Finding the perfect rental home is more important than ever as rental demand in the U.S. grows. With the rental vacancy rate hitting a historic low of 6.60% in 2024, tenants and landlords are in a highly competitive market. Tenants are looking for trustworthy platforms to find their dream home, while landlords require efficient tools to attract good tenants quickly.
Explore the best rental websites, which offer advanced search tools, detailed listings, and user-friendly interfaces. These platforms simplify tenants’ rental processes and provide insights into market trends, helping landlords set competitive rates.
What Is a Rental Website?
A rental website is an online marketplace where landlords can list available properties for tenants to browse and rent. These platforms provide an Internet Listing Service (ILS) for vacant houses, allowing landlords to reach a large audience quickly. Rental websites streamline the process of finding and leasing properties, making it easier for both landlords and renters.
7 Best Rental Websites in America
Here are 7 top rental websites that can help you find your next home or fill vacancies faster:
1. Zillow Rental Manager
Zillow Rental Manager is a nationwide platform covering all 50 states in the USA. The service includes the option to list the first property for free. However, if landlords want to list additional properties, the cost is $9.99 per week per property. Landlords can also choose to upgrade their listings to premium for a one-time fee of $29.99.
Zillow offers tools like customizable lease agreements, online rental applications, and tenant screening services for landlords. Tenants benefit from 3D home tours, detailed floor plans, and the ability to apply to multiple properties with a single application. However, some users report that customer support can be slow to respond, especially during peak rental seasons.
2. Trulia Rentals
Trulia Rentals provides a free Basic package with standard listing features. For enhanced visibility and additional marketing tools, they offer a Premium package priced at $29.99 per month.
Trulia Rentals offers detailed rental listings, neighborhood information, and local amenities. The platform provides advanced search filters, interactive maps, and user reviews, helping renters find the perfect home. Its user-friendly interface makes posting and browsing rental listings easy for both landlords and tenants.
3. Apartments.com
Apartments.com, launched in 1992, operates across the country. The platform is free for renters to use, while landlords can list properties for free or choose paid plans starting at $29.99 per month for enhanced visibility.
The website offers advanced search filters, virtual tours, and a tenant screening tool for landlords to conduct credit and background checks. Apartments.com also provides neighborhood information and cost of living data to help renters make informed decisions.
4. HotPads
HotPads operates across the United States, with a focus on urban areas. The platform is free for renters to use. Landlords can list properties for free or choose premium listings starting at $35 per month.
The platform offers a user-friendly interface with map-based searches, saved search features, and a personalized dashboard for managing account settings. HotPads pulls listings from multiple sources, providing a wide selection for renters. For landlords, they offer map-based listing placement and detailed analytics on listing performance.
5. Rentometer
Rentometer offers a free tier with basic features like rent estimates and quick rent checks. The Pro plan, which includes more detailed reports and advanced search features, costs $89 per year.
The platform offers a rent calculator, rent comparisons, and detailed reports on local rental markets. Rentometer’s Pro package provides additional features for landlords and property managers.
6. Zumper
Anthemos Georgiades founded Zumper in 2012 to make the rental process as easy as booking a hotel. Landlords can list properties for free, with premium options starting at $99 per listing for 30 days.
Zumper offers a powerful search engine with filters, neighborhood guides, and rental history checks for prospective tenants. The platform also provides tools for landlords to list properties and screen tenants.
7. Avail
Avail is an Illinois-based company that provides an all-in-one solution for landlords and tenants. The platform offers a free unlimited plan with basic features for landlords. Their Unlimited Plus plan includes more advanced tools and costs $9 per unit per month.
Avail’s free plan offers landlords online rent collection, lease creation, and maintenance tracking. Tenants can benefit from online rental applications, credit and background check services, and a portal for rent payments and maintenance requests.
However, some users report that the platform’s interface can be complex for first-time users.
Tips for Landlords to Fill Vacant Homes Fast
Here are some effective strategies to quickly rent out vacant properties:
- Stage the rental property before listing to showcase its best features and attract more potential tenants.
- Hire a professional real estate photographer. High-quality, well-lit photos can significantly improve your listing’s appeal and generate more interest.
- Consider virtual staging if physical staging is too expensive. Use high-resolution images of empty rooms and digitally add furniture to help tenants visualize the space.
- If your budget allows it, include drone footage or aerial photography. This can highlight the property’s location, surrounding area, and outdoor amenities.
- Take multiple exterior photos to emphasize curb appeal. Showcase landscaping, outdoor living spaces, and the property’s overall condition.
Tips for Tenants to Find a Rental Home Fast
- Use multiple rental websites to expand the search and compare various available homes.
- Set up alerts on rental websites to receive notifications about new listings that match specific criteria.
- Prepare all necessary documents, such as proof of income and references, to act quickly on desirable listings.
- Schedule viewings quickly because desirable rentals get booked quickly in competitive markets.
- Be prepared to negotiate terms and offer a slightly higher rent for highly sought-after properties.
Benefits of Using a Rental Website in America
Rental websites offer numerous advantages for both landlords and tenants:
For Landlords:
- Increased Exposure: Reach millions of potential tenants through popular rental platforms.
- Efficient Management: Use built-in tools for property management, rent collection, and tenant screening.
- Market Insights: Access pricing data to set competitive rates based on local market trends.
For Tenants:
- Wide Selection: Browse numerous listings to find properties matching specific needs.
- Detailed Information: View comprehensive property details, photos, and virtual tours before scheduling visits.
- Time-Saving: Search filters and saved searches help tenants quickly find properties that match their criteria, saving time.
Bottom Line
Rental websites offer essential tools and resources for both landlords and tenants in the competitive U.S. rental market. Landlords get more exposure to potential tenants, efficient property management tools, and valuable market insights to set competitive rental rates.
Tenants benefit from many listings, detailed property information, and time-saving search features. These websites make finding the perfect home easier or help fill vacancies quickly. Using rental websites can simplify and improve the rental experience for everyone involved.
