Creating a great PadSplit listing is more than just posting a room for rent. Your listing is the single biggest tool for ensuring success on the platform because every member books rooms based on what they see online, often sight unseen. Even if your property is well-maintained and centrally located, a poor listing can hurt your occupancy and lead to early move-outs. Here are the top five mistakes hosts make in their listings and how you can avoid them to keep rooms full and members happy.
1. Not pricing your listing competitively
One of the most common reasons listings don’t get booked is pricing that doesn’t match the local market. To attract members, your price must be competitive for your area and your listing type. Rooms priced above the market rate without additional value can lead to low occupancy, as members typically look for budget-friendly options. If your price is higher than the local average, make sure it’s clear why. Do you offer unique amenities or benefits, like private bathrooms, newer appliances, or conveniences that members would pay extra for?
This process of understanding local pricing can start even before you buy a property. Search PadSplit for rooms in your area to see what’s available, at what price points, and which rooms remain unoccupied. This research gives you a ballpark figure of competitive pricing, helping you set rates that attract members without compromising your earnings. Members are often comparing listings in the area, so if your property’s price is higher, your listing needs to clearly communicate why it’s the best choice.
For more insights on pricing, check out this helpful guide about pricing optimization.
2. Using outdated or low-quality photos
Photos are the first thing members see, and they shape the entire perception of your listing. Quality photos make a listing shine, while low-quality or outdated images can instantly put your property at a disadvantage. Investing in professional photos is a one-time cost that pays off by showcasing your property in the best light. Additionally, professional photos improve the SEO ranking of your listing when it’s distributed on third-party sites, increasing visibility.
However, you need to make sure you’re updating your photos if any major changes have been done to the property. Outdated photos can lead to mismatched expectations and early move-outs. As Adeel Ahmed, PadSplit Host and General Manager, noted, “When members enter these bedrooms and realize the pictures are outdated, they want to move out.” This misalignment cuts down tenure, as members expect the photos to represent the current state of the property.
When choosing photos, think about them from the member’s perspective. Photos should not only show the space but also reflect a welcoming, clean, and well-maintained environment. Your images should capture both private rooms and shared spaces, giving members a sense of security and comfort before they even step inside. If your property has been recently updated, highlight these improvements. Accurate, appealing images build trust and make it easy for members to choose your listing over others.
For more on this topic, see our guide to improving listing photos.
3. Providing an incomplete or vague listing description
A detailed listing description doesn’t just fill space—it builds trust and helps members make an informed decision. Listings with thorough descriptions receive 50% more leads on average than those with minimal information, and they’re essential to creating a transparent and positive member experience. Your listing should provide an inviting, thorough overview of the property and its amenities so that members know exactly what they’re getting before they book.
Start with a clear picture of the home’s vibe and highlight what makes it special. If your property is priced higher than others, emphasize the value-added aspects, like upgraded appliances, recent renovations, or additional amenities. Members want to know about communal features such as Wi-Fi, kitchen equipment, laundry facilities, security elements like smoke detectors, and outdoor spaces. Include essential information about parking availability, house rules, quiet hours, guest policies, and any other expectations for members to avoid misunderstandings.
Approach the description with empathy for the member’s perspective. Think about what details would make you feel comfortable and welcome. Adding thoughtful details like the neighborhood vibe, available amenities, or recent improvements can help members feel more secure in their choice. If writing a compelling description is challenging, consider hiring a copywriter. Clear, detailed descriptions improve search results and attract members who appreciate transparent and thorough listings.
4. Overlooking the advantages of your property’s location
Including information about your property’s location is essential to make it stand out in searches and appeal to members seeking convenience. Many members choose properties based on how close they are to work, school, or other daily destinations, so emphasizing location benefits is important. By adding details on nearby landmarks, amenities, and transportation options, you help members see the value of the property’s location, making them more likely to book.
If your property is near a college, major employers, or public transportation, include these details in your description. Information about local attractions, dining, green spaces, or shopping options also adds appeal. Photos of nearby conveniences—such as grocery stores, transit stops, or parks—give members a better sense of the neighborhood and increase the listing’s relevance in search results. This approach also helps with SEO, making your listing more discoverable for members searching with specific criteria, such as housing near a particular university or business district.
Including local references doesn’t just attract the right members; it also helps your listing appear in search results when members are looking for specific areas. Adding searchable terms related to local landmarks or institutions can boost your listing’s visibility and make it easier for members to find you.
5. Ignoring member feedback
One of the most effective ways to keep occupancy and member satisfaction high is by actively listening to member feedback and making improvements based on it. Members are looking for a positive and consistent experience, so when they see that their concerns are addressed, they’re more likely to stay longer. Maintaining open lines of communication and addressing issues as they come up builds trust and makes members feel valued.
Check in with members after they move in, especially those new to the PadSplit platform who may be unfamiliar with a contactless move-in process. Ensuring that members know they can reach out with questions or concerns creates a sense of security and improves retention. Member feedback is also invaluable in revealing what adjustments you can make to improve the member experience. For example, if multiple members mention a need for better cleaning supplies or clearer house rules, making those changes can enhance their overall satisfaction and help create a stable, long-term living arrangement.
PadSplit’s Host Dashboard includes tools to facilitate communication with members, helping you foster a hospitality mindset. Hosting on PadSplit is more than a real estate venture; it’s a service-oriented, hospitality-driven experience. As a host, adapting your property and management practices based on feedback signals that you’re committed to providing a high-quality experience, which can lead to stronger member loyalty and extended stays.
Make your listing work for you
A well-crafted PadSplit listing does more than fill rooms—it builds trust, improves member satisfaction, and increases occupancy and tenure. By setting competitive prices, investing in quality photos, creating detailed descriptions, emphasizing the property’s location, and adapting based on member feedback, you create a listing that attracts and retains members. Success on the PadSplit platform is about more than just renting a room; it’s about delivering a great experience that keeps members coming back.
