Read Time: 5 Minutes
TL;DR
Summer is more than peak vacation season! For rental property owners, it is also one of the busiest times of year for leasing. More renters are searching for homes, more leases are turning over, and more people are making moves around major life changes.
According to Zillow, May and June have historically seen some of the highest renter competition, with listing views, applications, and outreach to property managers peaking around the beginning of June.
For property owners, that makes summer an important opportunity to market a rental effectively and minimize their property being vacant.
Summer Brings More Renters to the Market
Several factors contribute to increased summer moving activity.
Families often plan moves around the school calendar, while college students move out at the end of the academic year and begin searching for their next home. Job changes and relocations can also contribute to increased activity during the middle of the year.
Summer is also a common time for lease turnover. When several of these factors overlap, more renters are searching for homes at the same time.
Take Advantage of Summer Curb Appeal
Summer can be one of the best times to showcase a property! Green lawns, blooming landscaping, outdoor spaces, and longer daylight hours can make a rental particularly attractive in listing photos and during showings.
If a property needs updates, turnover between residents can also provide a valuable opportunity to complete renovations before putting it back on the market. Fresh paint, landscaping, flooring, or other improvements can help a property make a stronger first impression.
Professional photography is especially valuable during this season. Bright natural light and well-maintained landscaping can help a listing stand out when renters are comparing multiple properties online.
More Demand Can Mean Less Vacancy
Higher seasonal renter activity can create an opportunity for owners to lease properties more quickly and attract a large pool of applicants. Depending on local supply and demand, increased competition may also support stronger rental rates.
However, summer demand does not ever guarantee a higher rent. Local market conditions, property type, location, and available inventory all play a role in determining what a property can reasonably command.
Marketing Matters
Taking advantage of peak leasing season requires more than simply putting a property online. Owners should consider:
- Professional, up-to-date photography
- An accurate and optimized online listing
- Prompt responses to prospective renters
- Competitive pricing based on current market conditions
- Making the property available for showings as quickly as possible
The goal is to capture renter interest while it is high. A property that sits on the market can miss valuable leasing opportunities as seasonal demand begins to slow.
Start Preparing Before the Next Summer Leasing Season
While summer may be the busiest time for rental activity, the best time to prepare for it is well before it arrives. Understanding seasonal renter demand allows property owners to plan ahead rather than scrambling to prepare a property once the market is already moving.
The months leading up to summer can be an ideal time to evaluate a property’s condition, plan renovations, update listing materials, schedule professional photography, and review rental pricing based on current market conditions.
By preparing before peak leasing season begins, owners can position their properties to take advantage of increased renter activity and reduce the risk of carrying a vacancy into the slower months.
Summer demand will come around again. The owners who prepare early will be ready when renters are next time!
This content is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Readers should consult with licensed professionals regarding their specific circumstances.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
