In New York City — and especially Brooklyn — apartment rentals are in high demand. That’s why most well-priced listings rent within 30 days.
If your apartment has been sitting on the market longer than that, something’s wrong — either with the marketing, the agent, or the price.
Even if the tenant is paying the broker fee, a properly marketed apartment in Brooklyn should rent within a month. Here’s why yours might not — and what you can do to fix it.
1. Photos and Marketing: The First Impression That Sells (or Doesn’t)
High-quality photos and strong marketing are what make your listing stand out online.
An agent should always use a professional photographer or, at minimum, clear photos taken with a good iPhone lens. Each shot should highlight the apartment’s depth, layout, and best features — not the walls, ceilings, or clutter.
Poor lighting, messy rooms, or tilted photos instantly reduce inquiries.
Pro tip: Before photos are taken, tidy up the apartment completely — even small messes can make rooms look smaller.
Your listing also needs to appear on the right rental platforms where NYC renters actually search:
-
StreetEasy
-
Zillow
-
Apartments.com
-
Craigslist
If your listing isn’t showing up in these places, you’re missing your audience entirely.
2. Your Rental Agent’s Follow-Up Makes a Big Difference
Even perfect photos can’t make up for an unresponsive or inexperienced agent.
Ask yourself:
-
Does my agent respond quickly to every inquiry?
-
Do they follow up with every potential renter?
-
Are they available to show the apartment at flexible times?
-
Do they give me regular feedback after showings?
Renting in NYC takes constant communication and attention. A great agent doesn’t just post the listing — they work it daily, making sure every qualified renter has a chance to see it.
3. Pricing: The #1 Reason Brooklyn Apartments Sit Empty
If your marketing and agent are solid, the only other issue is price. Even a small price adjustment can make a huge difference in how fast a unit rents.
For example: earlier this year, I had a one-bedroom apartment in Bushwick, near the Morgan Avenue L train. We listed it at $2,600.
For two weeks, we had only a handful of inquiries and almost no follow-up from renters. After lowering the price by just $100 — to $2,500 — inquiries doubled, showings increased immediately, and within a week we had an approved tenant and a signed lease.
Brooklyn renters are price-sensitive. If your listing isn’t generating interest after 10–14 days, it’s worth adjusting slightly to meet the market.
✅ The Bottom Line
Every apartment in Brooklyn should rent within 30 days of listing. If yours isn’t, it’s time to review:
-
Your photos and marketing
-
Your agent’s responsiveness
-
Your price
When all three are aligned, your apartment will rent quickly and for the best possible return.
If you’re having trouble renting your Brooklyn apartment, contact me — I’ll ensure it’s marketed perfectly, every renter is followed up with, and you receive regular feedback throughout the process.
Are you a property owner that wants to sell their condo, investment property or needs to rent an apartment or retail space in New York City? Call or text me: Sam Moritz, licensed real estate agent, 203–209–3640.
Do you know a property owner that might need real estate help? Refer me! I provide great and professional real estate services across all five boroughs.