Tenant Etiquette During Property Showings for Renters

2 May 2025

Renting a property can feel like a whirlwind of decisions, paperwork, and planning. But what about when your current rental is up for grabs again, and potential tenants start coming by for showings? If you've received that dreaded notice from your landlord—"We’ll be scheduling property showings next week"—don’t panic. This is your chance to shine as the ultimate courteous tenant and make the process smooth for everyone involved.

But what does tenant etiquette during property showings actually look like? Don't worry, I've got you! Let's dive into everything you need to know to avoid awkward situations, keep everyone happy, and, frankly, make sure your current landlord has nothing but good things to say about you when it’s time for references.

Why Tenant Etiquette During Showings Matters

You might be asking yourself, “Why should I care? I’m moving out anyway.” Well, here’s the deal: Having good tenant etiquette isn’t just about being polite (though let’s face it, being rude never gets anyone anywhere). It’s about maintaining a positive relationship with your landlord, avoiding unnecessary drama, and ensuring your security deposit isn’t at risk. Plus, if you're ever in the apartment-hunting game again, you’ll want a glowing tenant reference!

Think of it like leaving a good impression at a party—you might be on your way out, but you still want people to think, “Wow, they were awesome to have around!”

Tips for Excellent Tenant Etiquette During Showings

Whether you're an etiquette expert or you're just trying to get through this with minimal stress, follow these golden rules:

1. Communicate with Your Landlord (or Property Manager)

Communication is key—seriously. The moment your landlord informs you about upcoming showings, ask for a clear schedule. Make sure you understand what’s going on so there aren’t any surprises. Will they need your permission to enter? Can you stay in the unit during showings? The more you know, the less stressful the whole process will be.

Here’s a tip: Keep all conversations professional and in writing if possible—email is your best friend here. This way, there's a paper trail if any disputes arise.

2. Tidy Up Your Space

Okay, I get it—you’re busy packing, maybe working, and honestly, you’re just trying to survive the moving process. But leaving your home looking like a tornado hit it isn’t going to help anyone.

Picture this: A potential tenant walks into a cluttered, messy space. Do you think they'll be wowed by the property? Probably not. And guess what? A bad showing could delay renting the space out, which might mean more showings for you.

- Keep your space clean and clutter-free.
- Take out the trash (yes, even the bathroom trash matters).
- Make your bed! This one small thing can make the room feel more inviting.

Think of it like staging a house for sale—you're helping the property look its absolute best.

3. Be Flexible with Scheduling

The last thing you want is to be that tenant who’s impossible to schedule with. Yes, you have your own life, but showing flexibility will go a long way.

Can’t be home for a showing? No problem. Most landlords or property managers are happy to show the unit themselves. But make sure any personal items you’d rather keep private are safely tucked away.

4. Step Out During Showings (If You Can)

Here’s the thing: Your presence might make potential renters feel awkward. Why? Well, they’re trying to picture themselves living in the space, and it’s hard to do that when someone else is sitting on the couch eating chips or awkwardly standing in the kitchen.

If possible, plan to step out during the showings. Take a walk, grab coffee, or run errands—it’s a win-win for everyone. But if leaving isn’t an option, try to keep a low profile. Maybe hang out in one room and let the landlord show the rest of the place.

5. Be Polite to Everyone

This one’s a no-brainer, but it’s worth saying. Be friendly and polite to anyone who comes to tour your apartment. A smile and a simple “Hi, welcome!” can go a long way. Remember, you’re representing the space as much as the landlord is.

Also, avoid oversharing. If the bathroom faucet leaks or the upstairs neighbors are noisy, now’s not the time to mention it. Keep your interactions positive—it’s not your job to air the property’s dirty laundry.

6. Secure Valuables and Personal Items

Nothing ruins a showing faster than the fear of losing something important. Make sure to tuck away any valuable items, sensitive paperwork, or personal belongings before showings begin.

Stuff like jewelry, cash, or even sentimental items? Put those away. It’s not about distrusting the people touring your space, but hey, better safe than sorry.

7. Take Care of Pets (If You Have Any)

Got a dog that barks at strangers? A cat who’s basically a ninja when it comes to escaping? Make a plan for your furry friends.

If possible, take pets out of the apartment during the showing—they'll feel less stressed, and so will you. If that’s not an option, make sure they’re secure in a separate room or a crate. It’s also a good idea to clean up any pet-related messes, like litter boxes or chew toys scattered across the floor.

8. Don’t Sabotage the Showings

Look, I get it—you might be feeling a little salty about leaving your rental. Maybe your landlord raised the rent, or maybe you just weren’t ready to move out yet. But passive-aggressively sabotaging showings by leaving the place dirty or acting rude isn’t the move.

Remember, how you handle this says more about you than your landlord. Stay professional, and don’t burn bridges. You never know when you might need that reference!

9. Be Ready for Last-Minute Showings

As inconvenient as it might be, try to keep your place “showing-ready” at all times. Life happens, and sometimes showings pop up with little notice.

A good rule of thumb? Do a quick 10-minute tidy every day. That way, you’re always somewhat prepared if your landlord texts, "Hey, can we do a showing in an hour?"

10. Know Your Rights

Let’s get real: Not all landlords are great at respecting tenant rights. While you want to be polite and cooperative, it’s equally important to know your rights as a tenant.

Check your lease agreement and research local renter laws. In many places, landlords are required to give you 24-48 hours’ notice before entering your unit. If you feel like your rights are being violated, don’t hesitate to speak up—calmly and professionally, of course.

What If You’re Still Living There When New Tenants Move In?

This happens sometimes, especially if new tenants are eager to settle in. In this case, communication becomes even more critical. Coordinate with your landlord and the incoming tenants to establish clear boundaries and timelines. The good news? Handling this gracefully is another opportunity to boost your reputation as a top-notch tenant.

Final Thoughts

Tenant etiquette during property showings isn’t rocket science—it’s really just about treating others how you’d like to be treated. Keep your space clean, be polite, and stay flexible. Not only will you make the process easier for everyone, but you'll also leave a great last impression.

And who knows? The new tenants might even thank you for paving the way. After all, wouldn’t you have appreciated that when you first moved in?