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Posting your rental listing online is the first step to getting new renters into your property. But due to the high competition for rental properties, it really does matter where you advertise your property. 

For that reason, we provided a guide on the best rental listing sites and how to post your rental listing to those sites for free, all at once.

What Should You Look for in a Rental Listing Site?

Besides selecting rental listing platforms that get the most views from prospective renters, you’ll also want to make sure that you’re selecting a listing platform that: 

  • Is trustworthy and secure 
  • Frequently visited by renters during their home search
  • Allows landlords to publish listings for free 

A big portion of selecting a great renter generally falls on the landlord during the tenant screening process, but some platforms can help attract more qualified renters than others. A site like Craigslist, one of the better-known options for finding a rental, is also one of the least regulated and known for rental scams.

Where to Post a Rental Listing Online for Free

Below are free rental listing sites that can help you market yours with no hidden fees. 

  • Avail (Part of Realtor.com): Avail, owned by Realtor.com, is a platform that allows you to publish your rental listing across multiple highly-visited websites for free. Examples of these sites include Zumper, Apartments.com, Realtor.com®, PadMapper, Apartment List, Walk Score, and Doorsteps. You can then schedule showings, screen applicants, and collect rent payments to keep everything in one place. 
  • Apartments.com: Apartments.com is a popular destination for many renters, with the site attracting over 50 million visitors. In addition to posting on their main site, your listing will go on ApartmentFinder, Apartamentos.com, ApartmentHomeLiving, and ForRent.com. There is no fee to market your listing on this site, but they offer a premium package for landlords looking to upload more than 6 visual assets to their listing. 
  • Facebook Marketplace: Facebook Marketplace is unique because it’s a social platform first, so many people are already on there to connect with others. While there may be a chance not all leads are high-quality, this platform can serve as another way to increase visibility on your available units. You can also share listings you posted on platforms like Avail or Apartments.com on your Facebook feed.
  • TurboTenant: Turbo Tenant allows you to market your unit for free on RentalSource, Redfin, Dwellsy, Apartments.com, Homes.com, and Realtor.com. You can also screen tenants, collect rent, and manage maintenance requests through the platform.  

Other platforms, such as Zillow Rental Manager and Stessa, are free for the first 30 days but require fees after that. 

Want more options? Check out these top 19 rental listing websites to use for your rental business.

How to Publish Your Rental Listing Online

Once you’ve determined your top platform, the next step is creating your first rental listing. In this step, it’s crucial to be as detailed as possible to increase your listing’s visibility and upload high-quality photos and videos of the unit. Make sure to check off settings related to:

  • If your unit allows pets and what type
  • Rent price and if you’re offering any rent specials
  • The property type
  • Number of beds and baths
  • Unit features like access to a balcony, in-unit washer and dryer, or central air conditioning
  • Community amenities open to the community

It may also be helpful to mention if your unit is in a gated community or provides access to a backyard, as some tenants may be looking for these keywords. To set the right expectations, mention your screening process and what fees applicants are expected to pay. 

Here is an example of a Chicago-based rental listing description:

“City Skyline Views: Charming, well-lit 3 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment in Old Town neighborhood. Close to the Red Line, shops, and nightlife on Wells Street, and walking distance from Whole Foods. Balcony for entertaining, hardwood flooring throughout. Pets are allowed, but tenants must pay a $300 pet deposit and $25 pet rent. All applicants must pay a $50 screening fee and authorize a credit and background check.”

To post your rental listing on Avail, complete the following steps:

  • Create an account: You can create an account for free to advertise your rental and access other features. Avail is free for unlimited units, but you can upgrade to Unlimited Plus to access features like lease cloning, waived ACH fees, and more.
  • Add your rental property: Set up your rental property by adding the full address and type of property.
  • Click on “Listings” to input the requested information: Add the information you want to show on your listing. Our system automatically generates titles and descriptions based on the provided information, but you can edit them to your liking. Also, upload high-quality photos of your property and add virtual tours. 
  • Publish once ready: Once you’ve finalized your listing, press publish.* 

Find Great Renters With Avail

There are various ways to post your rental listing online for free, so the key is knowing where to look. With Avail, you can find great renters in no time by advertising your rental across the top dozen rental sites. 

All you need to do is create an account, set up your rental properties, and create an online rental listing.