Listing Your Rental, to get the right applicant.

How to Write a Rental Listing That Attracts Quality Tenants — and Avoids the Wrong Ones



Let’s be real for a moment.


The goal of a rental listing isn’t just to fill your property — it’s to attract quality tenants who will treat your investment with respect and reliability.


But here’s the truth: how you write your rental listing could be inviting all the wrong applicants. The last thing any landlord wants is a “professional tenant” who knows how to work the system. Lost income, endless frustration, and potential property damage can quickly turn your investment into a nightmare.


Here are some key points to consider when writing your rental listing:


1. Attach a Professional Name to the Listing

If you’re using a property management company, let them attach their name to the listing.

  • Trust matters. Quality applicants appreciate working with someone local and professional — not what they might call an “absent landlord.”
  • Protection matters. “Professional tenants” know that most management companies conduct proper background checks, so they’re less likely to even apply.


2. Use Clear, Honest Photos

Nobody expects realtor-quality images, but potential tenants do want to see what they’re getting.

👉 Pro tip: Use landscape orientation and a wide-angle lens to capture more of each room. Clean, well-lit photos make a huge difference.


3. Keep the Description Short and Concise

People scroll fast.

Write a short but informative description — highlight the essentials, use bullet points or simple graphics if you can, and avoid repeating the same details multiple times. Clear and professional beats wordy every time.


4. Stay Within the Law

This one’s big — and often overlooked.

  • Ontario Human Rights Code: Avoid asking for employment income directly or using phrases like “family friendly.” These can be considered discriminatory and open you up to complaints.
  • Residential Tenancies Act (RTA): Don’t advertise “no pets allowed” — it’s against the law in Ontario. If an applicant knows the rules better than you, they may use that knowledge to their advantage.


5. Do Your Own Credit Check

Fake employment letters and altered credit reports are more common than you might think.

Always verify information yourself. Run your own credit check using reputable services — it’s your property and your investment, so protect it by doing your due diligence.


Final Thoughts

These steps may seem small, but skipping them can leave you wide open to the wrong applicants.

A well-written, legally sound, and professional rental listing doesn’t just fill your vacancy — it attracts the right people and helps safeguard your investment for the long term.

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