.
- Ensure everything works – Fix leaky taps, faulty lights, and broken appliances.
- Repaint walls if necessary to give the property a fresh look.
- Maintain outdoor spaces – Gardens and patios should be tidy.
- Upgrade outdated features – Small improvements like modern light fixtures or new cupboard handles can add value.
📌 Tip: A well-maintained home not only attracts tenants faster but also justifies higher rent.
5. Offer Desirable Features
Tenants look for properties that offer comfort, security, and convenience.
Popular Features Tenants Want:
🔹 Security – Electric fencing, CCTV, alarm system, access control.
🔹 Backup power – Solar panels, inverters, or generators to counter load shedding.
🔹 Fibre internet – Essential for professionals and remote workers.
🔹 Parking – Secure parking is a big plus, especially in urban areas.
🔹 Pet-friendliness – Many tenants are looking for pet-friendly rentals.
📌 Tip: Mention these features prominently in your listing to attract more enquiries.
6. Screen Tenants Thoroughly
Finding a tenant quickly is important, but selecting the right tenant is crucial to avoid payment issues and property damage.
Tenant Screening Checklist:
✅ Credit check – Ensure the tenant has a good credit history.
✅ Employment verification – Confirm job stability and income.
✅ Rental history – Contact previous landlords for references.
✅ Affordability assessment – A tenant’s income should be at least 3 times the rental amount.
📌 Tip: Use a rental agent or tenant screening service to vet applicants professionally.
7. Be Responsive & Professional
A good landlord-tenant relationship starts before the lease is signed.
Best Practices:
- Respond quickly to rental enquiries.
- Be friendly and accommodating during viewings.
- Provide clear lease terms upfront to avoid misunderstandings.
- Keep communication open and professional to build trust.
📌 Tip: Tenants are more likely to choose a landlord who is approachable and reliable.
8. Use Incentives to Attract Tenants
Offering small perks can make your listing more appealing compared to competitors.
Attractive Incentives Include:
✅ One month rent-free for long-term leases.
✅ Reduced deposit or split deposit payments.
✅ Free fibre installation or a prepaid Wi-Fi package.
✅ Discounted rent for the first few months.
📌 Tip: Temporary discounts can help fill vacancies faster and offset losses from an empty property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I attract more tenants to my rental property?
Price it competitively, advertise on multiple platforms, offer desirable features (security, fibre, parking), and ensure the property is well-maintained.
What do renters look for in a home?
Security, internet access, modern finishes, backup power, proximity to transport and schools, and pet-friendliness are key factors tenants consider.
What is the best way to advertise a rental property?
List on Propertify, Property24, Private Property, Facebook Marketplace, and use high-quality photos and engaging descriptions.
How long does it take to find a tenant?
It depends on location and demand. Well-priced, well-marketed properties in sought-after areas can find tenants in 1-4 weeks.
What incentives work best to attract tenants?
Common incentives include first-month rent-free, reduced deposits, and free Wi-Fi to attract long-term renters.
Conclusion
Attracting tenants requires more than just listing your property—it’s about pricing it right, advertising effectively, and offering features that renters value. By maintaining the property, screening applicants, and using creative incentives, landlords can find quality tenants quickly and keep vacancies low.
