Vacancy is your #1 cash killer. Here's how to use simple bonuses to get tenants signing leases — fast!

Get Units Filled Faster With Creative Bonuses

Vacant rentals are expensive — every day empty costs real $$. Lowering rent shouldn't be your first move. Smart incentives can rent your unit twice as fast — without trashing your profit margin. Here’s how:

Step 1: Understand Why Incentives Work

People love "free." Offering bonuses makes tenants feel they’re getting more — even if you don’t discount base rent. It frames your unit as a better deal psychologically, even if total price stays firm.

Step 2: Pick Incentives That Cost You Less Than Vacancy

One month vacant at $1,500/month = $1,500 loss. Smart incentives:

• First month Wi-Fi free ($50–$75)
• Free smart home upgrade (Nest thermostat for $150)
• Gift cards for signing ($200 Amazon card)
• Pet fee waived ($300+ value for pet owners!)

Small upfront costs = huge savings over months of full rent collected.

Step 3: Market Your Incentive Aggressively

Make it loud and clear:

• "Sign by [date] — Get $200 Bonus Gift!"
• "Apply Today — First Month Wi-Fi FREE!"

Put the incentive in headlines, listing titles, social posts — everywhere.

Step 4: Combine Incentives + Application Speed

Drive urgency by rewarding fast action:

• "First approved application by Friday wins bonus!"
• "Move-in by [date] and we’ll waive application fees!"

Combine limited-time incentives with super fast application systems like PropertySea.app (instant background checks + lease signing) and you can fill units lightning quick.

Step 5: Upsell Other Paid Options

Even if you waive one small fee, you can offer add-ons:

• Premium parking spot: +$50/month
• Extra storage: +$30/month
• Pet rent: +$25/month

Upsells cover your incentive costs quickly!

Real World Example:

I offered a "Free Smart Home Upgrade" (cost me $120) to tenants if they signed a 2-year lease. Unit rented 9 days faster — saving me ~$450 in potential vacancy — AND raising renewal chances long-term.

Final Thoughts

Smart incentives speed up rentals, reduce vacancy losses, and keep your cash flow healthy — without massive rent cuts. Get creative, market hard, and use simple tech like PropertySea.app to automate the speed advantage — and you’ll crush the competition every time.