How to Rock a New Apartment Lease-Up: 5 Steps for Fast, Full Occupancy

Ladies in leasing, this one’s for you! 💼✨
A brand-new apartment building in your portfolio? Yes, please! That’s your golden opportunity to show off what you do best: marketing, leasing, and filling units fast.

But let’s be real—it’s only exciting if you’ve got a smart, modern plan to reach full occupancy (and quickly). So how do you attract the right renters and make your newest community the place to live?

Here are 5 proven steps to a successful apartment lease-up, designed with real women in mind—smart, driven, and juggling a million things.

🚀 Step 1: Start Marketing ASAP

The moment you know a new building is coming—start your buzz.

✅ Here’s how:

Talk it up now: Mention the new property to current leads.
Say things like:
- “We’ve got something brand new coming—stay tuned!”
- “If your move date’s flexible, wait for our new units with amazing move-in specials.”
Post it everywhere: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and yes—even Twitter.
Use Canva to create eye-catching “Coming Soon!” graphics.
Post polls or sneak peeks to keep your followers engaged.

🏙 Also Use Apartment Listing Sites:

Add your property to:

Zillow
Apartments.com
Trulia
Realtor.com

Think: Where would YOU look for an apartment? That’s where your listing should be.

📍Use Eye-Catching Signage

Hang banners with “Under New Management” and your contact info.
Strategically place yard signs in high-traffic spots with clear arrows.
Add a QR code that links directly to your listing for an easy scan-and-go experience.

📝 Step 2: Create a Waitlist That Works

Once you start marketing, leads will come in. Don’t let them fall through the cracks.

🔐 Set up a smart waitlist:

Collect:

Full Name
Phone Number
Email
Preferred Move-In Date
Source of Lead (Instagram, friend, flyer, etc.)

Then follow up regularly with updates:

Open House invitations
Move-in dates
New photos
Weekly emails showcasing amenities or community news

Bonus Tip:

Track where each lead comes from. That way, you’ll know which platforms and campaigns are converting best!

🏡 Step 3: Host an Open House (and Make It Count)

Your future renters are dying to see the space IRL. Let’s make it an event.

📅 Before the Event:

Email your waitlist with a friendly invite
Create a Facebook Event so people can RSVP
Post reminders on IG Stories and TikTok

📍 At the Event:

Post signs with address, date, and time
Use “Open House” banners they can’t miss
Have a sign-in sheet or QR sign-in to collect leads

🍩 Offer Freebies!

Everyone loves a little treat:

Donuts + coffee in the morning
Pizza + sodas in the evening
Swag bags or cute water bottles

🗂 Give Out Brochures With:

Photos + Floorplans
Rent Rates + Specials
Application Process
Amenities
Contact Info

🎉 Want a Crowd? Offer a Raffle!

Think: Target gift card, Echo Dot, or even free rent credit!

📸 Snap Pics & Post!

Show off the energy and excitement online to keep the momentum going.

🎁 Step 4: Offer a Move-In Special That Wows

Renters (especially millennial and Gen Z women) are budget-conscious. Give them a reason to say “yes” right now.

Popular Move-In Incentives:

1st Month Free (Prorated)
$500 Rent Credit (for move-ins by a set date)
FREE Tech Gift (flat-screen TV, Amazon Alexa, etc.)

🎯 Pro Tip: Promote these deals on social media with bold, scroll-stopping graphics.

💸 Step 5: Offer a Discounted Security Deposit

Let’s face it—moving is expensive. A reduced deposit can be a game-changer for renters trying to stick to a budget.

Try These Deposit Specials:

“Look & Lease Today” = $250 deposit
Bonus for Great Credit: Reward applicants with 650+ credit scores
Combine With Move-In Specials to sweeten the deal

📌 Just be sure the deposit still covers potential cleaning and damage fees.

💬 Final Thoughts

Ladies, whether you’re a property manager or a leasing pro, a lease-up is your time to shine.
With the right strategy—marketing early, building buzz, nurturing leads, and creating irresistible offers—you’ll lease up your new community faster than you thought possible.

Now go make your leasing dreams a reality. You’ve got this. 💪🏽🏡💼

The Renewal Mindset