Tips for a good space rental listing

Two listings for two identical spaces do not get the same number of messages. The difference is rarely the price. It is whether the listing lets people picture themselves using the space. Here is what works.

Photos that show the space as it is

Photos are the first filter, and by far the most important. A few simple principles:

• Take photos in daylight, with the light on and no direct flash.
• Clear out or tidy up before you take photos: a cluttered space looks smaller than it is.
• Show the whole space, not just one flattering angle. A view from the door gives a sense of scale.
• Show the access too: the entrance, the corridor, the ramp, the lift. That is often the next question.
• Do not hide the flaws. A pillar in the middle, a step, a low ceiling: better they are seen straight away than discovered on site.

An honest photo saves everyone time. It also spares you visits that lead nowhere.

Measurements, not adjectives

“Large” means nothing. “3.2 m × 2.4 m, height 2.1 m” can be checked. Give the length, the width and the usable height. Add the door width if it is narrow. For a garage, say whether a van fits. For a basement, the ceiling height is key.

A description that answers questions before they are asked

The questions that come up almost every time:

• How do you get to the space, and at what times?
• Is the space dry, heated, ventilated?
• Is there electricity, lighting, a water point?
• Can you park or unload in front?
• Who else has access to the space or passes through?
• What is the minimum rental period, and the notice period?

Answering these six points in the listing clearly cuts down on pointless back and forth.

Say clearly what you accept

A space rented to store boxes is not a workshop. And a garage is not a place to store just anything. State the uses you accept and the ones you rule out. It is the simplest way to attract the right requests and turn down the others without discussion.

A clear price

State the period the price refers to (per day, per month) and say what is included. If there is a deposit or a minimum period, mention it in the listing rather than at the last moment. To set your rate, look at comparable listings in the same area, then adjust.

Reply quickly

Most people looking for a space write to several owners on the same day. A quick reply, even a short one, often makes the difference. On SpareSpot, conversations go through the built-in messaging. That keeps the whole history of the discussion in one place.

Before you publish

Two points do not concern the listing itself, but are best settled beforehand. If you are a tenant, or an owner in a condominium (PPE / StWE), check with your property management company (régie / Verwaltung) or the administration what your contract or the house rules say. And describe your plan to your insurer to find out where you stand. Better to know before the first request arrives.

The checklist

• 5 to 8 clear photos, including the access
• exact measurements, height included
• how and when the space can be accessed
• condition of the space: dry, heated, electricity
• uses accepted and ruled out
• price, reference period, minimum period
• date from which it is available

To publish, everything happens on the owners' page. You can also browse the different types of space to see how listings that work are written.

Frequently asked questions

How many photos should I add?

Five to eight sharp photos are usually enough: an overall view from the door, two or three useful details, and the access. Beyond that, you rarely add information.

Should I put the price in the listing?

Yes. A listing without a price mostly gets messages asking for the price. Give it with its reference period and what is included.

How do I set my rate?

Compare similar listings in your area, with the same type of space and the same access. Then adjust to your own conditions. You can always change it later.

What if I get few requests?

Redo the photos first: they carry the most weight. Then check that the measurements and the access details are in the text, and that the price is clear.