In the recent past, property owners in San Francisco, like other cities including New York and Seattle, have been inundated by prospective tenants. Currently, perhaps due to the triple-headed hydra of economic uncertainty, seasonal fluctuations, and national publicity about the cost of renting in San Francisco, some express concern that their units have remained empty longer than expected. While many factors are beyond the control of an individual owner, many factors can be controlled and help ensure that your vacancy is filled quickly with a desirable tenant.

1. Find the Right Rent for Your Vacant Unit. Although the real estate cliché mandates that "location is everything," this is easily the most important variable feature of an apartment. As such, it is important to ascertain the appropriate rent for the unit. This can be done in a number of ways. First, do a neighborhood survey of comparable units. This information can be gleaned from sources such San Francisco Apartment Association or other local organization, the classifieds, or from reputable rental listing agencies which often have thousands of units in their databases. These agencies are good sources of free information regarding the types of units that have recently rented, what is in demand, and what the market trends are. No matter what the source of the information, the appropriate market rate for the unit should be determined not through guesswork, but through market research.

2. Advertise Effectively. If the unit does not rent right away, take a look at your marketing. Make sure your use low-cost and free advertising sources available to you. Are you hanging a sign in the window? This is a cost-effective way of advertising, and it raises the likelihood that people who call will have seen the building and be familiar with the neighborhood. Are you listing with a reputable rental listing agency? Rental listing agencies like RENTNET^® provide an excellent way to distribute detailed information regarding your vacancy to qualified applicants. Like classified advertising, these companies charge a fee to list your vacancy. However, they each have the potential to reach thousands of Internet users who scan these sources for vacancies.

If your vacancy is listed alongside many others, what features will make it stand out? It may not be enough to say that it has a "view" if the view is spectacular or unique. Does it have a charming built-in bookcase? A clawfoot tub? Is it a Victorian or Edwardian building? Are there other amenities?

3. Advertise Your Vacancy Promptly. While this may seem obvious, it is often overlooked by many landlords, property managers and owners. Many people look well ahead of when they actually intend to move. If notice of an impending vacancy is given ahead of the actual date that the unit will be available, the landlord, owner, or property manager should not be deterred from advertising the unit. The sooner the unit is advertised, the sooner it will be rented.

4. Consider a Pet. Many landlords have had horrific experiences with tenants whose pet Schnauzer caused untold thousands of dollars worth of damage to the unit. While it is true that pets can cause damage, there is no escaping the reality that a significant number of prospective tenants own pets. Most of these people are responsible professionals who can manage the burden of both caring for the pet and respecting the rights of the property owner. The upside is that the property owner can receive pet deposits (minimizing the risk of loss) or additional rent, offsetting the cost of upkeep.

5. Is Parking Nearby? Another common concern shared by most prospective tenants is parking. Does the building offer any? If not, is there any available nearby? What is the availability of on-street parking? These questions, as well as transit access questions, are frequently asked by tenants. The more positive information you have, the more likely your vacant unit will rent quickly.

While most units in San Francisco rent quickly and with little effort, some units need more effective marketing techniques. There is no substitute for a strong real estate market, and the above suggestions are some positive steps you can implement to get a qualified renter in your vacancy right away.

Editor's Note: Gregory Antoniono is an attorney and Sr. Manager of Retail Services at RENTNET^®, where he manages our retail service offerings in San Francisco, Seattle and New York. This article is reprinted courtesy of San Francisco Apartment Magazine.