How to Advertise Your Ottawa, ON Rental Property Successfully

Key Takeaways 

• High-quality photos and engaging ad copy are essential for making your Ottawa rental listing stand out and attract serious tenant interest.
• Advertising on the right platforms—including social media and local rental sites—broadens your reach and boosts visibility.
• Prompt communication, competitive pricing, and virtual tours help convert inquiries into leases and minimize vacancies.

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As a landlord in Ottawa you may have a fantastic rental property with excellent amenities and a great location. However, without effective advertising, it’s easy to miss out on attracting the right tenants. Successful marketing not only minimizes vacancies but also helps you find high-quality renters who are more likely to stay long-term. In this guide, we at Stewart Property Management will explore the most effective strategies to market your Ottawa rental property.

1. Take Quality Photos

High-quality, well-lit photos are crucial for your rental property ad, as they are often the first thing prospective tenants notice. Listings with professional photos attract more views and inquiries. 

To ensure your photos make the right impression, stage your property to highlight its best features. Remove personal items and declutter the space. The goal is to make the rental appear as clean, spacious, and inviting as possible. For larger properties, ensure that you photograph each room and any communal areas, showcasing the layout and flow of the space. 

Natural light also plays a key role in creating appealing photos. Plan to take your pictures on a bright, sunny day, or during the “golden hours“, which are early morning or late afternoon. Open blinds and curtains to let in as much natural light as possible, ensuring that your images highlight the space’s natural brightness.

2. Write an Effective Ad

Once you’ve taken high-quality photos, it’s time to turn your attention to the ad copy. A well-written property description can engage prospective tenants and spark their interest. Include the following in your ad copy:

An Attention-Grabbing Headline

The headline is the first thing potential tenants will read. It should include key details that will help them quickly assess if the property fits their needs. Consider this formula for your headline:

Rent Price + Number of Bedrooms + Number of Bathrooms + Property Type + Location + Top Feature

An example of this formula would be: “$2300, 2-Bedroom Apartment in Glebe – Steps from Transit & Shops”. This headline provides clear and essential details at a glance, setting your listing apart from others.

A Compelling Description

Once you have an effective headline, the description is your chance to sell the property. Highlight key features such as modern appliances, spacious rooms, upgraded flooring, or amenities like parking, a laundry room, or access to public transportation. If your unit is close to schools, shopping, or entertainment, emphasize that too. 

Finally, don’t forget to include a call to action along with your phone number and email. Make it as easy as possible for prospects to reach out and schedule a showing.

3. Choose the Right Platforms for Your Ad

While online listings are the go-to for most rental property advertising, the platform you choose matters. Posting on multiple high-traffic sites increases your visibility and reach. In addition to online listing, consider traditional offline advertising methods like putting up professional “For Rent” signs in front of your Ottawa property or distributing flyers in local businesses or community centers.

4. Utilize Social Media

Social media is another great tool for promoting your rental property. Sharing your listing on platforms helps you reach a wider audience, while local Ottawa rental groups allow direct engagement with potential tenants. Use targeted hashtags such as #OttawaRental or #OttawaApartments to increase visibility. If you’re familiar with paid ads, consider running social media ads to promote your listing.

5. Monitor and Adjust Your Advertising Strategy

When looking to rent out a property, make sure to track your rental ads’ performance. Monitor views, inquiries, and showings, and adjust your platforms, ad copy, or photos if needed.

Additionally, if your property isn’t receiving enough attention, consider adjusting the price or offering incentives such as reduced rent for the first month, or free parking for a limited time. 

6. Engage with Potential Tenants Promptly

Delaying responses to inquiries is a common mistake. Respond within 24 hours to build trust and increase your chances of scheduling a showing or signing a lease. Make it easy for tenants to contact you by providing multiple communication channels and be clear about your availability to make sure prospective renters know when they can expect a response.

7. Offer Virtual Tours

Many renters prefer virtual tours over in-person visits. Offering a 3D tour or video walkthrough lets potential tenants explore your Ottawa property before scheduling a viewing, especially helpful for out-of-town renters. Consider creating a detailed video tour where you show off each room and highlight key features like storage space, appliances, and unique architectural details. Ensure the video is well-lit and professionally shot to showcase the property in the best light.

8. Stay Competitive with Pricing

Pricing is a critical aspect of advertising your rental property. Research similar properties in your area to ensure your price is competitive. If your unit is priced too high compared to others with similar amenities and location, you may struggle to attract interest. Conversely, pricing it too low can make it hard for you to maximize your earnings. Finding the right balance is key to attracting high-quality tenants and securing consistent rental income.

Bottom Line

Successfully advertising your Ottawa rental property requires a strategic combination of high-quality photos, compelling descriptions, smart platform choices, and effective communication. By following these tips and staying proactive in your marketing efforts, you’ll increase your chances of attracting the right tenants and minimizing vacancies. If you find self-management overwhelming, consider enlisting the help of a professional property manager. Contact Stewart Property Management today!