How to Advertise Your Rental Property in Arizona

Whether you're renting out a condo in Scottsdale, a student apartment in Tucson, or a single-family home in the suburbs of Phoenix, advertising your rental the right way can save you time, reduce vacancies, and attract better tenants.

Arizona’s rental market is dynamic. With major universities, a large seasonal population (hello, snowbirds), and growing tech and healthcare industries, demand is high—but so is competition. Renters expect quick access to details, clear photos, and listings that speak to their needs—especially in a hot climate where features like air conditioning and energy efficiency matter.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the key steps for advertising your Arizona rental property—from preparing the space and selecting platforms to tailoring your listing and avoiding common pitfalls.

Preparing Your Rental Property for Advertising

Before you upload photos or post your listing online, make sure your property is showing its best. Arizona renters—especially those relocating from out of state—are often comparing dozens of listings. A clean, well-maintained home with professional photos will give you an edge.

Start with these essentials:

• Make necessary repairs: Fix anything broken, update light fixtures, and replace worn hardware.
• Deep clean the unit: Pay special attention to floors, baseboards, bathrooms, and windows.
• Add curb appeal: Trim desert landscaping, remove debris, and touch up exterior paint if needed.

Next, stage and photograph the property:

• Use natural light and take horizontal photos of each room.
• Include images of outdoor spaces like patios, balconies, or shaded yards.
• Highlight in-demand Arizona features such as:
  • Central air conditioning or evaporative cooling
  • Solar panels or energy-efficient appliances
  • Low-maintenance landscaping
  • Covered parking or garages
  • Ceiling fans and blackout blinds

Taking time to showcase these features will not only make your listing more attractive—it can also justify your asking rent.

Where to Advertise Your Arizona Rental

To attract the most qualified tenants, your listing needs to be visible across multiple platforms. A good advertising strategy combines large rental websites with local channels that reach specific audiences like students, professionals, or seasonal renters.

Here are the best places to post your Arizona rental:

Zillow Rental Manager

Zillow remains one of the top platforms for Arizona renters. Listings also appear on Trulia and HotPads, increasing exposure. The first listing is usually free, with fees applying to additional ones.

Apartments.com

This platform is ideal for professionally managed units or long-term leases. It offers advanced features like 3D tours and detailed amenity checklists.

Craigslist Arizona

Craigslist still gets heavy traffic in metro areas and smaller towns. Be sure to write a detailed, honest listing and use real photos to avoid looking spammy.

Facebook Marketplace + Housing Groups

Popular in both urban and suburban markets, Facebook is great for fast local responses. Look for area-specific groups like “Phoenix Rentals” or “Flagstaff Apartments.”

University Housing Boards

If your property is near a major university (like ASU or UA), post your listing on off-campus housing portals. These are often the first stop for students and staff looking for rentals.

Property Management Platforms like Hemlane

Hemlane simplifies the process by syndicating your listing to major platforms from a single dashboard. It’s ideal for independent landlords who want to save time and stay organized.

Rental Listing Platform Comparison

How to Write an Effective Rental Listing

A strong listing helps you stand out in a competitive market—and makes it easier to attract renters who are a good fit.

Start with a clear, specific headline

Include the number of bedrooms, location, and a top feature renters care about.

Examples:

• 3BR House with Pool & Solar Panels – North Phoenix
• Modern 1BR Apartment Near ASU – In-Unit Laundry + Parking

In your description, include:

• Monthly rent and deposit
• Lease start date and length
• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
• Square footage (if available)
• Included utilities or services
• Pet policy
• Parking or storage availability
• Any standout features (AC, private patio, solar, etc.)

Formatting tips: Break the text into short paragraphs or bullet points to keep it skimmable. Renters often browse listings quickly—make key info easy to find.

Photos matter

Use natural light and capture wide shots of each room. Highlight:

• AC units or vents
• Kitchen and bathrooms
• Outdoor features (balconies, carports, desert landscaping)
• Any updates (new flooring, appliances, etc.)

Adding a short video tour or 3D walkthrough can further boost interest—especially from out-of-state renters or snowbirds planning remotely.

Legal Requirements When Advertising Rentals in Arizona

To stay compliant (and avoid costly legal issues), your listing must follow both federal and Arizona-specific rental advertising laws.

Fair Housing compliance

Under federal law, you cannot advertise with language that discriminates based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin. Avoid phrases like “no kids,” “Christian tenants only,” or “perfect for a single woman.” Stick to the property features, not who should live there.

Be honest and accurate

Listings must reflect the true condition, pricing, and features of the property. Misrepresenting your unit can be considered false advertising and may give tenants legal grounds to break the lease.

Include required disclosures (when applicable):

• If you're offering a short-term rental in a city like Scottsdale or Sedona, check for local ordinances related to registration or tax requirements.
• State taxes may apply to furnished or short-term rentals.
• Be clear about all application fees or deposits upfront.

You can review the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act for more details or contact a local property manager for specific guidance.

Arizona City-Specific Advertising Tips

Arizona’s rental needs vary widely by city. What works in Tucson may not apply in Flagstaff—so tailor your listing accordingly.

Phoenix & Scottsdale

These fast-growing areas attract professionals, families, and retirees. Highlight:

• Central AC or smart thermostats
• Proximity to employers, light rail, and freeways
• Community pools, gyms, or shaded patios
• Energy-efficient appliances or solar panels

Tucson

With a large student population, Tucson rentals near the University of Arizona should emphasize:

• Walkability to campus
• Internet-ready spaces
• Furnished options or flexible lease terms
• On-site laundry and bike storage

Flagstaff

As a mountain town with year-round tourism and winter weather, Flagstaff renters value:

• Heating (baseboard, forced air, or wood stoves)
• Insulation or double-pane windows
• Proximity to hiking trails or ski areas
• Seasonal lease options for students or second-home renters

Sedona, Prescott & smaller towns

In more scenic or rural areas, listings should appeal to renters looking for:

• Quiet surroundings or views
• Covered parking or storage for outdoor gear
• Nature access (lakes, canyons, trailheads)
• Clean, low-maintenance interiors that feel move-in ready

Advanced Advertising Strategies

Looking to fill your rental faster—or attract better-qualified applicants? These advanced strategies can help your listing stand out in a competitive Arizona market.

1. Promote energy efficiency

With Arizona’s hot summers, renters are especially conscious of utility costs. If your property has:

• Central air conditioning
• Dual-pane windows
• Solar panels
• Energy-efficient appliances Make sure to highlight them clearly. These features not only attract more interest—they can justify a higher rent.

2. Use virtual tours

Many renters are relocating to Arizona from out of state. A video walkthrough or 3D tour can help you connect with long-distance applicants who can't attend an in-person showing.

3. Time your listing

Arizona's peak rental season runs from May through August. If possible, align your marketing efforts with these high-traffic months. For college towns like Tempe or Flagstaff, list a few months before the fall semester.

4. Offer move-in incentives

Discounted first-month rent, free utilities for a month, or waived application fees can help your property stand out—especially during slower months.

5. Use a syndication tool

Rather than posting to multiple platforms manually, software like Hemlane can push your listing to dozens of rental websites at once, helping you save time and maximize reach.

Sample Rental Listing Template

Here’s a sample you can customize for your Arizona property:

Modern 2BR Apartment Near Downtown Tucson – In-Unit Laundry & Covered Parking

Available July 1 – $1,575/month – Tucson, AZ

Updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment just 5 minutes from downtown Tucson and the University of Arizona. This second-floor unit features central air, granite countertops, and a private balcony with mountain views.

• 950 sq. ft.
• In-unit washer/dryer
• Covered parking space included
• Quiet complex with gated entry
• Pet-friendly with deposit

Rent: $1,575/monthSecurity Deposit: $1,575Lease Term: 12 monthsUtilities: Tenant pays electric and internetPets: Allowed with additional $300 depositContact: tucsonrentals@email.com | (520) 555-9876

How to Handle Inquiries After Advertising

Once your listing is live, quick and professional follow-up is key to finding a great tenant.

Respond promptly

Try to answer inquiries within 24 hours. Many renters reach out to multiple listings—so responding fast can give you a competitive edge.

Pre-screen applicants

Before setting up a showing, ask basic questions such as:

• Desired move-in date
• Number of occupants
• Pets
• Employment/income

This saves time and helps ensure a good fit.

Offer flexible showing options

Virtual tours are great for out-of-town renters. If you're local, try to offer both weekday and weekend showing availability. If you're managing remotely, consider using a lockbox or working with a local agent.

Stay organized

Track who’s been screened, who’s scheduled for a tour, and who’s applied. Property management tools like Hemlane make it easier to manage these steps in one dashboard.

Common Advertising Mistakes to Avoid

Even small missteps can make it harder to find the right tenant. Here’s what to avoid:

• Low-quality or missing photos: Always include clear, well-lit images of every major room—and the exterior.
• Not listing rent or lease terms: Transparency builds trust. Don’t leave out basic info like monthly rent or pet policies.
• Vague descriptions: “Nice unit in great area” won’t cut it. Mention square footage, parking, A/C, and other features renters care about.
• Ignoring local context: A listing in Phoenix should highlight central A/C, while a unit in Flagstaff should mention heating and insulation.
• Slow responses: If you take too long to follow up, renters may move on to the next available property.

Should You Hire a Professional?

Not sure whether to handle advertising yourself or get help? Here are your options.

Property managers

A property manager can advertise your rental, screen tenants, collect rent, and handle maintenance. It’s a good option if you’re out of state or have multiple properties—but comes with added cost (often 8–10% of monthly rent, plus leasing fees).

Arizona real estate agents

Licensed agents can help advertise your property, price it competitively, and show it to prospective renters. Just make sure they’re experienced with rentals—not just home sales.

Property management software

If you want to stay hands-on without juggling every detail, tools like Hemlane let you:

• Syndicate listings
• Screen tenants
• Automate follow-ups
• Track leases and communication

This “DIY with support” approach is ideal for independent landlords who want control and convenience.

Final Thoughts

Arizona’s rental market is full of opportunity—but standing out requires more than just uploading a few photos and hoping for the best. Whether you’re renting out a home in Phoenix, an apartment in Tucson, or a seasonal property in Flagstaff, the key to finding a qualified tenant is a thoughtful, well-executed advertising plan.

From staging your property and writing a strong listing to choosing the right platforms and responding quickly to inquiries, every step you take helps reduce vacancy and attract the right renter. And with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be time-consuming.

Simplify Advertising with Hemlane

Hemlane makes it easy to advertise your rental across dozens of platforms, track leads, screen tenants, and manage every step of the leasing process—all from one dashboard.

Start your free 14-day trial today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to advertise rental property?

The most effective way to advertise a rental property is to list it across multiple platforms (Zillow, Apartments.com, Facebook Marketplace, etc.) with high-quality photos and a detailed, transparent description. Using software like Hemlane can simplify the process and keep everything organized.

What is the 1% rule for rental property?

The 1% rule is a guideline used by some real estate investors. It suggests that the monthly rent should be at least 1% of the property’s purchase price. For example, a $200,000 home should rent for around $2,000 per month. It’s used to quickly assess potential cash flow.

Where do most people post their rentals?

Landlords often post on Zillow, Apartments.com, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. College towns also have local housing boards. Many landlords use property management software to syndicate listings to all major sites at once.

Can I list my rental on Zillow for free?

Zillow Rental Manager typically allows one free listing at a time. Additional listings or renewals may require a small weekly fee. Listings on Zillow are also syndicated to Trulia and HotPads for broader reach.

What adds most value to rental property?

In Arizona, features like central air conditioning, energy-efficient appliances, updated kitchens or bathrooms, and shaded outdoor areas add significant value. Other popular upgrades include in-unit laundry, covered parking, and low-maintenance desert landscaping.