Mid-Summer Leasing Push: Creative Strategies to Fill Vacancies Before Fall

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As the summer sun starts to set and back-to-school season creeps closer, property managers are presented with a critical window to fill remaining vacancies. With leasing activity typically slowing after Labor Day, July and August offer one last push to maximize occupancy before the fall lull begins. So, how can property teams get creative and strategic to drive conversions in these final summer weeks?

Strategies to Fill Vacancies Before Fall

Refresh Your Incentive Game

Rent concessions and limited-time offers can give prospects the final nudge to sign. But rather than relying on stale promos, consider tailoring your incentives to what renters care about right now:

• Back-to-school savings: Offer gift cards for school supplies or free Wi-Fi for students. 

• Summer move-in perks: Include free moving services or discounted first-month rent for leases signed before Labor Day. 

• Referral bonuses: Amplify word-of-mouth by rewarding current residents who refer new residents with summer-themed prizes (think patio furniture, pool passes, or air fryers). 

Host On-Site & Virtual Events

Creating opportunities for prospects to engage with your community builds trust and boosts visibility:

• "Sip and See" Open Houses: Offer beverages and light bites while showcasing your model units and amenities. 

• Virtual Tours + Live Q&A: Leverage video to attract remote renters and offer real-time answers to common leasing questions. 

• Weekend Pop-Ups: Partner with local food trucks or vendors for family-friendly events that generate foot traffic and social content. 

Target Your Marketing for Urgency and Impact

Messaging matters, especially when time is running out. Focus your digital and social campaigns on:

• Urgency headlines: “Only a few units left!” or “Last chance for summer pricing!” 

• Audience-specific targeting: Run campaigns geared toward students, young professionals, or families based on your property's demographic appeal. 

• Highlight seasonal lifestyle perks: Showcase your pool, outdoor areas, or proximity to parks and festivals to tap into summer FOMO. 

Audit Your Leasing Funnel for Friction Points

Now’s the time to tighten up your leasing experience:

• Are leads receiving quick, personalized responses?

• Are virtual and self-guided tours easy to book?

• Are applications simple to complete online?

If not, even the best incentives may fall flat. Consider leveraging a temporary staffing partner to reduce bottlenecks during high inquiry volume.

Leverage Temporary Leasing Professionals

If your permanent team is stretched thin, hiring experienced leasing professionals on a temporary basis can keep your leasing office responsive, energetic, and efficient. These experts can jump into busy schedules, assist with tours, and help close leads during your mid-summer push.

Tap Into Maintenance Training Programs

Nothing turns off prospects like unresolved maintenance issues. Mid-summer is a great time to ensure your property is tour-ready by upskilling your team. Consider enrolling maintenance techs in fast-track training programs, like BGSF's Maintenance Training Program, to keep units cool and functional as summer peaks.

Finish Summer Strong

Every vacant unit is lost revenue, but with the right mix of creativity, urgency, and resourcing, there’s still time to boost occupancy before the fall slowdown. Whether it’s launching a flash promo, refreshing your digital presence, or bringing in extra leasing talent, a well-executed mid-summer leasing strategy can make all the difference.

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BGSF supports property managers across the country with skilled, ready-to-go leasing professionals and maintenance talent who can step in exactly when you need them. From summer leasing surges to backfilling team members on vacation, we provide flexible workforce solutions tailored to your goals. Let’s make your mid-summer leasing push a success. Connect with us today.