9 Ways To Be Successful In Renting Out Your Salt Lake City Home During COVID-19

By Adam Willis | August 17, 2020

9 Ways to Be Successful in Renting Out Your Salt Lake City Home During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic brought much of our society to a near standstill. With widespread layoffs, shifting work environments, and restrictions on in-person contact, the real estate market in Utah—while resilient—faced its share of uncertainty.

As a result, many homeowners found themselves reevaluating whether to sell or rent out their properties. And despite the challenges, one thing remained true: people will always need a place to live.

At Nestwell, our focus is property management. Even during the height of the pandemic, we were placing qualified tenants in homes within weeks. Many families relocated to Utah, couples looked for new beginnings, and essential workers needed temporary housing.

Now, as the market has evolved post-pandemic, these strategies are still incredibly effective for renting out your Salt Lake City home—especially if you want to stand out, reduce vacancy time, and attract top-tier tenants.

Let’s revisit this “trail guide” and pack your metaphorical landlord backpack with proven tools for success.

1. Competition Is Key

Renters have options, and the best homes get leased first. Make sure your property is:

  • Clean, modern, and in excellent condition

  • Priced just under market value to attract attention

  • Marketed with a competitive edge—smart staging, fresh photos, and attractive terms

2. Advertise Online

Online visibility is everything. List your property on:

  • Zillow

  • Apartments.com

  • Rentler

  • Facebook Marketplace

Use a syndication tool to publish your listing across platforms in one click. Make sure your ad includes:

  • High-quality, well-lit photos

  • A detailed, honest description

  • A clear call-to-action

3. Make a Video Walkthrough

A short, guided video tour (2–4 minutes) builds trust and gives tenants a sense of space. Highlight:

  • Entryways

  • Key rooms (kitchen, living, bathrooms)

  • Storage and outdoor areas

Use your smartphone and a free editing app for a polished result.

4. Offer Self-Showings

Digital lockboxes allow prospective tenants to view the property independently. Bonus tips:

  • Use one-time codes

  • Monitor the property between showings

  • Ensure security and cleanliness

5. Screen Tenants Thoroughly

Use a robust process that includes:

  • Employment verification

  • Previous landlord references

  • Credit and background checks

  • Consistent, fair standards that follow Fair Housing Law

6. Sign Leases Electronically

Ditch the in-person meetings. Use platforms like:

  • DocuSign

  • Buildium

  • AppFolio

  • Rentvine

These systems are fast, secure, and legally valid.

7. Collect Rent Online

Set up electronic payment options to:

  • Eliminate excuses for late payments

  • Reduce lost checks

  • Provide automatic receipts for tenants

Accept security deposits via wire transfer or certified funds—no ACH or personal checks.

8. Use Tech-Savvy Vendors

For emergencies (plumbing, HVAC, electrical), work with vendors who:

  • Accept digital work orders

  • Provide video/photo updates

  • Invoice online and accept electronic payments

9. Prepare for the Unexpected

Set aside a rainy-day fund—ideally six months of rent. Build reserves to cover:

  • Vacancies

  • Maintenance emergencies

  • Delayed payments

Planning ahead ensures peace of mind and long-term profitability.

📢 2025 Update: Renting in Salt Lake City Post-COVID

The market has changed since the height of the pandemic, but the need for rentals in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas remains strong. More than ever, investors and homeowners are turning to rentals for long-term wealth-building.

Whether you’re an accidental landlord or a seasoned investor, success today depends on:

  • Leveraging modern tools and digital platforms

  • Offering flexible, safe viewing and lease signing

  • Pricing competitively in a high-demand market

  • Working with a proactive property management partner

At Nestwell, we manage hundreds of single-family homes and long-term rentals across the Wasatch Front. We help smart property owners like you maximize returns and minimize hassle.

🎯 Ready to Rent Out Your Salt Lake City Home?

Let Nestwell take the stress out of managing your rental. Contact us for a personalized rental analysis and discover how much your property could earn.

Posted in COVID-19