Wondering where you’re going to find your next Myrtle Beach tenant?
It doesn’t have to be complicated. We focus our marketing efforts and set up a screening process that results in a well-screened, highly qualified resident. Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Step 1: Prepare Your Myrtle Beach Rental Property
You’ll have a very hard time attracting good tenants if you’re not offering a home that those good tenants will want to rent.
First impressions matter. Before you launch into a marketing and advertising strategy for your rental property, ensure it’s in excellent condition. You want prospective tenants to imagine moving right in as soon as they see it. Here are some of the things that need your attention:
- Conduct Repairs. Make it move-in ready. Fix leaky faucets, damaged flooring, or any visible signs of wear and tear.
- Clean Thoroughly. A tidy, fresh-smelling property invites more interest. Invest in professional cleaning services to make your property shine.
- Stage the Space. Highlight the property’s best features for both the listing and the potential showings. If it’s a vacation-style rental, think about staging that beachy vibe Myrtle Beach is loved for. If it’s a long-term rental home, make sure you’re creating the type of connection that makes tenants feel like it’s a home.
By presenting a well-maintained home, you not only attract a larger pool of applicants but also set expectations for how tenants should treat your property.
Step 2: Market Your Property Effectively
You have a great property, but you’re not going to find tenants for it unless you spread the word. Use a combination of traditional and digital marketing to reach prospective tenants.
- Online Listings. Tenants are looking for their next home online. Make sure you’re online too, with a listing that’s going to stand out from all the other listings that tenants are scrolling through. Use high-quality photos and detailed descriptions when advertising on platforms like Zillow, Apartments.com, or even Facebook Marketplace.
- Local Networking. Partner with local real estate agencies or property management companies that understand the Myrtle Beach market. They’ll connect your property to some well-qualified renters.
- Highlight Unique Features. A generic listing isn’t going to do much. What makes your property special? This is what your marketing efforts must focus on. Does your property offer ocean views, proximity to Myrtle Beach attractions, or access to community amenities? Was the kitchen recently renovated? Are there smart home technologies? These are the features and perks that need to be front and center.
Invest time in writing a compelling listing title and description that’s going to grab attention from tenants who are scrolling through a lot of online ads.
Step 3: Use Tenant Screening for Smart Tenant Selections
This is one of the most critical steps in the rental process. Finding tenants isn’t just about filling vacancies; it’s about selecting the right tenants who will care for the property and pay rent on time. As Myrtle Beach property managers, we have some great technology that delivers a consistent, fair, and legally compliant screening process. We’re objective and rigorous.
Here are the screening tips you should follow:
- Verify Employment and Income
Ensure the tenant has stable employment and a reliable income that’s enough to cover all expenses including the monthly rent and still have a sufficient amount left over to live. Collect recent pay stubs or income verification letters from whoever they receive income from.
- Request References
Speak with previous landlords to gauge whether the prospective tenant maintained a good rental history, paid rent on time, and adhered to agreements.
- Run Credit and Background Checks
You’re looking for past evictions, any convicted felonies, or potential financial problems. Make sure you’re thorough without being invasive. Your application must give you permission to check the background of any applicants. Include questions about pets and number of occupants. Make sure you’re compliant with Fair Housing Laws during this process.
Screening not only protects your property but also ensures a smoother landlord-tenant relationship. You have a good idea about the background of the tenant you’re placing, and when you are successful in finding the right tenant, you can expect a pleasant and profitable rental experience.
Step 4: Draft a Solid Lease Agreement
Once you’ve selected and approved a tenant, formalize the terms with a comprehensive lease agreement. Make sure the document includes:
- Monthly rent amount and due date. Include information about grace periods, late fees, and consequences for not paying rent.
- Security deposit conditions and what the tenant has to do to get that security deposit returned at the end of the lease.
- Maintenance responsibilities and the property reporting procedure for repairs that are needed.
- Rules about subletting, pets, and property usage.
- Consequences for breaking the lease terms.
Working with a property manager in Myrtle Beach can ensure your lease complies with South Carolina rental laws.
Step 5: Build Long-Term Relationships with Tenants
A positive landlord-tenant relationship can lead to higher tenant retention and fewer vacancies. Keep your tenants happy with clear communication. Respond promptly to maintenance requests and inquiries. Offer tenants conveniences and amenities. Consider adding perks like high-speed internet or flexible lease terms to make your property stand out. You also want to respect your tenants and their privacy. Give proper notice before entering the property and ensure privacy is honored.
Satisfied tenants are more likely to renew their leases, saving you time and money on marketing and turnover costs.
Bonus Tip for Myrtle Beach Landlords
We’ve delivered the step-by-step process we promised for finding a great tenant.
But wait, there’s more. The Myrtle Beach rental market is unique due to its strong tourism and seasonal demand. Consider tailoring your approach based on your ideal tenant—whether you’re targeting long-term renters or capitalizing on short-term vacation stays.
If you’re a local landlord balancing multiple properties or want to leverage professional expertise, partnering with a local Myrtle Beach property management company like J&P Unlimited could make the entire process seamless.
Finding tenants in Myrtle Beach can be a straightforward and stress-free process when you have a clear plan. Your property management partner will keep your property in excellent condition, use effective marketing strategies to reach a wider audience, and prioritize thorough tenant screening to protect your investment.
Let’s talk about how we can help with this. Contact us at J & P Unlimited. We manage investment properties in Myrtle Beach, Conway, Surfside Beach, Murrells Inlet, Socastee and the surrounding areas.
