Unsuitable enquiries waste your time and the enquirer's. The fix is nearly always the listing. The clearer you are about who a place suits, the more the right people get in touch and the fewer wrong ones do.
Be specific about who it suits
Say plainly who the accommodation is for. If it is for benefit supported tenants, a certain support level, or a particular group, state it. Vague listings attract everyone, including people it will never work for.
Put the deciding facts up top
- •The weekly rent and whether bills are included
- •Whether you accept Universal Credit or Housing Benefit
- •Whether a referral is needed
- •The support level, if it is supported accommodation
- •The availability date
People filter on these facts. Getting them right means your listing shows up for the right searches, such as Universal Credit accepted, and not for the wrong ones. Our guide on writing a clear listing goes deeper.
Set expectations in the description
Use the description to answer the questions you get asked most. If viewings are on set days, say so. If a referral route is required, explain it. Answering common questions in the listing filters out people it does not suit before they message you.
Keep availability accurate
Nothing wastes time like enquiries about a room that has gone. Update your availability as soon as something is taken. Our guide on why availability updates matter explains the difference it makes.
What to do next
- •Review your listings and add the deciding facts near the top.
- •State who the accommodation is for.
- •Answer common questions in the description.
- •Keep availability up to date.
Ready to update a listing or add a new one? Head to Post a Place or read more on the for providers page.