Trying to rent out your property? You’re probably wondering where to list it—Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Both are popular. Both are easy. But which one is better for landlords?

Let’s break it down in a fun, simple way!

What’s the Deal With Craigslist?

Craigslist has been around since the 90s. It’s an old-school platform that hasn’t changed much. But don’t count it out just yet.

Pros:

  • Big audience in most cities
  • People still trust it for rentals
  • Lots of listing categories

Cons:

  • Old-fashioned layout
  • Not always free — some cities charge a fee
  • Scams are a problem

If your property is in a big city, Craigslist might still bring good traffic. But it takes some effort. You’ll need clear photos, a strong description, and maybe a little luck.

Now Meet Facebook Marketplace

Facebook isn’t just for photos of your dog anymore. Loads of people use it to rent apartments and homes now.

Pros:

  • Totally free
  • Your listing gets seen by friends of friends
  • You can chat easily with potential tenants
  • FB uses your location to show homes nearby

Cons:

  • Some neighborhoods have less traffic on Marketplace
  • Lots of unserious inquiries (people just clicking around)

Facebook Marketplace feels fresh and modern. It’s easy to post. And since many people are already on Facebook, they don’t need to go far to find your listing.

Which One Gets You More Tenants?

Honestly? It depends on your city and your property.

If you’re in a tech-savvy neighborhood or renting a high-end apartment, Facebook might work better. People can see if they have mutual friends with you. That adds trust.

If you’re in a large city where Craigslist is still buzzing, don’t skip it. Some folks still go there just to find rentals.

How About the Scams?

Craigslist: Known for copycat rental scams. Always water-mark your images and meet tenants in person before handing over keys.

Facebook: Less scammy, but not totally safe. Don’t skip background checks just because they looked friendly on Messenger!

Stay alert on both platforms. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Ease of Use

Craigslist is simple, but not sexy. You fill out a form and it’s live. No emojis. No filters. Very basic.

Facebook Marketplace is more colorful. You can add photos, chat easily with leads, and reply from your phone on the go. Perfect if you’re juggling other tasks.

Our Tip? Use Both!

Why choose just one? Many landlords use both Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace to get the most eyeballs. Post to both, compare the results, and adjust as needed.

Final Thoughts

Want more visibility and leads? Go where your renters are. Some will be scrolling on Facebook. Others might still love the good ol’ Craigslist vibe.

Just remember:

  • Reply quickly to keep people interested
  • Use lots of clear, bright photos
  • Be honest in your descriptions
  • Always screen your tenants

Craigslist vs Facebook Marketplace? They’re both great tools. And when used right, they can help you fill your rental faster than you can say “Available Now!”