What to Include in Your Rental Listing Description?

A well-written rental listing description is one of the most powerful tools landlords have to attract qualified tenants and reduce vacancy time. Given that, you might wonder what to include in your rental listing description. Well, the secret to successful rental listings lies in a specific formula: accurate specs plus emotional appeal. Start with a killer headline, property details, amenities, pricing, lease terms, photos, and a strong call to action.

As a property manager working with hundreds of landlords in Oklahoma City, I’ve helped them fill their rental properties with great rental listing descriptions. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to list a rental property with 15 essential elements and examples that will help create compelling rental advertisements so your property stands out and attracts the right renters.

Why Great Rental Listing Descriptions Matter?

When you’re listing a rental property, the description is your first and sometimes only opportunity to capture a tenant’s interest. In Oklahoma City’s competitive market with a 7.9% vacancy rate, you can’t afford to get it wrong.

1. Attract Quality Tenants

Clear, detailed listings pre-qualify prospects by answering their questions upfront, which means fewer unqualified showings and faster lease signings. This makes your tenant screening process much smoother and faster.

2. Reduce Vacancy Cost

Properties with comprehensive descriptions and quality photos rent 32% faster than those with minimal information. Every day your property sits vacant costs you money. For a $1,500/month rental, a two-week vacancy equals $750 in lost income. The best way to list a rental property is to invest time creating a compelling, accurate description that minimizes vacancy periods.

3. Set Expectations Upfront

Transparent pricing, pet policies, and lease terms reduce misunderstandings later. This clarity leads to smoother applications and fewer landlord-tenant disputes after move-in.

4. Boost Online Visibility

Search-optimized rental listing descriptions perform better on listing platforms and Google. Platforms like Zillow prioritize detailed rental property listing descriptions, boosting your listing 35% higher in searches for “houses for rent OKC.“

15 Essential Elements to Include for a Strong Rental Property Listing Description

As the owner of OKC Home Realty Service, which also provides rental listing services, I can say that creating a retail listing description that converts is all about providing the right information in the right order. Our professional teams have developed a checklist of essential elements to include in a rental description for maximum impact:

1. Create an Attention-Grabbing Headline

Your headline determines whether tenants click on your listing or scroll past it. Ensure it displays fully on search results, and pack in the essentials that set your property apart. Keep it concise but descriptive, which grabs the tenant’s attention.

• Include the monthly rent price upfront.
• Specify bed/bath count (e.g., “3 Bed/2 Bath”).
• Name the neighborhood or area.
• Add ONE unique feature (private backyard, updated kitchen, near downtown).

2. Lead with Your Property’s Best Features

When writing house descriptions, the first sentence of your body should sell the lifestyle. Don’t bury your property’s strongest selling point in paragraph three; lead with it immediately after your headline to hook readers. What makes your property special?

• Identify your property’s top 1-2 unique features.
• Place these features in the first two sentences.
• Use descriptive language that paints a picture.
• Focus on benefits, not just features (e.g., “natural light” becomes “sun-filled living spaces”).

3. Include Complete Property Specifications

Tenants filter searches by specific criteria. If your rental listing description lacks basic specs, you’ll either get zero inquiries or endless questions about basics. Potential renters want to be able to identify the key facts of your property without searching around for it. Also, providing accurate data upfront is crucial for filtering out unmatched applicants.

• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
• Total square footage
• Property type (single-family, duplex, townhouse, apartment)
• Year built or “recently updated”
• Parking details (garage spaces, driveway, street)
• Lot size for single-family homes
• HOA information, if applicable

4. Highlight Interior Features and Upgrades

Detailed interior descriptions help justify your rental price and show tenants the value they are getting. OKC renters specifically look fetaures that handle local climate and lifestyle. You should focus on move-in-ready upgrades and use a rent-ready checklist to ensure everything’s in place.

• Kitchen appliances and upgrades (stainless steel, granite counters)
• In-unit laundry or connections
• HVAC system details
• Flooring types (hardwood, tile, new quality carpet)
• Updated bathrooms and fixtures
• Smart home features (thermostat, doorbell, locks)
• Storage solutions (walk-in closets, pantry)

5. Showcase Outdoor Spaces and Extras

Outdoor additions have become increasingly valuable, especially post-pandemic. If your property has a yard, patio, balcony, or even just a dedicated parking spot, highlight it prominently while listing a rental. Oklahoma weather makes covered outdoor spaces particularly appealing. If you’ve got a covered porch for those summer storms or winter snow, that’s a selling point worth mentioning.

• Yard size and fencing details
• Patio or deck dimensions and features
• Balcony with views
• Outdoor storage (shed, storage closet)
• Landscaping and maintenance responsibility
• Outdoor amenities (grill area, fire pit)
• Covered parking or carport

6. Describe the Neighborhood and Location

Location sells properties. Tenants aren’t just renting four walls; they’re renting a lifestyle and community. Your property description for rent should paint a clear picture of what life looks like beyond the front door, helping prospects visualize their daily routine in the area.

• Distance to major employers and business districts
• Public transportation access and major highways
• Nearby shopping centers, grocery stores, and restaurants
• Entertainment and recreational venues
• School districts and quality ratings (if applicable)
• Parks, trails, and outdoor spaces
• Neighborhood character (urban, suburban, family-friendly, walkable)

7. Include Amenities That Matter to Tenants

When listing a rental, focus on the amenities that solve problems for tenants. In our modern market, renters are looking for convenience and connectivity. Listing the must-haves helps you stand out in your local market.
In-unit washer/dryer or hookups

• Central air and heating system
• High-speed internet availability
• Walk-in closets and ample storage
• Off-street parking or garage
• Smart home features (thermostat, locks, doorbell)
• Energy-efficient appliances
• Community amenities (pool, fitness center, clubhouse)

8. Detail Pet Policies Clearly

66% of households in the U.S. own a pet, and pet owners are actively searching for accommodating landlords. A transparent rental advertisement clearly states whether furry friends are welcome. Before drafting a solid pet addendum, you must understand the pros and cons of allowing tenants to have pets.

• Pet-friendly status (yes/no/negotiable)
• Pet deposit amount (typically $200-$500)
• Monthly pet rent (averaging $20-$75 per pet nationally)
• Number of pets allowed
• Size and weight restrictions
• Breed restrictions (if any)
• Outdoor pet amenities (fenced yard, nearby dog parks)

9. Be Transparent About Pricing and Fees

Hidden fees can frustrate potential tenants and increase your bounce rate. Hence, I ask landlords to analyze how much rent to charge and then provide total financial transparency. Being upfront about all financial requirements builds trust and attracts serious applicants who can afford your property.

• Monthly rent amount prominently displayed
• Security deposit requirements
• Utility responsibilities (landlord vs. tenant-paid)
• Application fee (typically $30-$75)
• HOA fees (if applicable)
• Parking fees or garage costs
• Any move-in specials or incentives

10. Specify Lease Terms and Availability

Tenants want to know when and for how long they can rent. Accurately listing the availability date is crucial; if a tenant needs to move now, they won’t look at a home available in two months.

• Available move-in date (specific date or “immediate”)
• Preferred lease length (12-month, flexible, month-to-month)
• Lease start date flexibility
• Renewal terms and options
• Early termination policy (if applicable)

11. Outline House Rules and Restrictions

Setting clear expectations upfront prevents conflicts later and helps you attract tenants who align with your property’s guidelines. Your rental listing description should establish boundaries without being overly restrictive. You must also be careful to abide by Fair Housing laws.

• Smoking policy (no smoking, outdoor only, designated areas)
• Guest and occupancy limits
• Noise restrictions and quiet hours
• Maintenance responsibilities (lawn care, snow removal)
• Alterations policy (painting, hanging items)
• Parking rules and visitor parking
• Trash and recycling procedures

12. Include Security and Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for tenants, especially those moving to unfamiliar neighborhoods and families with children. Hence, meeting those safety standards is non-negotiable. Given the extreme weather patterns of Oklahoma, I’ve found that a storm shelter is one of the most searched-for keywords in local listings. Mentioning these safety features can justify higher rent prices and reduce vacancy problems.

• Security system (monitored or self-monitored)
• Doorbell cameras or surveillance systems
• Deadbolt locks and secure entry points
• Underground storm shelter in garage or safe room
• Gated community or controlled access
• Well-lit common areas and parking
• Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
• Fire extinguisher locations

13. Provide Clear Application Instructions

Don’t let an interested tenant click away because they don’t know how to apply. Make applying as straightforward and simple for prospective tenants. List the exact steps and requirements upfront, helping you filter out unqualified leads.

• How to schedule a showing (phone, email, online portal)
• Required documentation (ID, pay stubs, tax returns, references)
• Application submission method (online link or in-person)
• Application fee amount and payment method
• Credit score expectations (without discriminating)
• Income requirements (typically 3x monthly rent)
• Background and credit check disclosure
• Expected timeline for approval decision

14. Add High-Quality Photos & Virtual Tours

My motto: text tells, but photos sell. Interior photos were the most influential among renters looking for a new home, capturing 73 percent of survey respondents.

• 15-25 high-resolution photos minimum
• Well-lit images (natural light or professional lighting)
• Clean, staged spaces (decluttered and neutral)
• Every room photographed from multiple angles
• Exterior shots (front, back, street view)
• Highlight photos of the best features
• Virtual tour or video walkthrough
• Neighborhood amenity photos

15. Compelling Call-to-Action

You’ve hooked them with your headline, informed them with detail, and impressed them with photos. Now what? A strong call-to-action in your rental listing description converts interested browsers into actual applicants who schedule showings.

• Direct, action-oriented language (“Schedule,” “Call,” “Apply”)
• Multiple contact methods (phone, text, email, online form)
• Sense of urgency without being pushy
• Highlight limited availability if true
• Make contact information prominent
• Offer immediate next steps (“Schedule a showing”)
• Create an easy path to the application

Examples of Good Rental Listing Descriptions

Now that you understand the essential elements, let’s look at real-world rental listing description examples that convert browsers into applicants. These are based on actual OKC Home Realty Services listings that demonstrate how to effectively combine all 15 elements we’ve discussed. Notice how each property description for a rent example tells a story while providing crucial details.

Example 1:

$1,795 – 3 Bed/2 Bath in Edmond with Top-Rated Schools

“Welcome to 17316 Valley Crest in sought-after Edmond! This beautifully maintained 1,684 sq ft home features an open-concept living space with vaulted ceilings and abundant natural light. The updated kitchen boasts granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a breakfast bar perfect for busy mornings.

Three spacious bedrooms, including a master suite with a walk-in closet, two full bathrooms with modern fixtures, energy-efficient central heat and air, in-unit washer/dryer connections, and fresh neutral paint throughout.

Situated in Edmond’s highly-rated school district, just minutes from the UCO campus, shopping at Mercy Plaza, and easy I-35 access for commuters. Nearby Mitch Park offers splash pads, trails, and sports facilities perfect for active families.

Pet-friendly! We welcome up to 2 pets with a $300 deposit + $35/month pet rent. Fully fenced backyard ideal for furry friends.

Lease details: $1,795/month + $1,795 security deposit. Tenant pays electric and gas; landlord covers water and trash. Available immediately for a 12-month lease.

Apply now: Call or text (405) 232-5800 to schedule your showing. This won’t last long in Edmond’s competitive market!

Why this works: This rental advertisement leads with location (Edmond + schools), highlights the best features (updated kitchen, natural light), includes specific amenities, clearly states pet policy and pricing, and ends with urgency.

Example 2:

$1,625 – 3 Bed/2 Bath Mustang Home with Open Concept & Smart Features

“Modern living in Mustang! 1933 W Autumn Way offers 1,702 sq ft of beautifully updated space in the desirable Autumn Creek neighborhood. Available January 5th.

Recently upgraded: Brand-new luxury vinyl plank flooring, freshly painted interior in designer colors, updated light fixtures, and a modern kitchen with quartz countertops and subway tile backsplash.

Re-wired for smart thermostat, video doorbell compatible, and high-speed internet connections throughout.
An open-concept living/dining area flows into the kitchen, split bedroom plan for privacy, master suite with double vanity and walk-in shower, two additional bedrooms with generous closets, dedicated laundry room with washer/dryer hookups.

Covered patio perfect for Oklahoma’s unpredictable weather, fenced backyard, two-car garage with opener.
Top-rated Mustang school district, 5 minutes from I-40, close to shopping and dining on SW 74th, and a family-friendly community feel with lower crime rates than urban areas.

Pet-friendly: Up to 2 pets welcome with a $300 deposit + $35/month each.

Pricing: $1,625/month + $1,625 deposit. Tenant is responsible for all utilities. 12-month lease preferred.

Ready to apply? This upgraded home won’t last! Contact OKC Home Realty Services at (405) 232-5800 or visit our website to schedule your private showing today.”

Why this works: This rental property listing description emphasizes modern updates and smart home features that appeal to tech-savvy renters, highlights the desirable school district, and creates urgency with specific availability dates.

What Information Should not be Included in a Rental Listing?

Knowing what not to write is just as important as the description itself. Including the wrong information can limit your pool of applicants or, worse, land you in legal trouble. To protect yourself and your investment, avoid these common mistakes:

Discriminatory Language

Never include preferences related to race, religion, gender, family status, or disability. Phrases like “perfect for couples,” “no kids,” or “Christian home” violate the Fair Housing Act and can lead to severe fines.

Subjective Safety Claims

Avoid guaranteeing safety with phrases like “safe neighbourhood” or “secure facility.” If a crime occurs, you could be held liable. Instead, stick to facts like “gated community” or “nightly patrol.”

Current Tenant Details

Never mention the current resident’s schedule or personal information. This is a major privacy and safety risk.

All Caps

Writing in all caps looks unprofessional and aggressive. It often flags your listing as a potential scam to savvy renters.

Exaggerated or False Claims

Never lie about square footage, amenities, or property conditions. Misrepresentations damage your credibility and can lead to legal issues.

Transform Listings into Leases with OKC Home Realty Services

Understanding what to include in your rental listing description does more than describe a property; it attracts the right tenants, sets clear expectations, and shortens vacancy time. In this guide, we’ve covered how you can create great rental listing descriptions by using attention-grabbing headlines, clear property details, transparent pricing, strong visuals, and a compelling call-to-action.

However, a great listing generates leads and a lot of them. Are you ready to answer 50+ phone calls, schedule dozens of showings, screen applicants, and handle lease signings while maintaining your day job? There is a better way.

At OKC Home Realty Services, we don’t just list properties; we manage the entire lifecycle of your investment. Our team handles everything from professional photography and multi-platform marketing to tenant screening and lease preparation.

Ready to stop losing money to vacancies? Contact us today or schedule your free property consultation. Let’s get your property rented the right way.

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