Leasing apartments has changed dramatically in recent years. Today, tenants expect fast, convenient, and digital-first leasing experiences. Gone are the days when in-person open houses were the only way to tour apartments. With the rise of virtual tours, online applications, and remote leasing tools, property owners can showcase their units more effectively and attract qualified tenants without unnecessary delays.
If you’re wondering how to adapt, here’s a guide to leasing apartments using technology-driven strategies that meet modern renter expectations.
Why Virtual Leasing Works
- Convenience for Renters: Prospective tenants can tour properties anytime, from anywhere.
- Faster Leasing: Virtual tools cut leasing time in half by reducing scheduling conflicts and repetitive in-person showings.
- Wider Reach: Out-of-area renters (relocating for work, school, or lifestyle) can tour units remotely.
- Safety and Efficiency: Limits in-person contact while keeping the leasing process moving smoothly.
What Is a Virtual Tour?
A 360-degree virtual apartment tour allows prospects to navigate a rental unit as if they were physically there. Using their computer or phone, they can “walk through” rooms, zoom in on details, and get a real sense of the property’s scale and layout.
In addition to pre-recorded tours, live video walkthroughs via Zoom, FaceTime, or Google Meet can provide interactive experiences with leasing agents answering questions in real time.
Benefits of Virtual Tours for Apartment Leasing
- Showcase units 24/7 without coordinating multiple showings.
- Highlight details that still photos miss—such as room flow, finishes, and lighting.
- Create an instant sense of ownership for prospects, increasing conversion rates.
- Eliminate costly open house staging expenses.
How to Get Professional 360° Virtual Tours
Setting up a 360° virtual tour is easier than you think. Here’s the process:
- Search for Local Providers: Use Google Maps to find “360 virtual tour photographers + [your city].” Example: “360 virtual tours Anaheim.”
- Schedule a Session: Provide safe access to the vacant unit through a lockbox system.
- Capture & Produce: Photographers will shoot 360° HDR images and create an interactive walkthrough.
- Receive the Tour: You’ll get an embed code for your website and listing platforms like Apartments.com or Zillow.
Popular Tools:
- Matterport – Industry standard for HDR panoramic 3D tours.
- Zillow 3D Home – Free mobile app for landlords and managers.
- RICOH THETA – Affordable 360° cameras for DIY tours.
Leasing Apartments Remotely: A Step-by-Step Approach
- Create Virtual Tours: Post them on your website and listing platforms.
- Offer Live Video Tours: Use FaceTime, Zoom, or Google Meet for interactive showings.
- Digitize Applications: Enable online applications and document uploads.
- Streamline Communication: Use tenant portals or chat systems for quick responses.
- Implement E-Signatures: Allow tenants to sign leases electronically.
- Offer Move-In Videos: Record property condition before move-in to set clear expectations.
Conclusion: Virtual Leasing Is Here to Stay
Modern renters expect digital-first leasing experiences. By adopting virtual tours, remote leasing tools, and online applications, property owners can attract tenants faster, improve convenience, and reduce costly vacancy periods.
At Beach Front Property Management (BFPM), we integrate virtual leasing into our full-service property management solutions, ensuring faster fill times and higher tenant satisfaction.
Contact BFPMInc. to lease your apartments faster with professional support.
Trevor Henson
Trevor Henson is an experienced entrepreneur (10+ highly-successful start-ups) and property investor with a demonstrated history of building and leading teams in investment property management environments, maximizing returns for property owners, and optimizing properties through construction management and re-positioning. He…Learn more about how we can help. Customized solutions for large portfolios!