Back-to-School Leasing Trends: How to Attract Student and Family Renters

Back-to-School Support Starts Here!

As August unfolds into September, the rental market heats up with families and students searching for new homes before the school year begins. This seasonal surge presents an ideal opportunity for landlords and property managers to attract quality residents.

Capitalize on Back-to-School Leasing Trends

1. Highlight Proximity to Educational Institutions

Families often prioritize homes near highly rated schools, while students look for rentals close to their campuses. Make sure your listings and marketing materials clearly emphasize your property's convenient location relative to local schools and universities—this is a strong selling point for many renters.

2. Offer Flexible Lease Terms

Students typically prefer lease durations that align with academic calendars, such as 9-month or 12-month leases. Offering flexible lease options can make your property more attractive to this group. Meanwhile, families may value leases that allow them to move in and settle before the school year kicks off.

3. Provide Family-Friendly Amenities

Incorporate features that appeal to families, like playgrounds, communal lounges, or dedicated study rooms. For example, setting up a study area with child-sized desks can be a thoughtful perk for families with school-aged children.

4. Leverage Online Marketing and Virtual Tours

Since many renters begin their search online, ensure your property is prominently listed on popular rental platforms. Offering virtual tours is especially helpful for students relocating from out of town, providing a convenient way to explore your property remotely.

5. Collaborate with Local Schools and Universities

Partner with nearby educational institutions to boost your property's visibility. Promote vacancies on school housing boards, websites, and during orientation events to reach your target audience directly.

6. Offer Move-In Incentives

Attractive incentives like discounted rent, waived application fees, or reduced security deposits can entice prospective renters, particularly students and families looking to minimize upfront costs.

7. Maintain Property Appeal

Keep your property well-maintained, clean, and visually appealing. Timely repairs and cosmetic upgrades go a long way in attracting and retaining quality residents who want a safe and comfortable home.

Partnering with a Property Management Staffing Expert

The back-to-school leasing season can be demanding, especially when juggling marketing, resident screening, maintenance, and lease management simultaneously. Partnering with a property management staffing specialist, like BGSF, can help streamline these responsibilities.

Staffing experts bring trained professionals who understand the unique needs of student and family renters and can assist with lease negotiations, communication, maintenance scheduling, and regulatory compliance. This partnership allows property managers to focus on expanding their portfolios and enhancing resident experiences while ensuring properties are lease-ready, well-maintained, and competitively marketed during this crucial season.

Back-to-School Season Success

The back-to-school period is a valuable window for attracting reliable, long-term residents like students and families. By emphasizing location, offering flexible leases and amenities, leveraging digital marketing, and collaborating with educational institutions, you can stand out in a competitive market.

Additionally, working with a property management staffing partner can reduce operational burdens and boost resident satisfaction. Implementing these strategies will help increase occupancy rates and create welcoming communities that renters are proud to call home throughout the school year and beyond.

Ready to take your leasing to the next level? Contact us today!