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Renting out an investment property in 2025: Effective ways to find tenants and maintain a good tenancy relationship

Investment property purchased, check – the next step is to put it to work! This process begins when you find a reliable tenant with whom the tenancy agreement runs smoothly. Finding a tenant is crucial to the profitability of the investment, as a reliable tenancy minimizes empty months and reduces risks. Forecasts for 2025 point to a more stable rental market: the peak in supply has passed, demand is steady, and rental yields are expected to improve. Nevertheless, a careful rental process is still essential to ensure that the investment generates a steady return.

This practical quick guide to renting out an investment property goes through the steps of finding a tenant and maintaining a good tenancy agreement step by step: from preparing the apartment and setting the rent to marketing, screening tenants, signing the lease, and managing the long-term rental relationship. Each step is important for ensuring a successful tenancy – and finally, we also explain how you can outsource the entire rental process to a professional if you wish.

1. Preparing the apartment for rental

Before you start marketing your apartment, make sure it is in the best possible condition. Cleaning is a given, but it is also worth fixing minor defects such as loose moldings, broken appliances, or worn-out blind adjustment rods. A well-maintained apartment makes a good first impression and attracts more conscientious tenants. Also check that the fire alarms are working and that other safety features are in order. If the apartment is being rented furnished, make a list of the furnishings and check their condition.

You can improve the appearance of your apartment with very small and inexpensive renovations; for example, new laminate flooring in the living areas and repainting the old pine yellow ceiling in the bathroom with fresh white paint can work wonders in terms of attracting tenants and increasing the rent.

2. Determining the right rent level

Compare similar apartments in your area, taking into account the condition, amenities, and location of the apartment. Excessively high rent can easily lead to long periods of vacancy, while excessively low rent eats into your profits. The goal is to set a realistic and competitive rent. Clearly state what the rent includes and which costs (such as water, electricity, parking space) are charged separately. The security deposit should be set at 1–3 months' rent, but not so high that it deters good applicants.

The easiest way to get an idea of the realistic rent level for your apartment is to do your own market research: actively investigate the asking rents for similar apartments in the same area (e.g., Oikotie, Vuokraovi). Pay close attention to how location affects rent. Good services and transport connections increase the rent, while a quiet but remote location can lower it. Also consider the possible impact of the season (e.g., rents are usually higher in student cities in the fall).

3. Effective marketing

Create a high-quality rental ad with good photos, a clear floor plan, and an honest description of the apartment. Invest in good photos; the internet is full of ads with poor-quality photos, so you can stand out from the crowd by putting in a little extra effort. Take photos in a bright, tidy apartment and show off its best features. You could also consider making a short video tour. Highlight the apartment's strengths, such as its good location, balcony, sauna, or renovated surfaces. Use popular advertising channels such as Oikotie and Vuokraovi, as well as local Facebook groups. Another really handy and effective method is to use targeted advertising, for example on Meta channels, but in this case you need to have both a company page and an associated advertising account.

Ensure that the advertisement includes all relevant information: rent amount, security deposit, move-out date, pet policy, and desired lease length. Also, remember to be honest. For example, don't rent out a smoke-filled apartment with sales pitches about it being a "new development." Honesty builds trust and is a desirable trait in any case.

Also remember to start marketing well in advance, about 2-4 weeks before the apartment becomes available.

4. Careful screening of prospective tenants

Don't rent to the first person who asks – invest in background checks. Ask for a rental application that asks for basic information, income and employment details, and previous tenancies. Arrange viewings and talk to the candidates. Check credit information and, if necessary, request proof of income – this is a necessary measure, not an option. Ask the prospective tenant for written permission and check their credit information, for example through Suomen Asiakastieto Oy. Payment defaults are a clear risk indicator, but not necessarily a red flag. Assess the situation comprehensively and, if possible, contact the candidate's previous landlords to obtain additional information about their rent payment history and living situation.

Keep the selection process objective and non-discriminatory – the most important factors are the tenant's ability to pay and reliability. And check their credit history.

5. Comprehensive lease agreement

Always draw up a written rental agreement. Use a reliable template and make sure that all the essential information is included: rent amount and payment method, security deposit, contract duration, rent increase terms, pets, smoking ban, and division of responsibility for maintenance. Go through the agreement together before signing. On the moving-in date, you can conduct a condition inspection together with the tenant, during which you can document the current condition of the apartment with photographs.

Rental agreement checklist

6. Maintaining a good rental relationship

A good tenancy is based on open communication and mutual respect. Be easily reachable and respond promptly to any problems. Respect your tenant's privacy and give them plenty of notice of any visits. Fulfill your obligations as a landlord and expect the same from your tenant. Monitor rent payments regularly and deal with any delays in a professional manner. It is a good idea to give plenty of notice of rent increases and explain the reasons for them clearly.

7. Outsourcing rentals – when is rental brokerage worthwhile?

You can also outsource the entire rental process to an agency that specializes in rental brokerage. This is particularly useful if you do not live near the rental property, have several apartments, or simply want to save time and effort. The rental agency will take care of marketing, viewings, background checks, and drawing up contracts on your behalf. Many also offer rental management services and even rental guarantees.

One such operator is Rentsi Vuokravälitys LKV Oy, a company founded by real estate investors and specializing in the rental of investment properties. Rentsi operates nationwide and offers both rental brokerage and management services, such as rent control, handling fault reports, and communicating with tenants. Rentsi's Rentsi Huoleton service is particularly suitable for those who want investment returns without the daily hassle. The services are tax deductible, and outsourcing often pays for itself in reduced vacancy months and less administrative work.

Finally

Finding the right tenant and maintaining a good tenancy relationship requires planning and a proactive approach, but it also rewards the investor with a stable cash flow, lower risks, and, above all, peace of mind. Regardless of whether you manage everything yourself or outsource the process to a rental agency such as Rents, the most important thing is to act clearly, consistently, and in accordance with good rental practices. Well-managed rental operations are not only profitable but also quite peaceful at their best.