How to write a rental listing that attracts tenants

A well-written rental listing is one of the most effective tools a landlord has for attracting qualified tenants quickly. A listing that clearly communicates what is on offer, what is expected, and what makes the unit worth applying for will generate more serious inquiries and reduce the time spent filtering out mismatches. This guide covers the nine components every strong rental listing should include.

1. Property Type

State the type of property upfront: apartment, house, townhouse, basement suite, room in a shared unit, and so on. Renters search by property type and will filter out listings that are not specific. Be clear about whether you are renting the full unit or a room within a multi-bedroom space.

2. Location and Nearby Amenities

Many renters choose a unit based primarily on location. Beyond the address, highlight what is nearby that matters to your target renter: transit stations, university campuses, schools, grocery stores, restaurants, a business district, parks, or fitness facilities. Renters can check a map themselves, but surfacing this information in the listing immediately signals that your unit meets their practical needs.

3. Unit Details

Include the key details renters need to assess fit: number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage if known, whether the unit is furnished or unfurnished, and maximum occupancy. This is also the right place to state your pet policy and smoking rules upfront — doing so pre-screens applicants and avoids having to cover these topics in every inquiry.

4. Lease Terms

Renters need to know the financial and practical requirements before they apply. Include the monthly rent, lease type (fixed-term or month-to-month), minimum lease duration, payment frequency, and the availability date. If you require a security or pet deposit, note this here as well.

5. Features and Amenities

In competitive markets, features can be the deciding factor between two similar units. Note everything included: in-suite laundry, air conditioning, a dishwasher, parking, a balcony, building amenities like a gym or rooftop, and anything else that adds value. If your unit has been recently renovated, say so.

6. Utilities

Be explicit about which utilities are included in the rent and which are the tenant's responsibility. This gives renters a more accurate picture of the true monthly cost and reduces confusion after signing. Water, heat, electricity, internet, and cable each deserve a clear answer.

7. Parking and Storage

State clearly whether parking and storage are available, whether they cost extra, and what type they are (covered or surface parking, locker or in-unit storage). These are common questions renters have early in their search and answering them in the listing saves time on both sides.

8. Photos

Strong photos are the most effective way to generate interest before a showing. Include as many quality photos as possible — typically a minimum of eight to ten — covering all key areas: kitchen, living room, each bedroom, bathrooms, and any outdoor space. The unit should be clean, decluttered, and well-lit before any photos are taken. See our [rental photography guide] for tips on shooting effectively without a professional photographer.

9. Video or Virtual Tour

Video walkthroughs add a level of detail that photos cannot match, and are particularly valuable for renters searching from out of town or abroad. A short, steady walkthrough of each room gives applicants a realistic sense of the space. You can upload your own video, link to a hosted video, or link to a 3D tour. Listings with video consistently perform better in terms of serious applicant conversion.

Writing Your Description

The written description is your opportunity to highlight anything the template fields do not capture: nearby services, the neighbourhood character, recent upgrades, or what kind of tenant the unit is best suited for. Keep it concise and factual. If you are using liv.rent, the Smart Description AI feature can generate a compelling description automatically based on your listing details.

What Not to Include

Avoid any language in your listing that could be construed as discriminatory under provincial human rights codes. Landlords cannot specify preferences related to age, family status, place of origin, religion, or other protected characteristics. Consult your province's human rights guidelines before publishing.

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