Communication in Property Management: How On Q Turns Customer Feedback Into Better Service
Leasing Trends: How to Get Your Rental Property Rented Fast
Vacancy costs money. Learn how data-driven pricing, smarter marketing, and self-guided showings help rental properties lease faster in today’s market.
If you have a rental home on the market in Arizona or Texas right now, you are not imagining it, leasing has gotten more competitive in the last year. RentEngine’s Q4 2025 Leasing Data and Trends report shows that winter leasing remains challenging, with lead volume down more than 40% and average days on market rising above 30 days.
The good news is that conversion performance is improving for operators who respond quickly, price correctly, and remove friction from showings and follow-ups. Below are the most useful takeaways for owners who want to reduce vacancy time and protect cash flow, with special notes for Arizona and Texas where demand patterns are still relatively strong compared to many other regions.
Arizona and Texas are still demand bright spots, but you still have to win the basics
The report notes that “sunny states” like Florida, Texas, and Arizona continue to see lead volume above the national average, a trend tied to pandemic era migration patterns that have not fully reversed.
For owners in Arizona and Texas, that is an advantage, but it is not a guarantee. Competition has increased, prospects are pickier, and the teams that convert are the ones that execute the fundamentals better than the listings around them.
Pricing is the fastest lever to reduce vacancy, and the report quantifies the cost
One of the clearest findings in the report is that overpriced homes sit longer. Even needing a single price reduction can cost about 11 days of vacancy, and for the average rent shown in the report, that can translate to roughly $750 to $760 in lost rent.
The report also shows that price reductions are common: 59.1% of properties needed at least one price reduction, with an average of 2.3 reductions and an average total reduction of $99.37.
Owner takeaway: If your listing is not getting the right activity early, adjust quickly. Waiting “just one more week” can be more expensive than a modest price correction.
What we recommend for AZ and TX owners
- Re-evaluate price if you are not getting meaningful inquiries within the first week
- Compare against true competitors, not last season’s comps
First impressions matter more than ever, because most leads arrive early
The report shows that a large share of leads arrive in the first week after a listing goes live. That means the first version of your listing does most of the work, and if the initial price is too high or the photos are not competitive, you can lose momentum and sink in the rankings.
Treat day one as your best shot. Nail pricing, photos, and readiness before you publish.
Fast checklist
- Professional quality photos that highlight light, layout, and cleanliness
- Clear description that answers common renter questions (pets, lease terms, utilities, parking)
- A “show ready” property from the start, including landscaping and curb appeal, which matters a lot in many Arizona and Texas neighborhoods
Your renters are shopping after hours, so response speed matters
More than half of renter inquiries happen after business hours (52.5% in the report).
This is a big deal for owners, because it explains why a home can “look fine” on paper but still underperform if responses are slow. When prospects are messaging between dinner and bedtime, the listing that responds fastest often gets the showing.
Availability and speed win. If your home is sitting, one of the simplest fixes is improving how quickly and consistently leads get responses, especially nights and weekends. On Q is the only property management company open 6 days a week and on call 24/7.
Marketing channels are shifting, and your website is more important than you think
According to the report, Zillow still drives a large share of renter leads, but its share has been gradually declining. Meanwhile, property manager websites are growing as a lead source and appear to deliver strong application volume. The report also calls out organic website leads as high intent in Q4.
For Arizona and Texas owners, this is especially important in competitive pockets where many similar homes hit the market at once. The listing that is easiest to understand and easiest to tour tends to win.
Post showing feedback often points to “property issues,” not leasing issues
The report notes that when fewer than 80% of showings request an application, it often points to issues with the unit itself, not just leasing follow-through. It also highlights common maintenance concerns mentioned in feedback, including HVAC and temperature related issues, general repairs and damage, appliances, and cleanliness or turn quality.
This is an important Arizona and Texas callout because HVAC performance and comfort are high stakes in both states. If showings are happening but applications are not, ask for feedback and be prepared to address condition, comfort, and cleanliness fast.
High impact fixes for AZ and TX
- Confirm HVAC is performing properly and the home cools and heats as expected
- Refresh air filters and ensure vents and thermostats are working correctly
- Invest in turn quality, cleaning, and small repairs that show up in photos and tours
Follow up converts, and most decisions happen quickly after the tour
In the report, the average time from showing to application submission is 2.21 days.
That means your follow up window is short. Owners benefit most when the leasing process makes it easy for qualified prospects to move forward immediately after touring.
What this means for On Q Property Management owners with a home on the market
If your property is listed and not leasing, the report suggests a focus on four levers first:
- Price for today’s demand, not last season’s. Quick corrections can reduce vacancy cost.
- Win the first week. Most leads arrive early, so launch with strong photos and a show ready home.
- Respond fast, including after hours. Renters are shopping nights and weekends. On Q is one of the few management companies available during these times.
- Make touring easy and fast. Reduce lead time to tour and remove friction wherever possible.
For Arizona and Texas owners, demand tailwinds can help, but only if your listing is priced and presented correctly, and if prospects can get answers and tour quickly.
