Dear PoPville – Why No Interest in my Rental?

“Dear PoPville,

Help! I’m getting married and moving away and need to sublet my place. This is the second week I’ve had the listing on craigslist, and I’ve gotten really limited responses. Can you and/or your readers help me figure out what’s wrong? Is the price to low? Do people think I’m a scam? Or does no one want to move to Petworth? Or does no one sublet? I think it’s a great place, and I’m just confused about why I have gotten so little interest.”

The Craigslist ad says:

“This is a great corner apartment with lots of light. I wouldn’t be giving it up except that I’m getting married and moving away. I am looking for someone who can take over the last four months of the lease–Dec 1-March 31. Rent is $1100 for the entire apartment, which includes all utilities (not cable, telephone, or internet). Deposit of $1100 is required. Photos here.

-1920s building, quiet neighbors, and on-site manager
-Coin-operating laundry in the building
-Close to transit (10 minute walk to GA Ave/Petworth metro, 2 minute walk to express bus–79, local bus at the corner)
-Convenient to Columbia Heights mall area–Target/IHOP/Staples/restaurants (20 min walk/7 min bike)
-On-street parking (no permit required)
-Easy commute to downtown DC/Takoma Park/Silver Spring
-Walk to library/Yes! Organic market/farmers’ market/Safeway/CVS/restaurants/Qualia coffee

What I’m looking for in a renter:
-Responsible
-Employed (must show proof of employment)
-Considerate and relatively quiet
-Willing to provide references/have background check
-Familiarity with Petworth

If you are interested, please email me with a little bit about yourself, where you currently live now, and what you like about Petworth. The sublet dates are December 1st – March 31. If you need a longer/shorter period of time, you may email, but I will give preference to folks who want exactly 4 months. Thank you.”

I think there are a few problems. First, even though you provide a link to photos the two photos you embed on the actual craigslist ad are pretty bad. Second – as you suspected – I don’t think there are many folks in the market for a 4 month rental. I also think the requirement of emailing “a little bit about yourself, where you currently live now, and what you like about Petworth.” is a bit excessive. Why do they have to say what they like about Petworth? Seems a bit much to me. Though for the record, I think the price is a great deal.

What do you guys think?