If you've ever reached out about a rental and didn't get a response, you're not alone.
We hear this feedback from renters from time to time, and we wanted to talk openly about it because transparency is one of the reasons we built ZRently in the first place.
The truth is that response rates from property managers and landlords are an industry-wide challenge. This isn't unique to ZRently. It happens on Zillow, Apartments.com, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and nearly every other rental marketplace.
That doesn't mean we're okay with it.
In fact, improving response rates is one of the biggest areas we're actively working on.
Why Don't Some Managers Respond?
There are a few common reasons this happens.
1. Managers Receive a High Volume of Inquiries
In competitive Southern California rental markets like Los Angeles, Long Beach, Orange County, and surrounding areas, a single listing can receive dozens of inquiries within days.
Some managers respond to every inquiry. Others prioritize the first few qualified applicants and stop responding once they have enough interest.
While we don't think that's ideal, it's a reality of the rental industry today.
2. The Rental May Already Be Spoken For
Sometimes a property has already been rented, but there is a delay before the listing is removed from all of the places where it's advertised.
Many property management companies syndicate their listings across multiple platforms. If they don't update their availability quickly, there can be a lag before those changes reach renters.
Simply put:
If they lag, we lag.
We work hard to keep listings as accurate and up to date as possible, but we can only be as current as the information provided by the companies advertising the homes.
What We're Doing to Improve Response Rates
We don't believe "that's just the way it is" is a good enough answer.
We're actively building solutions to make the experience better for renters.
Some of the improvements we're working on include:
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Expanding direct phone numbers on listings so renters can call property managers directly.
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Tracking phone call activity to better understand which listings are engaging with renters.
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Improving communication tools between renters and managers.
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Using AI technology to identify stale listings and potential response issues faster.
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Creating systems that encourage managers to maintain accurate availability and respond more consistently.
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Giving renters more ways to connect with property managers beyond a single message.
Our goal isn't just to show you listings.
Our goal is to help you actually get into a home.
What Renters Can Do If They Don't Get a Response
If you don't hear back right away, don't give up.
Here are a few things that can improve your chances:
Follow Up
If you haven't received a response after a few days, try reaching out again.
Managers are busy, and sometimes messages simply get buried.
A polite follow-up can make a difference.
Be Mindful of Timing
Weekends are often the busiest times for showings and move-ins.
You may have better luck reaching out during the week when leasing staff are back in the office.
Call If a Number Is Available
Many listings already include phone numbers.
If they do, use them.
A quick phone call can often get a faster response than email or messaging alone.
Keep Multiple Options Open
One of the biggest mistakes renters make is falling in love with a single listing.
Even if one property doesn't respond, keep reaching out to other rentals that fit your requirements.
The more options you pursue, the better your chances of finding the right fit quickly.
We're Listening
ZRently was built because we believed renters deserved a better experience.
Clear requirements.
More transparency.
Less wasted money on application fees.
Response rates are another area where we know the industry can improve, and we're committed to making it better.
We're still growing, we're still learning, and we're continuing to build tools that help renters connect with housing more efficiently.
Thank you to everyone who has shared feedback with us.
It genuinely helps shape the future of the platform.
If you've had an experience you'd like to share, we'd love to hear from you.
Our mission remains the same:
To help Southern California renters find homes more efficiently, save money during the search process, and bring more transparency to renting.
And we're just getting started.