Based
on
a
recent
analysis
from
RentSpree,
tenant
screening
activity
in
the
U.S.
spikes
27
percent
between
May
and
July
compared
to
other
times
of
the
year.
But
it’s
not
just
about
more
renters
—
it’s
about
faster
transactions.
Between
April
and
June,
properties
average
less
than
16
days
from
listing
to
first
tenant
application,
the
fastest
pace
all
year.

This
year,
these
seasonal
trends
might
even
be
more
pronounced.
With
mortgage
rates
remaining
elevated
and
home
prices
continuing
their
upward
trajectory,
more
prospective
buyers
are
opting
to

rent
instead.
In
March
2025,
the
average
30-year
fixed
mortgage
rate
stood
at
6.82
percent,
according
to

Freddie
Mac,
while
the
S&P

CoreLogic
Case-Shiller
U.S.
National
Home
Price
Index
reported
a
6.6
percent
annual
price
increase
in
January,
one
of
the
steepest
climbs
in
recent
years.
This
growing
affordability
gap
is
impacting
long-term
decisions,
according
to
recent
Redfin
data.
About
20
percent
of
renters
have
shelved
their
homebuying
plans
indefinitely
due
to
cost
concerns,
the
highest
level
since
Redfin
began
their
tracking
in
2019.

With
that
in
mind,

agents
looking
to
capitalize
on
this
surge
must
move
from
reactive
to
proactive.

1.
Optimizing
operational
efficiency

In
a
high-demand
market,
time
management
is
critical.
Streamlining
administrative
workflows,
such
as
creating
templates
for
tenant
onboarding
and
standardizing
documentation,
allows
for
greater
focus
on
high-value
activities. 

2.
Prioritizing
comprehensive
screening

Higher
application
volumes
come
with
increased
exposure
to
risk,
including
the
growing
threat
of
rental
fraud.
A
thorough
standardized
screening
process
should
include

credit
reports,
eviction
history,
criminal
background
checks,
and
income
verification.
Landlords
should
also
be
briefed
on
common
warning
signs
to
prevent
future
complications
and
ensure
informed
decisions.

3.
Elevating
marketing
strategies

A
competitive
market
demands
more
than
basic
listing
tactics.
In
addition
to
syndication
and
professional
photos,
leveraging
SEO-optimized
descriptions,
targeted
social
media
campaigns,
and
community-based
marketing
partnerships
can
increase
listing
visibility.
In
markets
like
Austin,
Texas
and
Silver
Spring,
MD,
where
tenant
screening
activity
climbs
by
more
than
55
percent
during
peak
season,
according
to
RentSpree
data,
standing
out
requires
a
multi-channel
approach.

4.
Reinforcing
referral
and
partner
networks

Strong
relationships
remain
a
key
driver
of
success
in
seasonal
markets.
Re-engaging
former
clients,
building
partnerships
with
relocation
services,
and
collaborating
with
local
brokerages
can
generate
steady
referral
opportunities.
Sharing
credible,
data-driven
insights
can
further
position
professionals
as
trusted
experts
rather
than
just
service
providers.

So,
while
the
summer
rental
season
typically
brings
increased
activity,
it
is
likely
to
be
an
exceptionally
busy
time
given
macroeconomic
circumstances.
With
tighter
timelines
and
intensified
competition,
early
preparation
can
make
the
difference
between
reacting
to
market
shifts
and
capitalizing
on
them.

Michael
Lucarelli
is
the
CEO
of
RentSpree.

This
column
does
not
necessarily
reflect
the
opinion
of
HousingWire’s
editorial
department
and
its
owners.

To
contact
the
editor
responsible
for
this
piece:



[email protected].