How to Create the Perfect Rental Listing

by Nichole Shahverdi  1/31/2025

Listing rental properties is one of the major responsibilities of a landlord or property manager. After all, if you don’t list and market your property, how will anyone know it’s available? It’s likely that you want as many eyes on it as possible to reduce vacancies. However, creating a detailed, compelling, and accurate property listing is essential. In today’s article, we’ll discuss how to make the perfect rental listing and what to avoid to ensure you post the best listing possible. 

Person creating the perfect rental listing on a computer, showcasing property images and a map on the screen.

Contents of This Article: 

  • What Does the Perfect Rental Listing Include? 
  • How to Write a Catchy Listing Title
  • Tips for Writing a Good Property Description
  • What to Avoid in Your Rental Listing
  • Let the Professionals Handle Listing Your Property

What Does the Perfect Rental Listing Include?

The first step in creating the perfect rental listing is knowing what to include in it. Whether you’re a landlord or a rental property management company in Northern Virginia, listing properties is a significant responsibility. That said, a good rental listing effectively portrays a property’s key features and benefits to prospective tenants. 

Rental listings should be accurate, engaging, and enticing enough for tenants to inquire further about the property. Your goal is to get them to schedule a showing and potentially rent the property. If you want to write the perfect rental listing, some of the key parts should include: 

  • An eye-catching title that grabs the reader’s attention
  • A detailed and appealing description of the property
  • High-quality, up-to-date photos or videos of the property

Along with these key details, there are several things to include in a rental listing description. After all, tenants will need as much information as possible about the property to determine whether or not they want to proceed further. That said, the perfect rental listing includes the following information. 

Basic Property Information

  • Listed rental price and which utilities are included in the rent
  • Security deposit amount and when it’s due
  • Information on additional fees or charges (application, pet, parking, etc.)
  • Type of property (apartment, condo, house, etc.)
  • Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
  • Total square footage of the property
  • Move-in date and lease duration
  • Pet policy and any restrictions
  • Smoking policy

Property Location Details

  • Property address or general location
  • Local amenities and nearby attractions
  • Proximity to public transit, schools, parks, and more

Features of the Property

  • Property layout and key features
  • Included appliances (fridge, stove, dishwasher, washer/dryer)
  • Type of flooring throughout the property
  • Parking options and availability
  • Outdoor areas like a yard, patio, or balcony
  • Access to amenities such as a pool, gym, or laundry facilities

Landlord or Property Manager Contact Information

  • Landlord or property manager’s name
  • Contact information like an email address, phone number, or both
  • Preferred method of contact

Photos and Visuals of the Property

How to Write a Catchy Listing Title

The headline of your rental property listing is one of the most essential elements. After all, it’s the very first thing prospective tenants will see, and it may even make or break whether or not they click on your listing. That said, you don’t have to overthink the listing title, but it should be straightforward and descriptive. 

When tenants are looking for a new property, there are a few basic points they’ll start with for their search. Most people start their search with the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, location, or price range they’re looking for. So, you’ll want to include these key details to help your listing stand out and gain more attraction. 

If someone is looking for these key details…

  • Price – number of bedrooms, property type, neighborhood, unique feature that makes the property stand out

Your listing may look something like this…

  • $1,800/month – 2 bed/1 bath rental home in Richmond, VA, with new appliances and hardwood flooring throughout

Tips for Writing a Good Property Description

Once you’ve come up with a catchy, attention-grabbing title, you’ll want to spend some time writing a description of the property. Start with a captivating title and strong opening sentence that highlights the property’s most attractive features, like its excellent location, unique design, or breathtaking views. 

Then, you should describe the property briefly, including details like the layout, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and any standout features. These may include updated appliances, hardwood floors, walk-in closets, or a fireplace. With that, you should give details on the size and square footage of the property. 

Next, highlight any amenities that set your property apart, whether it’s a swimming pool, outdoor spaces, or an onsite gym. In this section of the listing, you can also mention nearby schools, parks, restaurants, and shopping centers to emphasize the neighborhood’s appeal. 

Finally, don’t forget to include key details, like pet policies or any restrictions, parking options available for tenants, and which utilities or services are included in the rent amount.  

What to Avoid in Your Rental Listing

There are a few things you’ll want to avoid if you’re trying to write the perfect rental listing. For instance, you’ll want to keep things short, accurate, and descriptive. Some of the things you’ll want to avoid in your rental listing include the following. 

  • Inaccurate or incomplete information about the property
  • Exaggerated details or misleading claims about the property
  • Ignoring Fair Housing Laws by making discriminatory claims or statements
  • Very long, redundant property descriptions
  • Lack of contact information

With that, you should also review and spell-check your property listing to ensure it’s grammatically correct. Misspelled words or poor grammar may come across as unprofessional and may result in a tenant skipping across your listing. 

Let the Professionals Handle Listing Your Property

Creating the perfect rental listing doesn’t have to be hard. However, to be successful, it’s important to know what to include and how to write a description that grabs the attention of prospective tenants. If you’re struggling to list, manage, and maintain your property, hiring a professional property management company can help!

Professional Property Management in Northern Virginia has just what you’re looking for. Our team of reliable property managers can help with every step of the rental process, from listing and marketing, tenant screening, and lease signing to maintenance, rent collection, and inspections. Contact PPM today to learn how we can help your rental business succeed!



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