Techniques for reducing vacancies and maximizing cash flow.
In the world of rental property management, downtime between tenants can be costly—both in lost income and in missed opportunities. For seasoned entrepreneur and property expert Ali Fazlulahi, minimizing vacancy periods isn’t just a goal—it’s a core part of his operational strategy.
As the founder of Kingsley Property Management, Fazlulahi has built a reputation for running efficient, high-performing rental properties that deliver consistent returns. One of the key factors behind this success? A meticulous process that ensures units are rarely left sitting empty.
Below, Ali Fazlulahi shares his proven techniques for reducing vacancies and keeping rental income flowing year-round.
1. Start Marketing Before the Lease Ends
One of the biggest mistakes landlords make is waiting until a tenant moves out to begin marketing the property. “You need to treat tenant transitions like a relay race,” Fazlulahi explains. “The handoff needs to be seamless.”
Ali recommends initiating re-listing efforts at least 30 days before a lease expires. This allows time for showings, background checks, and lease processing—so new tenants can move in with little to no gap.
2. Build and Maintain a Waitlist
Fazlulahi keeps a pipeline of pre-qualified rental applicants who’ve previously shown interest but missed out on available units. “We stay in touch with serious prospects so that when something opens up, we can fill it quickly,” he says.
This simple practice transforms tenant transitions into smooth, pre-planned moves—rather than last-minute scrambles. It also cuts down on marketing time and reduces tenant acquisition costs.
3. Streamline Turnover Processes
Vacancies often drag out due to slow turnover—repairs, cleaning, and paperwork. Fazlulahi combats this with a pre-scheduled maintenance team that’s ready the day a tenant moves out.
“Having vendors on standby and a checklist-driven turnover process allows us to prep units in 24–48 hours, not weeks,” he explains.
This operational discipline helps his properties maintain cash flow without long interruptions and ensures incoming tenants move into a professionally cleaned, fully ready space.
4. Use Flexible Showing Options
To keep potential renters engaged, Fazlulahi leverages tech-enabled tools like virtual tours, lockbox access, and flexible showing hours—even if the current tenant hasn’t moved out yet.
“Sometimes, tenants can’t tour during business hours. If you’re not flexible, you’re going to miss serious renters,” he notes.
Ali’s team offers both in-person and virtual walkthroughs, minimizing friction and widening the applicant pool.
5. Offer Tenant Renewal Incentives
Prevention is better than cure—and in rental management, retaining tenants is the ultimate way to reduce downtime. Fazlulahi uses targeted incentives such as small rent discounts, early renewal bonuses, or upgraded appliances to encourage long-term leases.
“If you’ve got a good tenant, keeping them is worth far more than replacing them,” he adds. “The cost of turnover always outweighs a small incentive.”
Conclusion
Reducing vacancy time isn’t just about filling units quickly—it’s about building systems that anticipate turnover and manage it proactively. Through careful planning, fast execution, and tenant-first thinking, Ali Fazlulahi has created a model for consistent occupancy and reliable income.
Whether you’re a solo landlord or managing a growing portfolio, these strategies can help you minimize downtime, maximize your revenue, and run a more efficient rental business.
