One of the most important steps in attracting quality tenants and reducing vacancy time is making an effective rental listing. Yet, landlords are rushing to post listings filled with errors, missing information, or poor visuals. These mistakes not only cost you time but can also attract the wrong tenants or hinder qualified renters altogether.
In this blog, let’s explore the most common rental listing mistakes landlords make and how to avoid them so your property stands out in the Kansas City rental market.
1. Poor or Incomplete Property Descriptions
Your property description is your chance to highlight what makes your rental unique, but many landlords either write too little or overload their listings with vague phrases. Simply saying "nice home in good area" won’t help renters understand why they should choose your property.
Avoid this mistake by:
Describing the property layout and features, like hardwood floors, granite countertops, or fenced backyard
Mentioning upgrades or new appliances
Highlighting the benefits of the location, if it’s near highways, school districts, or shopping centers
Being specific and factual without overhyping
A clear, honest description helps set expectations and appeals to tenants who are a good match.
2. Low-Quality or Missing Photos
Photos are the most viewed part of your rental listing. Yet, many landlords either post a single blurry image or no images at all. Potential renters may scroll right past your listing without good visuals.
What to do instead:
Use high-resolution photos taken in natural light
Capture every room, including kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, living areas, and outdoor spaces
Clean and stage the property before taking photos
Include at least 10–15 photos to give renters a complete view
Remember, renters are more likely to schedule showings for properties they can see online.
3. Overpricing the Rental
Setting your rent too high, especially without considering the local market, can significantly slow down your leasing process. Overpricing can lead to longer vacancies and ultimately result in a higher cost than pricing your unit competitively.
Here’s how to get it right:
Use a rental analysis to determine a fair market rate
Compare similar properties in your neighborhood
Factor in your property’s condition, amenities, and square footage
Adjust rent based on demand and seasonality
We always recommend getting a professional rental analysis done. This ensures you're not underpricing or pricing yourself out of the market.
4. Leaving Out Important Information
A listing that doesn’t include essential information can frustrate potential tenants. Renters want to know what they’re signing up for before reaching out, and they’ll likely skip your listing if you leave out key details.
Your listing should always include:
Monthly rent amount
Security deposit
Lease duration
Pet policy
Parking availability
Application process and fees
Move-in date
Being advanced also helps reduce inquiries from tenants who don’t meet your criteria.
5. Ignoring Fair Housing Compliance
Fair housing laws are essential, and failure to comply, intentionally or not, can lead to serious legal issues. Phrases like “ideal for single professionals” or “no children” may seem harmless, but they can be viewed as discriminatory.
To avoid violations:
Focus your listing on the property, not the tenant
Avoid making assumptions about who would be a “good fit”
Use inclusive language that complies with federal, state, and local fair housing laws
You may also consult a legal professional or your property management company to ensure your listing meets all requirements.
6. Not Updating Listings Regularly
If your listing has been sitting online for weeks without updates or new information, renters may assume it’s either no longer available or not worth considering. Stale listings can hurt your visibility on listing platforms too.
What to do:
Refresh your listing every week or two with updated photos or descriptions
Adjust the rent if the market has shifted
Monitor listing performance such as views and inquiries, and adapt accordingly
Keeping your listing fresh ensures it stays relevant and attractive to renters.
7. Not Screening Inquiries Efficiently
When your listing is live, you’ll likely get many inquiries, some serious, some not. Failing to pre-screen or communicate efficiently can waste time and lead to bad tenant experiences.
Avoid this mistake by:
Responding promptly to all inquiries
Asking basic pre-screening questions like income, move-in timeline, and pets
Offering virtual tours when possible to save time
Using a property management platform to track and filter applicants
Efficiency here helps you find qualified tenants faster and avoid unnecessary delays.
8. Skipping a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)
Even the best listing won’t perform if you don’t tell renters what to do next. A weak or missing CTA can reduce the number of applicants reaching out.
Make it clear by saying things like:
“Apply online now through our tenant portal.”
“Schedule your showing today, this home won’t last!”
“Contact us to learn more about the application process.”
A clear next step gives renters the urge they need to take action.
Let Oz Accommodations Help You Avoid Costly Listing Mistakes
At Oz Accommodations, we know how important your rental listings are in today’s competitive market. That’s why we take care of the details for you—from writing compelling descriptions and capturing professional photos to pricing your property correctly and ensuring full legal compliance.
We’re here to help Kansas City landlords like you fill vacancies faster, attract better tenants, and reduce the stress of property management. If you want a listing that works as hard as you do, contact our team today.
Contact us today to learn more about our property marketing and management services.
Frequently Asked Questions: Creating Effective Rental Listings in Kansas City
1. How can I make my rental listing stand out in a competitive market like Kansas City?
To stand out, focus on three key areas such as strong photos, a clear and honest description, and competitive pricing. Use high-quality, well-lit photos, highlight unique property features, and align your listing to the local market. Mention proximity to major employers, schools, public transit, or popular neighborhoods to grab renters’ attention.
2. Is it necessary to include a virtual tour in my rental listing?
Virtual tours are not required, but it can significantly boost engagement and help your property reach more tenants, especially those relocating to Kansas City. A simple video tour filmed on a smartphone or a 3D virtual tour can set your listing apart and save time for both parties.
3. What should I avoid saying in my rental listing to stay compliant with fair housing laws?
Avoid language that references specific types of people, like “perfect for young professionals” or “no kids”. Instead, focus on property details, like “two-bedroom apartment with private backyard”, and stay neutral. Always follow federal, state, and local fair housing guidelines.
