How to Get Landlords to Respond (and What to Do If They Don’t)
Finding the right place to stay for your travel assignment is stressful enough—but it’s even more frustrating when your booking requests or messages go unanswered.
But don’t give up just yet. With a few small changes, you can significantly increase your chances of getting a reply.
Why landlords might not be responding
There’s a lot of demand for monthly rentals right now, and landlords are often fielding multiple requests. Sometimes they:
- Forget to mark a listing as unavailable
- Haven’t seen your request yet
- Are still getting used to managing the listing or calendar
What you can do to get a response
- Customize your message: Landlords want to know a little about you. A booking request that includes your profession, dates, and reason for travel will stand out.
- “I find it to be a great resource. I would like the people looking for a place to leave some information as to who they are and why they're looking for a place. When they say nothing I will most likely pass them over.”
- Follow up with a quick call or text: Most listings include a “Call the Landlord” button under the Booking Request button. A short call or text to confirm your interest can make a big difference.
- Send a direct message: Not ready to book yet? Use the direct message tool to introduce yourself and ask about availability.
If it’s been 24 hours, move on
It’s okay to move on if a landlord doesn’t reply within a day. Keep looking and don’t wait too long on one option. There are plenty of great landlords out there who do respond quickly.
What if you’re still not getting a response?
If you’ve done everything right—customized your message, followed up, and moved on if necessary—but still aren’t hearing back, it could be a sign that a particular landlord may not be a good fit for your needs. In these cases, it’s best to:
- Adjust your expectations – Understand that landlords have their own timelines and priorities. Sometimes, you may need to seek out more responsive options.
- Try a broader search area – If you’re stuck on a particular listing or location, consider broadening your search. You may find better responses just a few miles away.
- Diversify your requests – Cast a wider net by sending more booking requests or direct messages to multiple listings. This will increase your chances of a response and give you more options.
How to make your booking request stand out
Being clear, respectful, and direct will help your requests stand out from the crowd. Here’s a quick checklist for a booking request that catches attention:
- Introduce yourself – A brief, friendly intro can go a long way.
- Mention your profession – Landlords are often looking for tenants in specific industries (e.g., healthcare workers, contractors, etc.).
- Provide dates and duration – Be specific about your move-in date and how long you’ll be staying.
- Be clear about your needs – Include any specifics about your accommodation preferences (e.g., pet-friendly, parking, etc.).
What we’re doing about it
The Furnished Finder product team is actively working to improve the responsiveness of landlords on our platform. Soon, landlords who respond more quickly will appear higher in your search results. (Search rankings = the order in which properties show up when you search.) That means it’ll be easier to connect with hosts who are ready to communicate and confirm bookings.
In the meantime, keep reaching out, keep following up, and don’t get discouraged. The right stay is out there—and we’re here to help you find it.
Keep searching
Head back to the homepage to search listings, message landlords, or update your travel dates.
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If you found these tips helpful, check out our blog on top 10 tips for finding the perfect furnished rental