How to Advertise Your Rental Property in Delaware

Delaware may be small, but its rental market is incredibly diverse—from commuter hubs like Wilmington to beach towns like Rehoboth and Lewes, and college neighborhoods in Newark. Whether you’re advertising a year-round apartment or a seasonal rental, standing out requires a strategic and compliant approach.

Delaware renters are often seeking affordable, convenient, and well-maintained housing. In urban areas, they prioritize parking and updated interiors; along the coast, beach access and flexible leases are key. This guide will walk you through how to prepare your property, where to list it, and how to attract quality tenants—without violating local rental laws.

Preparing Your Rental Property for Advertising

First impressions matter—especially when renters are comparing dozens of listings online. Before creating your listing, make sure your property is in its best shape.

Essential prep steps:

• Fix minor repairs (dripping faucets, chipped paint, loose handles)
• Deep clean all rooms, windows, and outdoor areas
• Clear out personal belongings if the unit is vacant
• Stage lightly with clean towels, open blinds, and neutral décor

What to highlight in Delaware rentals:

• Heating/cooling: Does the property have central air or baseboard heat? Renters want to know—especially during hot summers and cold winters.
• Parking: Off-street parking or garages are major value-adds in Wilmington and beach towns.
• Outdoor features: Decks, patios, porches, or community amenities like a pool or fitness center are worth showcasing.
• Proximity perks: Mention nearby beaches, highways (like Route 1 or I-95), or major employers if applicable.

Photos are key. Shoot in natural light, and capture every major room plus the exterior. Include special touches like a firepit, upgraded kitchen, or beach views when applicable.

Where to Advertise Your Delaware Rental

To attract qualified renters quickly, you’ll want to post your listing across a mix of national and local platforms. In Delaware, renters often use a combination of websites and Facebook groups to find available properties.

 Most-used platforms in Delaware:

• Zillow Rental Manager: Offers wide reach across all regions, especially metro areas and coastal towns
• Apartments.com: Ideal for multifamily buildings or long-term leases
• Craigslist Delaware: Still used for short-term rentals and local traffic
• Facebook Marketplace & Local Groups: Good for fast traction in specific towns or neighborhoods
• University Housing Boards: Newark landlords should post on University of Delaware’s off-campus site
• Hemlane: Best for landlords who want to post once and manage inquiries, showings, and applications in one place

Rental Listing Platform Comparison

How to Write an Effective Rental Listing

A clear and informative listing doesn’t just attract more renters—it helps you find the right ones. Here’s how to make yours stand out in Delaware’s rental market.

Start with a specific headline

Mention the number of bedrooms, location, and a top feature.

Examples:

• 3BR in Rehoboth – Walk to Beach + Private Deck
• 2BR Apartment in Wilmington with Off-Street Parking
• Furnished 1BR in Newark – 5 Minutes to UD Campus

Include key details in a skimmable format:

Use short paragraphs or bullet points so renters can get the info they need quickly—especially when browsing on mobile.

Make sure to include:

• Monthly rent and deposit
• Lease length (12-month, seasonal, short-term)
• Move-in date
• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
• Square footage (if known)
• Heating/cooling type (central AC, baseboard, mini-split, etc.)
• Laundry setup (in-unit, shared, none)
• Parking situation (driveway, garage, street parking)
• Pet policy and fees
• Any utilities included
• Nearby amenities (beach, highway, university, transit)

Photos matter more than ever

Include at least 8–12 high-quality photos showing:

• Each major room
• Entryway and exterior
• Any standout features like patios, updated kitchens, or beach proximity

If your unit is furnished (common for seasonal or student housing), show how the space is laid out.

Legal Requirements When Advertising Rentals in Delaware

Delaware landlords must follow federal and state advertising laws when listing rental properties. These rules exist to protect renters—and to help you avoid costly legal issues.

Comply with Fair Housing laws

It’s illegal to discriminate—or even appear to discriminate—based on:

• Race
• Religion
• Gender
• Disability
• Familial status
• Sexual orientation
• Source of income (including housing vouchers)

Avoid problematic phrases like:

• “No kids”
• “Perfect for single professionals”
• “Quiet, religious household”

Stick to the property itself—not your ideal tenant.

Be clear about terms and conditions

Delaware requires transparency in advertising. Always include:

• Rent amount
• Deposit required
• Any application fees
• What utilities are included
• Whether the lease is short-term or long-term

Local ordinances may apply

Some cities or towns (like Wilmington or beach areas with seasonal housing) may require:

• Rental registration
• Local landlord licenses
• Additional disclosures for short-term rentals or vacation homes

Check with your local municipality if you’re unsure whether your listing is subject to additional rules.

Delaware City-Specific Advertising Tips

Each area of Delaware has a slightly different renter audience. Tailor your listings to what renters in your region care about most.

Wilmington

• Emphasize access to I-95 and the Wilmington Train Station for Philly commuters
• Highlight parking, in-unit laundry, and updated interiors
• Mention proximity to downtown or major employers like ChristianaCare

Newark

• Student renters want: high-speed internet, walkability to campus, flexible leases
• Include pet policies, furnished options, and availability by semester or academic year
• Safety and off-street parking are a big plus for student housing

Rehoboth, Lewes, Dewey Beach

• Seasonal renters prioritize walkability to the beach, parking, and decks or patios
• Mention if your property is furnished and whether utilities are included
• Be clear about lease dates, pet policies, and local noise/occupancy rules

Middletown & Dover

• Highlight family-friendly layouts, fenced yards, and attached garages
• Mention school zones, grocery store proximity, and neighborhood walkability
• Emphasize affordability and space compared to urban areas

Advanced Advertising Strategies

If you want to go beyond the basics and fill your rental faster, these advanced strategies can help—especially in Delaware’s competitive coastal and commuter markets.

Use seasonal timing to your advantage

• Coastal towns: List summer rentals by late winter or early spring
• Student housing: Post by spring for fall semester occupancy
• Year-round rentals: Spring and early summer tend to see the most activity

Add a virtual tour or walkthrough

Delaware gets its fair share of out-of-state renters—especially those relocating for school, government jobs, or beach living. A video or 3D tour can help you connect with serious prospects early.

Highlight energy efficiency and heating systems

Heating costs matter in Delaware winters. Let renters know if your property has:

• Gas heat (preferred by many over oil)
• Energy-efficient windows
• Updated insulation or HVAC systems
• Smart thermostats

Use renter-friendly keywords

To improve visibility in search filters, include terms like:

• “Off-street parking”
• “Washer/dryer in unit”
• “Pet-friendly”
• “Walk to beach”
• “Commuter access to Route 1 / I-95”

Streamline management with Hemlane

Hemlane lets you:

• Syndicate listings across 30+ sites
• Track and reply to leads
• Screen applicants
• Schedule showings—all from one place

It’s a great fit for Delaware landlords managing one or several properties, especially if you don’t live nearby.

Sample Rental Listing Template

Here’s a listing example tailored to a Delaware beach-area property:

2BR Apartment in Rehoboth Beach – Walk to Sand + Off-Street Parking

Available May 1 – $1,850/month – Rehoboth, DE

Charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment just 3 blocks from the boardwalk! Ideal for year-round renters or seasonal professionals.

Property Highlights:

• 950 sq. ft.
• Fully furnished
• In-unit washer and dryer
• Private deck
• Off-street parking for 2 vehicles
• Pet-friendly (with deposit)

Lease Terms:Rent: $1,850/monthSecurity Deposit: $1,850Lease: 12 months preferred; short-term options availableUtilities: Water/trash included; tenant pays electric/internetAvailable: May 1Contact: delawarerentals@email.com | (302) 555-6789

How to Handle Inquiries After Advertising

Once your listing goes live, be ready to follow up quickly and stay organized. The first few days are when you’ll get the most attention.

Respond promptly

Try to answer messages within 24 hours (or sooner if possible). A fast response shows you're professional and serious.

Ask pre-screening questions

Before booking a showing, ask:

• Desired move-in date
• Number of tenants
• Any pets?
• Income source or employment
• Lease length preferences

This helps ensure they’re a fit before you spend time showing the property.

Offer flexible showing options

• In-person showings are great, but also consider:
  • Video tours for out-of-state renters
  • Self-guided showings using a lockbox (with ID verification)

Stay organized

Use Hemlane or a spreadsheet to keep track of:

• Who inquired
• Who’s been screened
• Who has toured
• Application status

This makes follow-up easier and ensures no strong candidate slips through the cracks.

Common Advertising Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding these common issues will help your listing get more attention—and keep you compliant.

• Not listing the heating type: Delaware renters care if it’s oil, gas, or electric—especially in winter.
• Leaving out lease length or availability date: Unclear terms can lead to back-and-forth or lost leads.
• Low-quality or missing photos: Dark, blurry, or outdated images make listings easy to skip. Bright, well-composed shots stand out.
• Using vague or potentially discriminatory language: Avoid terms like “single professional only” or “no children”—even if well-intended, they can violate Fair Housing laws.
• Overpricing based on seasonal demand: Be realistic—especially in winter months. If you’re offering a beach property off-season, adjust the price accordingly or offer lease flexibility.

Should You Hire a Professional?

Depending on your availability, comfort level, and location, you may or may not want to handle advertising on your own.

Hire a property manager if:

• You live out of state
• You have multiple units
• You want a hands-off experience

Expect to pay 8–10% of rent monthly, plus possible leasing fees.

Use a local leasing agent if:

• You just need help filling the unit
• You want someone to handle showings or paperwork This is typically a one-time fee (often equivalent to one month’s rent).

Use Hemlane if:

• You want to manage the listing, leads, and screening yourself—but with tools to stay organized
• You’re a part-time landlord or self-manager Hemlane gives you control, automation, and access to local agents when needed.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re advertising a year-round unit in Wilmington or a furnished summer rental in Rehoboth, the key to success is clarity, presentation, and reach. A clean, well-prepared property paired with a detailed, compliant listing will attract more qualified renters—and reduce the time your unit sits vacant.

With the right tools in place, even independent landlords can compete with large property management companies. Be responsive, stay organized, and tailor your approach to your local market. Whether you're near the beach or along I-95, a strategic listing sets you up for long-term success.

Make It Easy with Hemlane

Hemlane lets you:

• List your Delaware rental across 30+ websites with one post
• Screen tenants and schedule showings
• Stay compliant and organized—wherever you're located

Start your free 14-day trial today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to advertise a rental property?

The best strategy combines professional photos, a clear and detailed listing, and syndication to multiple rental sites like Zillow, Apartments.com, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. Using a platform like Hemlane helps streamline the process and keep everything in one place.

What is the 1% rule for rental property?

The 1% rule is a quick way to evaluate investment potential. It suggests your monthly rent should equal 1% of the purchase price (e.g., a $200,000 property should rent for $2,000/month). In Delaware, especially near the coast or high-demand college towns, it may serve more as a goal than a hard rule.

Where do most people post their rentals?

Most landlords use a combination of Zillow Rental Manager, Apartments.com, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and (for student housing) university housing boards. Hemlane allows you to list across many of these platforms from one central dashboard.

Does it cost to list on Zillow?

Yes, Zillow typically allows one free active rental listing per account. Additional listings or renewals may require a fee, usually around $9.99 per week, depending on the market. Listings are also syndicated to Trulia and HotPads.