It’s late September and that means the new academic year is about to start. If you have still not rented out your student HMO or other property, do not despair. It’s still the clearing period. Some students will not select their course until a matter of days before they are due to start it. That means plenty of people searching Pads for Student for this academic year’s accommodation. Here is now you get your property noticed in these last few weeks and days.

Update Your Photos

It goes without saying, but you might be surprised at how many property owners use the same photographs year in, year out. A couple of years old is acceptable, but once you get beyond 3 years you ought to change if only for the better-quality images on cameras and smartphones. If you’ve recently refurbished the place, you should definitely add new photos. Clearing students know they can’t be too picky, but they will aim for the seemingly best property in the area. Shoddy photos will do your property a disservice.

Consider Offering A Deal

Time is of the essence for both student and property owner – both parties are fully aware of this. It’s in everybody’s interests to make a quick decision. Time limited discounts to encourage a quick sign up is one way to encourage students to take your offer now rather than look for something better. Another good deal is to sort out the utilities and offer an all-inclusive package. That way, the student or students will not have to worry about utilities providers while they are hastily moving to secure a place.

Be Available

In the winter, spring, and even early summer, it’s perfectly fine to organise viewings around your schedule. At this time, when students are looking to sign on the dotted line quickly, you need to make yourself available on their schedule. Chances are, they’ve lined up a few viewings in quick succession – and probably on the same day too. If you can’t work around their schedule, you are in danger of losing out to a competitor. Pull out all the stops, and your Pads for Students listing won’t be on our site for long.

Contact Former Tenants

Often, the speed with which you rent out your property is a matter of marketing. Get a little extra help from your past student tenants by asking them to share your Pads for Students listing. Chances are, they’re still in contact with former uni mates and house mates. It’s likely most will already have their property sorted out, but post-graduates who have yet to accept a course or their friends just going to uni for the first time may still be waiting to hear about their place.