05 Aug Avoid Summer Vacancies in St. Louis: Top 10 Tips for Landlords

Summer can be a tricky time for property owners in St. Louis. While the warm season often brings a wave of rental activity, it can also lead to unexpected vacancies if you’re not prepared. Tenants may move for new jobs, school transitions, or to take advantage of the housing turnover common in the summer months.

If you’re a landlord or property manager in the St. Louis area, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to keep your units filled. In this blog, we’ll cover key strategies to help you avoid summer vacancies and keep your St. Louis rentals occupied all season long.

1. Start Lease Renewals Early

Don’t wait until the last minute to talk to your current tenants about lease renewals. Begin the conversation at least 60 to 90 days before their lease ends. Offer incentives like:

• A small rent discount for early renewal

• Complimentary carpet cleaning or an appliance upgrade

• Flexible move-out dates for students or job changers

With nearby universities like Washington University in St. Louis and Saint Louis University, many tenants are on academic schedules—so early planning helps you stay ahead.

2. Optimize Your Listings for St. Louis Renters

When filling vacancies, make your listings stand out online—especially in a competitive market like South City, Central West End, or The Grove.

Include These Listing Essentials:

• High-quality photos with natural lighting

• Local references like “close to Forest Park,” “walkable to Cherokee Street,” or “minutes from MetroLink”

• Keywords like “St. Louis apartment available,” “summer rental near [landmark],” or “move-in ready STL rental”

Posting on platforms like Zillow, HotPads, Facebook Marketplace, and local real estate groups is especially effective in the St. Louis metro area.

3. Offer Flexible Lease Terms

In a city with a mix of college students, medical professionals, and remote workers, offering short-term or summer leases can fill vacancies fast. Consider:

• 3- to 6-month lease options

• Furnished units for short-term corporate stays

• Month-to-month rentals near hospitals or downtown offices

This flexibility appeals to both locals and transplants moving to or within St. Louis during summer.

4. Highlight Seasonal Amenities

Make your unit irresistible by emphasizing summer-friendly features, such as:

• Central A/C (a must-have in humid Missouri summers)

• Outdoor space like porches or patios

• Proximity to St. Louis summer hotspots like Tower Grove Park, Forest Park, and the Muny

Update your photos and descriptions to focus on how the space enhances summer living in St. Louis.

5. Offer Localized Incentives

Sometimes a small incentive can close the deal:

• Offer one month of free rent or utilities

• Waive application fees for tenants moving in before a specific date

• Provide a local gift card (like to Ted Drewes, Salt + Smoke, or City Foundry STL) to welcome new renters

Tailoring your incentives to local favorites makes a big impression.

6. Promote on Social and Community Channels

Beyond traditional listings, reach out through:

• St. Louis-specific Facebook groups

• Local forums like Reddit STL or Nextdoor

• University and hospital bulletin boards (digital or in-person)

Ask current tenants for referrals and offer a cash reward or discount if they help you fill a vacancy. Word-of-mouth is strong in tight-knit STL neighborhoods.

7. Make the Application Process Easy

Many renters are moving quickly during the summer especially when relocating for internships or jobs at companies like BJC HealthCare, Boeing, or Centene. Help them say “yes” fast:

• Use online applications and e-signatures

• Provide virtual tours or self-guided tours

• Respond to inquiries within 24 hours

A smooth process gives you an edge over the competition.

8. Work With a Local Property Manager

Managing a St. Louis rental portfolio especially across neighborhoods like Soulard, Shaw, Clayton, or Lafayette Square can be overwhelming during turnover season. A St. Louis-based property management company can:

• Handle marketing and leasing

• Respond to tenant concerns

• Ensure compliance with Missouri landlord-tenant laws

Outsourcing can help you avoid costly delays and maximize summer occupancy.

Vacancies are costly but avoidable. By planning ahead, optimizing your listings for St. Louis renters, and offering timely incentives, you can keep your properties filled—even during the unpredictable summer season.

Whether you own a single-family home in The Hill, manage apartments in Soulard, or have investment properties across South City or Clayton, success in the summer rental market depends on being proactive, responsive, and locally informed.

At Hermann London, we specialize in St. Louis property management with a personal, professional touch. Our experienced team knows how to market, lease, and manage rental properties across every STL neighborhood from Maplewood to Midtown.

With tailored leasing strategies, expert tenant screening, and responsive service, we take the stress out of summer turnover and help you maximize occupancy year-round.

Ready to fill your vacancies fast? Contact Hermann London today to learn how we can help you keep your units rented this summer and beyond.