Summer has arrived, which means it’s time for all the college students to return home for the summer. While they’re gone, consider using the summer months to update your rental property to attract those same renters when they come back this fall. Not sure how to make your rental appeal to students? We’ve got you covered.
Appearance Is Everything
Students must be able to imagine themselves living in your rental, and one way you can promote this is by giving your property a face-lift. Update your signage with a trendy font, give buildings a fresh coat of paint in bold colors, and add some landscaping.
Social Media Presence
You’ve probably already heard this advice a million times, but you have to be on social media if you want to attract young people to your business. Instagram and TikTok are especially important because they allow students to see the property without even having to visit. Make sure you show pictures and videos of real residents (with their permission, of course!) hanging out, hosting events, and using the amenities.
Technology Integration
College students today don’t carry cash, and most have probably never written a check. Update your payment system so that students can pay bills from your website, and double-check to see if your site is mobile-friendly.
Using Smart Tech
One key way to make your rental appeal to students is to use app-based technology as much as possible. For example, replace old coin-operated laundry machines with new digital payment machines, or install devices that give residents the option to pay via an app.
Competitive Prices
This tip is simple dollars and sense. Your property needs to be a better value than the alternative, which, for most students, is living in campus dorms. Emphasize your property’s privacy, parking, and amenities to potential customers since dorms often lack in those areas.
Flexible Leases
Many college students don’t live in town year-round, so offering eight- and nine-month leases is a huge selling point. Another alternative is to offer students the option to sublet their apartments during the summer.
Quick Response Time
The ubiquitous presence of smartphones and social media causes most young people to expect an immediate response when they reach out to someone. If you want to attract more student renters, you need to be better than the competition at replying to inquiries, especially after hours.
Attracting more college students to your rental property doesn’t need to be rocket science. Use these tips to update your property during the summer months so that you’re ready for business this fall.