Case Study: How We Took a Mission District Property From 12% Vacancy to 0%
San Francisco’s rental market is always evolving, and properties that fail to adapt quickly can suffer from high vacancy, long turnover timelines, and skyrocketing expenses. Earlier this year, Structure Properties was brought in to manage a newly developed building in the heart of the Mission District that was struggling with exactly these challenges.
The Challenge
When we took over, the property was facing:
- Over 12% vacancy across its unit mix
- Days on market well above neighborhood averages
- Turnover expenses that were eating into ownership’s returns
The combination of high vacancy and costly turnovers created a cycle of lost income and inefficiency that left ownership frustrated and tenants underserved.
Our Approach
Our team quickly went to work with a comprehensive turnaround plan:
- Expense Optimization
We analyzed every operating expense and identified areas where costs could be cut without compromising curb appeal, resident experience, or leasing results. This freed up resources to reinvest into leasing efforts and building improvements that actually moved the needle. - Neighborhood-Based Leasing Strategy
We placed a dedicated leasing agent who lives in the same neighborhood as the building. This hyper-local approach allowed us to connect authentically with prospective renters and sell not just the apartments, but the lifestyle of the surrounding community. - Influencer Marketing Campaign
To boost visibility, we tapped into the power of local influencers who showcased the building through authentic video content and social media posts. This strategy expanded reach beyond traditional rental platforms and created buzz among renters who may not have otherwise considered the property. - Casting a Wide Net
In addition to influencer campaigns, we deployed a multi-channel advertising strategy—leveraging Zillow, Trulia, HotPads, and our internal applicant pipeline to ensure maximum exposure.
The Results
Within months, the building went from more than 12% vacancy to 0%. As of September 2025, the property is fully leased, turnover timelines have been dramatically reduced, and ownership is realizing the returns that had been slipping away.
The Next Phase: Sustainable Rent Growth
Now that the property is stabilized at full occupancy, our focus has shifted to strategically increasing rents in a way that grows the rent roll without triggering unnecessary move-outs. Using neighborhood-level rent data and renewal strategies tailored to each resident, we’re prioritizing measured rent adjustments that strengthen long-term cash flow while maintaining resident satisfaction and retention.
The Takeaway
The needs of San Francisco properties are changing. Owners can no longer rely on “set it and forget it” management. Success requires agility, local insight, and a willingness to adopt new marketing strategies that connect with today’s renters.
At Structure Properties, we pride ourselves on turning challenges into case studies like this one. By blending data-driven analysis with innovative leasing practices, we not only stabilize assets but also drive ongoing rent growth for owners.
