Capture Late-Summer Rental Demand

As summer winds down, the rental market enters one of its busiest periods, the back-to-school season. This window of high activity offers major opportunities for real estate professionals who work with rentals. From families seeking homes in desirable school districts to college students scrambling to secure housing before fall, renters are motivated and ready to move.

To make the most of this high-demand season, agents should prepare now with smart strategies that help them stand out, serve clients efficiently, and close more leases. Here's how to get ahead.

Understand the Back-to-School Renter Profile

Back-to-school season attracts a unique mix of renters, and understanding their priorities helps you match them with the right properties.

Common renter profiles this time of year include:

• Families looking to move before the new school year begins, often prioritizing school districts, neighborhood safety, and larger homes.
• College students and grad students searching for off-campus housing near universities.
• Professionals relocating due to job changes or promotions timed with the academic calendar.

Anticipate their needs by brushing up on local school ratings, commute times, and neighborhood amenities. Consider preparing a list of rental options by school zone or proximity to campus, it’s a powerful tool to demonstrate value to clients making fast decisions.

Expand and Refresh Your Rental Inventory

Rental demand surges in late summer, and if you’re not consistently adding new listings, you risk missing out. Now’s the time to:

• Re-connect with landlords whose properties were vacant in prior summers (they may need help again).
• Follow up on soon-to-expire leases. Tenants moving out before fall create new inventory.
• Reach out to owners of vacant or underperforming properties. They may be more open to rental income during this busy season.

Also, ensure your current listings are polished and up to date. Refresh photos, confirm availability, and rewrite descriptions to highlight seasonal perks, like air conditioning, nearby parks, or proximity to schools.

Streamline the Renter Experience

Renters moving in late summer often feel the pressure of tight deadlines. To help them move quickly and confidently:

• Simplify the application process with digital tools, like Apply Now from Rental Beast, that allow prospective tenants to apply directly online.
• Make communication easy. Respond quickly to inquiries, confirm showing availability fast, and offer virtual tours if needed.
• Set clear expectations for move-in timelines, fees, and requirements so renters can plan with certainty.

By offering a seamless experience, you'll gain a competitive advantage and build trust that leads to repeat business and referrals.

Stay Proactive and Visible

Visibility is everything in a fast-paced market. Proactive outreach keeps your pipeline full and positions you as a go-to rental expert. Consider:

• Sending targeted email or social campaigns promoting your available listings.
• Enabling Apply Now (for MLS-partnered agents) on your listings to syndicate them to Realtor.com® and OneHome® (where available).
• Partnering with local colleges or HR departments to get in front of new arrivals.

Even small efforts, like posting your listings on social media or sharing school district guides, can put you top-of-mind with renters and landlords alike.