The lease is ending, and your current resident has decided not to renew. 

It happens to the best of us. 

Now, it’s time to find your next eager resident to move in and keep that rental income flowing and the occupancy rate high. 

So, what’s the play here?

Do you wait until the last neighbor moves out to show the unit, or do you get the ball rolling while they’re still there? We all know how hard it is to sell a luxury home without being able to show the prospect their actual view. 

Here’s the deal: time is money. An apartment sitting empty because you’re playing nice with the lost resident is lost revenue. We always say, don’t let vacancies linger longer than necessary. Showing an occupied unit is not only possible; it’s smart. The faster you find the next neighbor, the quicker you’re back in business without a hiccup in leased and occupancy percentages. But you’ve got to be strategic about it.

Let’s break it down.

Waiting to Show An Unoccupied Rental Unit: The Right Move?

Pros:

1. Less Coordination, More Control
   When there’s no one living in the unit, you’re in full control. You don’t have to worry about syncing schedules with a resident, and, let’s be honest, the place is probably going to look a lot better. You can stage it, clean it, and show it in its best light.
2. More Time for Repairs and Touch-Ups
   With the place empty, it’s your opportunity to make upgrades and ensure everything is picture-perfect. A few updates here and there can make all the difference in how your property is perceived. Get it done right, and watch the applications roll in.
3. No Notice Needed
   Want to show the unit tomorrow? Go for it. No need to give anyone a heads-up. It’s your space, and you can showcase it whenever you need.

Cons:

1. Vacancy Equals Lost Income
   Every day that unit sits empty is another day you’re losing money. Plus, the time it will take for the prospect to give 30 days' notice and plan a move-in, you might be in trouble for a month or two. You might feel like you’re taking your time to show your community in the best light, but don’t forget—you’re paying the price with no rental income coming in.
2. Utility Costs on You
   Even though the place is vacant, you still need to keep the lights on, and the water running for showings. That’s more money out of your pocket until you get a new resident locked in.

Showing an Occupied Rental Unit: Keep the Cash Flowing

Pros:

1. No Break in Income
   This is the big one. If you’re showing an occupied unit, you’re still collecting rent. That means no gaps in your revenue stream, and your new neighbor can move in right after the old one leaves. This is a win.
2. No Downtime Between Residents
   Timing is everything. When you show while it’s occupied, you’re essentially pre-booking your next renter. The second your current tenant moves out, the new one moves in. No vacancy, no stress—just smooth, seamless turnover.
3. No Utility Transfers
   When you show an occupied unit, you don’t have to worry about switching the utilities back and forth. The current resident covers everything until they leave, and the next resident covers everything right when they get there saving you a hassle.

Cons:

1. Unpredictable Cleanliness
   Here’s the truth: you can’t control how clean or presentable the unit will be with someone still living there. Your current resident might not keep the place as spotless as you’d like, and that can affect first impressions.
2. Resident Temperament
   If your resident is leaving on good terms, that would be great. If not, that could be a problem. You don’t want them badmouthing the unit—or worse, badmouthing you—during showings. You’ve got to schedule the showings for times that the current resident is 100% onboard with being NOT HOME during the time of the showings.

Our Pro Tips for Showing an Occupied Unit

If you’ve decided to show the unit while it’s still occupied (which I recommend), here’s how to do it like a pro:

1. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
   Talk to your resident. Be upfront about your plans, and set clear expectations. Let them know when you’ll be showing the unit and what you expect in terms of cleanliness. Open dialogue is everything here.
2. Give Notice, and Plenty of It
   Make it easy for your tenant by giving them 48 - 24 hours' notice or whatever’s required by law in your state. The more heads-up you give, the smoother the process will be.
3. Request Cleanliness and Pet Safety
   You can’t demand that your resident do a full clean up, but a polite request goes a long way. Most people are understanding, especially if you’ve been a good site team. Same goes for pets—ask that they be safelt secured during showings.
4. Show Your Appreciation
   A gift card to a local coffee shop or moving help can work wonders. It shows your resident you appreciate their cooperation, especially if you’re planning multiple showings.
5. Forget ‘For Rent’ Signs
   Keep it professional. A “For Rent” sign can attract unannounced visitors, which can irritate your resident during an already stressful time of moving. Stick to online availability, or at the very least, put “Showings by Appointment Only” on your sign.

At CHARLESGATE, we say YES—you should absolutely show occupied units. 

Why leave money on the table by waiting for a vacancy when you can keep that rental income steady? The key to making this work seamlessly is having a seasoned sales partner who knows the ropes and handles everything by the book. 

We’re relentless in maintaining high occupancy rates, and we ensure that every showing, even with a current neighbor in place, is handled professionally. Let us take the stress out of renewal season for you—smooth turnovers and minimal downtime are what we do best.