--174.202.xxx.xxx

--69.130.xxx.xxx

Do ypu want it to sit empty for months? Your choice. --73.230.xxx.xx

24/7/365. Filled 2 this month. --24.152.xxx.xx

Good points! --174.202.xxx.xxx

BRAD --73.103.xxx.xxx

Let's face it renting this time is year in the NE is difficult, not impossible but tough. Have tenants who used elt to leave. I was notified end Oct thru are out by the end of Dec, 2 made it through pre-screen, one I dodged a bullet when we met, other was unstable and I'm glad they didn't move forward. A quarter of inquiries that complete pre-screen are homeless living in a hotel. The rest are not doing much better. --172.59.xxx.xxx

I just had someone give notice that they'll be moving on 12/31. I'll be keeping the SD and posted ads yesterday. It's likely I won't fill it until February but we'll see. Generally it's been my experience that the tenant pool improves after the first of the year. There's no reason to wait until spring. It generally takes upwards to 60 days for me to find a tenant. If you wait until March, you might not fill the vacancy until April or May. If you start now, you'll likely have it filled in February or March. --209.122.xx.xxx

If it sits empty at least I have done my part. Of course this will be after the first so maybe it won't matter. --107.147.xx.xxx

Good people do move during winter. You just have to screen with extra diligence. --76.178.xxx.xxx

Best of luck to whatever you do and may your former tenant's soul rest in peace. --172.56.xxx.xxx

I just signed a tenant yesterday at a pretty big increase over the last tenant. You have to try. --108.201.xx.xx

Mostly unrentables who are looking for someone who doesn't screen. You still have to put forth a good faith effort though. --64.246.xxx.xxx

Wow! Thanks everyone for the sound advice! --174.202.xxx.xxx

Remember run thorough credit checks on all adult applicants where three pieces of photocopied identity to avoid the one letter change in surname where credit check comes back no information. January is a time where there are a lot evictions so make sure another eviction trash out cycle is not started. Also make sure utilities are in tenants name before move in. --207.236.xxx.xxx

Use this time to be sure the details are worked out on the unit, and make sure your screening methods are legit and you won't stumble on wacky information, no harm in trying a rent increase - better applicants are expecting an increased price. --184.59.xxx.xx

The last person who signed a lease in December has been in place for 8 years and still shows no sign of moving on - and has been a no-drama, paying tenant the entire time. --98.115.xxx.xxx

If you have become so jaded about your local wintertime tenant pool that you think it of no use to advertise, it is time for you to hire a property manager. --149.76.xxx.x

Have gotten several inquiries. Most have either unlawful detainers on their records, or SO's that have criminal records, so I don't respond. Have had a couple that have good jobs, but seems like they have a history of changing jobs or moving around a lot. The couple vacating have been there over 8 years, and I'm kind of glad they are leaving as I am under market rent. --216.126.xx.xxx

Running credit checks on all adult applicants is not rocket science where first is to establish identity where three pieces of photocopied identification along with valid social insurance number. A common trick is to change one letter in the surname where comes back no credit history. Unpaid utility bills or any unpaid bills already set a precedent on how bills are going to paid. In the province of Ontario a minimum credit score of 700 and above or they keep looking. On the credit reports if moving around every three months where unstable tenancy shows where things are going to go. Not only is it rent arrears but a completely trashed out rental unit. Some claim discrimination where it is business not charity to feel sorry they have been evicted a few times. All adults are required to bring completely filled out rental applications no exceptions. One with bad credit where that is end of story. While it may cost upfront to run credit checks it will save thousands in lost rent along with trashed out rental units. First to check out place of work exists along with address of where they are living. A lie then applications is not worth running through a credit bureau. Another common trick is to use friends and relatives for a reference where first ask it they have any apartments or houses for rent then if they do not know what you are talking about that end right there. View some videos on You Tube about the tenants from hell where will see that those people must kept out. --207.236.xxx.xxx

October and November were slow rental months for me. Lots of people looking but very few I was interested in renting to. December rented 2 properties. Listed a property 2 days ago that we are cleaning, fixing, painting for February move in. Already have showings and application. --75.221.xxx.xx

Haven’t had much problems in renting in any month for 25 yrs. If someone needs a place to to live all years round. --68.97.xxx.xx

--97.120.xxx.xxx

Posting may be as above but it is a chance, even if a small one, to find a new resident. If you do find one, could you sign a lease only until the end of April and renew as needed? Winters are always harder and those who are trying to move this time of the year are for the most part not so great. But maybe you will get the one good one who is moving due to a new job? --68.37.xx.xxx

We do 2 year leases. When we have a vacancy going into the winter instead of 2 years we will add extra months. So if rented in December, lease begins January 1 we will ad 4 months making the lease expire in 28 months. --159.250.xx.xxx

Worst thing that happens if you try to rent it is it will sit empty until spring anyway. If you have a $1,500 rental and you let it sit empty that is about $50 per day for every day you have it empty. There are always people looking and moving. Even in the winter. This year in particular has seemed to be harder and the applicant quality this time of year is sub-standard but we are still filling vacancies and finding good people. This time of year there are also a lot less options for the people that are looking so it CAN be a good thing if you're one of the few available. --73.135.xx.xxx

Thanks everyone! It took longer than normal but we did rent it out so thanks for the advice to go ahead and try. We did have to kiss more 'frogs' to find the 'Prince' this time but as always patience paid off and we think we've found a family who will pay on time and stay a long time. --104.12.xx.xx