Renting out property in 2025 feels a lot different from it did five years ago. You’re not just posting a “for rent” sign and waiting. You’re competing. The renters are out there, but they’ve got options and expectations.
National numbers back it up. The U.S. rental vacancy rate sat at 7.0% in Q2 2025, according to the Census Bureau. That’s low. Demand is steady, but there are plenty of landlords trying to fill their units, just like you.
So how do you make your property stand out without making landlording your full-time job?
Here’s how smart landlords in Indy are doing it without burning out.
Key Takeaways
- The rental vacancy rate hit 7.0% in Q2 2025. That’s tight if your place sits empty, you’re already behind.
- Most renters want options. 69% want flexible leases, and 86% want to pay rent and request fixes online.
- Lazy listings won’t cut it. Good photos and a clear write-up can differentiate between crickets and a signed lease.
- Renters want to apply fast. If your process takes forever, there’s a higher chance that potential tenants will move on.
- People stay just over two years on average. Keep things smooth and well-maintained, and they might stick around longer.
1. Know Your Market, But Think Like a Renter
Every renter is looking for something specific, such as the rental unit’s proximity to work, good schools, dog parks, and in-unit laundry. If you’re not aligning your listing and rental features with what people want, you’re already behind.
That doesn’t mean you need to guess. National rental trends show that 69% of renters prefer properties that offer flexible lease terms, while 86% like online services for rent payment. What does that tell us? People value convenience over square footage.
A few questions to ask yourself:
- Does your listing clearly highlight what makes your place unique?
- Are you offering features renters now expect, like smart home upgrades or pet-friendliness?
- Are you speaking their language, or just listing facts?
Understanding the renter mindset is the first hack to getting ahead.
2. Ditch the Bare Minimum Marketing Strategy
If your listing only lives on one website with blurry photos and a five-line description, don’t be surprised when it sits empty. People scroll fast. Your rental needs to catch your target audience’s attention instantly.
That means:
- Bright, high-res photos
- A short video or 3D tour
- A solid headline
- A listing that sounds like a real human wrote it
PMI Indianapolis handles all of that for you. We ensure your listing shows up where renters are looking and that it looks good when they find it.
3. Make Your Property Rent-Ready and Instagram-Approved
You don’t need a full remodel. But the place should feel fresh, clean, and ready for someone to walk in and feel at home.
Try these simple upgrades:
- Fresh paint in warm, neutral colors
- Updated lighting
- Easy-to-care-for landscaping
- A smart thermostat
- A clean scent and zero clutter
Free Wi-Fi, flexible move-ins, and small extras like a new showerhead or wall hooks? Not necessary, but they help.
4. Make the Application Process Fast and Frictionless
We live in an age of same-day delivery and one-click purchases. If it takes three emails, two forms, and a phone call just to apply to your rental property, they’re moving on.
Here’s what they expect:
- Online applications
- Quick screening
- E-signature feature for the lease agreement
- Clear communication all throughout
PMI Indianapolis uses tech to streamline the entire leasing process, from scheduling showings to background checks to final signatures. No back-and-forth emails. No long waits. Just efficient leasing that respects everyone’s time.
5. Keep Good Tenants by Being the Landlord They Brag About
It’s easier to keep a great tenant than find a new one. Most renters stay just over two years, but you can stretch that by doing the basics well.
Here’s what works:
- Fix stuff fast
- Communicate clearly
- Make rent payment easy
- Thank them for renewing (gift card, upgrade, something small)
It doesn’t take much, but it takes consistency. At PMI, we make this seamless with an online tenant portal, 24/7 maintenance coordination, and proactive communication that tenants actually appreciate.
6. Price Smarter, Not Higher
Too many self-managing landlords make these mistakes. Overprice, and your place stays empty. Underprice, and you lose money for no reason.
The fix? Don’t guess.
PMI uses national data, rental tools, and market trends to set the price correctly. We adjust based on what’s happening now, not what worked last year.
Pro Tip: Offer options. Short-term vs. long-term. Furnished vs. unfurnished. You don’t have to drop your price to get a larger tenant pool. Just be flexible with your rental terms.
7. Keep It Business, Not Personal
This is your property. You care about it. But when it comes to enforcing leases or handling late rent, it’s better to keep emotion out of it.
That’s where a third-party manager becomes invaluable. PMI Indianapolis provides consistency. Every late payment, maintenance call, or lease renewal is handled fairly, professionally, and on time.
You don’t have to second-guess your decisions, and your tenants know what to expect.
8. Partner with Professionals Who Know the Area
You can Google Indiana landlord laws all day. Or you can work with someone who already knows them inside and out.
PMI Indianapolis is local. We know how inspections go. We’ve seen what works and what backfires. We know the vendors who show up and the ones who don’t. That kind of know-how? It saves you a ton of stress and time.
Find Out Where Your Rental Stands in Today’s Market and Upgrade Your Landlord Game With Expert Help!
You don’t have to be the landlord who’s always a step behind. The one updating listings at midnight. Or chasing down repairs when you’ve got your own stuff going on.
Smart landlords aren’t superhuman. They just know when to get help.
PMI Indianapolis helps rental owners stay competitive without losing their weekends. We handle the tough parts so you can focus on the things that matter.
Want to see how your rental stacks up? Grab a free rental analysis and find out what your property should be making.
FAQs
How much does property management cost?
Most managers charge 8–12% of the monthly rent. Some tack on extra fees for leasing, renewals, or inspections. It’s not pocket change, but it usually pays for itself with faster leasing, better tenants, and fewer headaches. You’re buying time and peace of mind, not just a service.
Can I still be involved if I hire a property manager?
Definitely, you still call the shots even if you hire a property manager. You just don’t have to deal with every text, repair, or rent check. You can approve tenants, set prices, and step in when it matters. Meanwhile, the rest of the routine and daily tasks of rental property management would be off your plate.
Who handles repairs and maintenance?
The property manager will handle it for you. We have vendors we trust and handle everything from the first call to the final invoice. We’ll report the important matters and updates, but you won’t be stuck chasing down plumbers at midnight since we’ll handle it all for you.
