Finding a Rental Property in Cincinnati during the Covid-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally disrupted the rental housing market — and many of the changes it forced have become permanent features of how rental properties are marketed, toured, and leased.

How did the pandemic change the rental market?

When COVID-19 restrictions took effect in spring 2020, in-person apartment showings came to a near halt — landlords and property managers had to adapt quickly, embracing tools the industry had been slow to adopt: virtual tours became standard practice overnight, self-guided showings using smart locks allowed prospective tenants to tour independently, digital applications and lease signing via DocuSign replaced paper processes, and online rent payment through tenant portals accelerated dramatically.

What changed for renters during COVID?

Renters found themselves navigating a market where in-person interaction was limited but competition for available units remained strong — signing a lease on a property seen only through a video tour became routine in 2020 and 2021. The pandemic also prompted geographic shifts, with some renters leaving dense urban areas for suburban markets; Cincinnati saw increased demand from renters relocating from larger metros, contributing to reduced vacancy rates in neighborhoods like Blue Ash, Kenwood, and Montgomery.

What pandemic-era rental changes are permanent?

While the emergency phase of the pandemic is over, many of its rental market innovations are now permanent: virtual tours are a standard part of any quality listing, digital leasing from application through signing is the norm, online rent payment portals are expected by most tenants, and many landlords have retained self-showing technology for efficiency. These changes benefit both landlords and tenants by streamlining the leasing process.

What lessons did the pandemic teach landlords and tenants?

For landlords, the pandemic underscored the importance of digital infrastructure — tenant portals, online payment systems, digital lease signing, and maintenance request tracking. For tenants, the experience highlighted the importance of flexibility and preparedness: having documentation ready, being comfortable with digital processes, and being decisive in competitive markets. Both sides benefit from having systems in place before they're urgently needed.

EquityTeam adapted quickly during the pandemic and has maintained the technology-forward approach it reinforced. Our tenant portal, digital leasing, and online maintenance request system make managing a rental relationship easy and efficient for both owners and tenants. Contact us to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are virtual tours a reliable way to rent an apartment in Cincinnati without seeing it in person?
Yes — virtual tours have become a standard and reliable part of the leasing process. For maximum confidence, request a live video walkthrough with the landlord or property manager in addition to any pre-recorded tour, and ask specific questions about any areas you can't see clearly.

What is a self-guided showing and how does it work?
A self-guided showing allows a prospective tenant to tour a property independently using a temporary access code for a smart lock, without a landlord or agent present. The system verifies the prospect's identity before providing access. It has become a popular option that gives tenants the flexibility to tour on their own schedule.

Do Cincinnati landlords still require in-person lease signing?
Most professional property managers, including EquityTeam, now offer fully digital lease execution via DocuSign or similar platforms. This is faster, more convenient, and legally equivalent to an in-person signature. Some landlords still prefer in-person signing for new tenants, but it is no longer the norm.

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