How to find tenants for your house or apartment?

Finding reliable tenants is one of the key steps in successful property management. For homeowners in Calgary, it is important not only to fill vacant spaces quickly, but also to select tenants who will pay their rent on time, take care of the property, and abide by the rules of cohabitation. Below is a comprehensive step-by-step guide to navigating the Calgary rental market and finding your ideal tenant.

  1. Preparing your property: appeal and compliance with standards

Before placing an ad, make sure your property meets the expectations of today's tenants. Ideally, the interior and exterior should look fresh and well-maintained.

Cleaning and minor repairs.

Fix minor flaws: paint the walls in light, neutral colors, replace damaged baseboards or hardware. Make sure all appliances, from faucets to stoves, are in good working order.

Professional photography.

Bright, clear photos of the interior and exterior will greatly increase interest in your listing. It is best to take photos during the day with natural lighting. The images should show spaciousness, cleanliness, and comfort.

Describe the advantages of the area.

Calgary is characterized by a variety of neighborhoods, from the business center Downtown to quiet suburbs such as Springbank Hill or Tuscany. Indicate the proximity to schools, parks, shopping centers, public transportation, and hospitals.

  1. Set a competitive price To accurately estimate the rental price, analyze offers on specialized websites. The most popular resources in Calgary are:
  • RentFaster.ca
  • Kijiji.ca (section “Property Rentals”)
  • Realtor.ca (section “Rental Listings”)

Compare apartments or houses with a similar number of rooms and square footage in the same neighborhood. Pay attention to additional amenities (underground parking, laundry facilities, air conditioning) that may justify a higher price. If your property has unique advantages, don't be afraid to set the rent slightly above average, but be prepared to justify this to potential customers during the viewing.

  1. Prepare an attractive listing

The listing should grab the reader's attention from the first sentence. Start with a catchy headline that highlights the main advantages:

“Modern two-bedroom apartment with parking in downtown Calgary”

or “Spacious house in the suburbs with a large backyard”

The introductory paragraph should convey the atmosphere:

“Imagine morning coffee on your own terrace overlooking the Canadian Rockies...”

Next, provide a structured but smooth description of the property: square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, built-in kitchen, appliances, furniture, included services (internet, lawn mowing, etc.).

Don't forget to include the rental terms: contract length, deposit requirements, pet policy, early termination options, and estimated key handover time. By adding these details, you'll immediately filter out those whose expectations don't match your rules.

  1. Use online platforms and social media Post your ad on the specialized platforms mentioned above. Supplement them with posts in Facebook groups dedicated to housing in Calgary and themed Telegram chats for Ukrainian communities. Often, referrals from such groups generate a more targeted audience among immigrants.

Paid promotion services. To give your ad more exposure, use the options to move it up the list or place paid banners — this will pay off with faster filling of the vacancy.

  1. Collaboration with realtors and agencies If you wish to delegate the search for a tenant to specialists, contact a real estate agency. The cost of their services is usually between 50% and 100% of one month's rent. A realtor will not only take photos and post ads across the entire network, but also conduct background checks on potential clients.

  2. Vetting candidates: a guarantee of security and reliability

Careful screening is a key step. Be sure to include the following in the contract:

  • Copy of passports and work permit (for immigrants)

  • Proof of income: letter from employer, last three pay stubs, or bank statement

  • References from previous landlords: contact information for previous places of residence

Checking credit history through services such as Equifax or TransUnion will help assess financial discipline. If immigrants do not have sufficient credit history in Canada, they may be offered a co-signer.

  1. Organizing viewings and communication Within 24 hours of the first contact, offer a time for a viewing. It is best to hold viewings on days when the apartment is well lit and the landlord can answer all questions. During the meeting, demonstrate how all appliances work, show access to utilities, and common areas (if it is a house with a backyard).

Immediately after the viewing, send an electronic form with a short questionnaire about the tenant's interest to assess how serious they are. Communication via email provides written confirmation of agreements.

  1. Finalizing the agreement: contract and key handover Once the candidate has been approved, draw up a written lease agreement in accordance with Alberta law. The agreement must include all of the following:
  • Rent amount and payment schedule
  • Deposit amount (max 1 month's rent)
  • Rights and obligations of both parties
  • Rules for using shared spaces and penalties for violations

Obtain all signatures, including the guarantor's (if applicable), and hand over the keys only after receiving the first month's rent and deposit. Take photos or videos of the condition of the property in the presence of the tenant to avoid disputes when they move out.

  1. Post-signing actions and relationship maintenance After move-in, stay in touch during the first month: check if there are any immediate repair needs or if the temperature is comfortable during the heating season. Friendly communication encourages tenants to take care of the property and pay their bills on time.

Send regular reminders about rent payments a few days before the due date. If there are delays, contact the tenant politely, referring to the terms of the agreement. This approach will help minimize conflicts.

Conclusion

Finding tenants in Calgary is a complex process that begins with preparing the property and setting the right price and ends with signing a detailed contract and maintaining a good relationship. A neat appearance, attractive photos, clear rental terms, and a professional approach to selecting candidates will ensure quick occupancy without unpleasant surprises. Use a combination of online listings, social media, and real estate agent services to find the right tenants who will make your investment property stable and profitable.