On average, between 30 and 40% of Americans choose to rent their property over buying one.

While the pool of potential renters may be large, finding tenants is sometimes costly and always time-consuming. But without tenants in your rental property, you’re losing potential income.

You can find the best tenants through traditional methods like the newspaper or bulletins, of course. You might also consider posting your property online or working with a professional.

To learn more about how to find tenants using these methods, read this quick guide.

Traditional Ways to Find Tenants

A for-rent sign placed on the lawn of your rental property is perhaps the easiest and oldest method of advertising your rental property to find tenants. A sign is a simple way to attract passersby and people who already live in the neighborhood.

Advertising in newspapers is a tried and true method for finding tenants, especially if your rental property is located in a small town. And many newspapers have now gone online, so you have that option as well.

Flyers and bulletins are other great methods for finding tenants, depending on where the property is located. In small towns, flyers placed in grocery stores, community centers, and other local spots are an effective way to spread the word about your vacancy.

Finding Tenants Online

From services to cars and homes, nearly 30% of the people in the world shop online. Posting your rental property online is often free, and it gives you access to a wide audience from which to find the best tenants.

You might start by posting on social media. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are great free resources, and you can ask your friends and family to share your advertisement, too.

There are websites completely dedicated to rental properties. These may be local or national, and they’re a more strategic alternative to traditional classifieds. Most allow you to post pictures of your home, while some offer 3D virtual tours, giving tenants a chance to see themselves in your rental property.

Hire a Property Manager to Find the Best Tenants

It may not be a matter of knowing where to post that’s causing you a hard time finding tenants. It may simply be that you don’t have the time or resources to dedicate to this time-consuming task. In that case, it may be in your best interest to hire a property manager.

Because of their skill set and access to resources, property management companies know how to find tenants faster. They know where to advertise, how to set a competitive rental price, and how to find the best tenants in the interviewing process. You can see here for more on how a property manager will benefit your rental property.

More Advice for Your Rental Property

In a country where around 30 to 40% of people are renting their homes, it shouldn’t be difficult to find tenants. It’s just a matter of knowing where to advertise, which can be anywhere from newspapers to online. If you don’t have the time to dedicate to finding the best tenants, consider handing it off to a professional property manager.

And for more of the best advice for your rental property, be sure to check out our Real Estate Investment section.