Design Tips for “Now Leasing” Banners

Design Tips for “Now Leasing” Banners: Boost Visibility & Fill Vacancies Fast

Even in the age of online listings, one of the most effective tools for driving walk-in traffic and leasing inquiries is still a well-designed “Now Leasing” banner. Whether you manage a luxury apartment complex, affordable housing project, or a small multifamily property, banners provide constant on-site advertising where it matters most—right at your curb.

At 760 Print, we’ve helped property managers and leasing agents across San Diego design leasing banners that actually get attention. And we’ve seen what works—and what gets ignored. From color choices to layout to material selection, the design of your leasing banner can directly impact your occupancy rate.

Why Banners Still Matter

They reach people already in your area — including renters who are driving or walking by.
They’re cost-effective — banners offer high visibility for low investment.
They’re fast to produce — ideal for lease-ups, move-in specials, or new buildings.

When paired with good placement and clear messaging, “Now Leasing” banners generate leads daily. They work 24/7, don’t require digital skills, and can be changed or rotated as needed.

This Guide Covers:

How to design banners that get noticed from the street
Best banner sizes and placements for visibility
Effective phrases beyond just “Now Leasing”
Color and font combinations that boost impact
What materials last longest outdoors
Common mistakes that reduce banner effectiveness

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to design a “Now Leasing” banner that drives results—and how 760 Print can help bring it to life, fast.

Need a rush order for an upcoming move-in? We offer same-day printing and install scheduling for qualifying banner jobs across San Diego.

Banner Layout That Gets Attention

You’ve got seconds—maybe less—for someone to notice your banner as they pass by. That’s why layout is critical. A strong layout ensures the most important message is seen first, supports readability at a distance, and gives your design structure that actually converts foot traffic into phone calls and applications.

1. Start with the Right Banner Size

The size of your banner depends on where it’s being installed. For roadside visibility, we recommend:

6 ft × 3 ft: Ideal for fences, walls, or second-floor balconies
8 ft × 4 ft or 10 ft × 3 ft: Best for high-traffic streets, especially when elevated
Custom sizes: We can produce up to 150 feet wide for larger properties or fencing wraps

Pro Tip: If you're near a busy road, use larger fonts and opt for landscape orientation so drivers can read it quickly.

2. Visual Hierarchy: What Should Be Most Prominent?

A good leasing banner prioritizes key information visually. This is the order most banners should follow:

Main Message: “Now Leasing” or variation (largest text)
Secondary Detail: Promotion or key selling point (e.g., “1 Month Free” or “Newly Renovated Units”)
Call to Action: Phone number, website, or QR code

Each line should decrease in size and contrast slightly to guide the viewer’s eye naturally from top to bottom.

3. Font Size & Legibility

Distance Readability: Aim for 1" of letter height per 10 feet of viewing distance
Use Bold, Sans Serif Fonts: No script or thin lettering. Stick to styles like Helvetica, Arial, or Gotham Bold
Use Sentence Case or ALL CAPS Wisely: ALL CAPS works great for short bursts like “NOW LEASING.” Avoid using it for phone numbers or long phrases.

4. Leave Space to Breathe

Don’t crowd your banner. White space (or “negative space”) improves legibility and helps the message pop. We recommend keeping 1–2 inches of margin on all sides and avoiding more than three lines of text.

5. QR Code Placement (Optional)

QR codes can drive users directly to your leasing website or application form. If included, make sure the code is:

At least 2" x 2" in size
Placed on a low corner (bottom left or bottom right)
Printed in dark color on a light background for contrast

Need help designing a banner that hits all these layout guidelines? Check out our full design guide or send us a quick mockup—we’ll clean it up for print at no extra charge.

Messaging That Drives Inquiries

The words on your “Now Leasing” banner are just as important as the design. What you say—and how you say it—can make the difference between someone driving past or pulling in. Your message should be short, powerful, and focused on the benefit to the renter, not just a generic announcement.

“Now Leasing” Is the Start — Not the Whole Message

“Now Leasing” tells people availability exists, but it doesn’t tell them why they should care. Strong banners use supporting lines to highlight what’s special, urgent, or different about your property.

Examples of Effective Messaging Stacks

Now Leasing
1–3 Bedroom Units • Pool + Gym • Pet Friendly
Now Leasing
1 Month Free Rent • Limited Availability
Now Open
New Luxury Apartments • Tour Today
Brand New Units
Available Now • 2 Weeks Free
Immediate Move-In
Studios Starting at $1,650

Power Words That Increase Engagement

Consider using phrases that tap into urgency, value, or exclusivity. Here are words that work well on banners:

Available Now
Move-In Ready
Limited Units
Pet Friendly
Gated Community
Luxury Living
Starting At $___
Now Open
Private Tours Daily

These add emotional appeal and relevance without overwhelming the design. Choose 1–2 supporting phrases max to keep your banner clean and direct.

Call-to-Action Tips

Your banner should make it easy for someone to act. Use a simple CTA that prompts engagement. Examples:

Call Now (followed by phone number)
Tour Today
Apply Online
Visit: [Short URL]
Scan to Tour (with QR code)

Keep It Focused

Resist the urge to list every amenity. A banner is not a brochure. Use it to grab attention and create curiosity—then let your leasing office, website, or phone call do the rest.

Need Help With Messaging?

Our design team at 760 Print can help you craft custom copy for your banners based on your property’s features, location, and current specials. Just tell us your goals and we’ll supply 2–3 options that make your banners work harder for you.

Request a free mockup and quote for your next leasing banner today.

Best Colors, Fonts & Contrast for Leasing Visibility

You can have the best layout and message in the world—but if your “Now Leasing” banner isn’t instantly visible and legible from a distance, it won’t work. That’s why smart use of color, contrast, and font selection is a crucial part of any high-performing banner design.

Color Choices That Catch the Eye

Colors should do two things:

Grab attention in seconds
Make the message easy to read at a glance

Here are high-contrast color combos that consistently perform well:

White on Red: Classic leasing combo, bold and clean
Yellow on Black: Extremely high visibility, great for busy roads
Black on White: Timeless and easy to read
White on Blue: Clean, calming, and professional
Dark Green on White: A great fit for luxury or nature-themed properties

Avoid low-contrast pairings like gray on white, light blue on white, or red on dark blue. These may look stylish in digital mockups but tend to wash out or disappear outdoors.

Using Color to Highlight Promotions

Want to call attention to a limited-time offer? Use a second color block or bold highlight to emphasize phrases like “1 Month Free” or “Tour Today.” Consider:

Red highlight blocks behind small white text
Bright yellow bubbles with black text for urgency

These additions draw the eye while preserving overall legibility.

Font Selection: Keep It Bold and Simple

Fonts should be easy to read from 30+ feet away. The goal isn’t style—it’s clarity.

Use all-caps bold sans-serif fonts for main headers like “NOW LEASING”
Keep letter spacing loose for improved readability
Stick to 1–2 font weights max (e.g., bold for headline, medium for CTA)

Popular, proven fonts include:

Helvetica Bold
Futura Extra Bold
Montserrat Black
Arial Bold
Gotham Bold

Fonts to Avoid: Script fonts, thin serif fonts, or any stylized typefaces that reduce clarity. What works on a website doesn’t always work on a fence banner viewed from a car.

Contrast Is Non-Negotiable

We always test banner designs for at least 70% contrast between background and foreground. This ensures readability in bright sunlight, from moving vehicles, or in dim evening conditions.

Bonus Tip: Matte vinyl materials reduce glare and help maintain color consistency under harsh lighting.

Need Help With Colors or Font Pairing?

Send us your logo, property colors, or a rough sketch, and our in-house designers will provide a free proof optimized for outdoor visibility. We specialize in banner layouts that look good—and get seen.

Choosing the Right Material for Outdoor Leasing Banners

The durability and effectiveness of your “Now Leasing” banner doesn’t just depend on design—it also depends on what it’s printed on. At 760 Print, we offer several banner material options optimized for outdoor performance, wind exposure, and mounting requirements.

Whether you need a banner for a fence, balcony, building wall, or roadside display, choosing the right substrate ensures your message holds up through sun, wind, and weather.

Recommended Add-Ons for Durability

UV Laminate Coating: Protects against sun fading and extends outdoor life
Reinforced Edges: Adds a stitched or heat-welded edge for extra strength
Metal Grommets: Standard every 2–3 feet for easy hanging with zip ties or rope
Pole Pockets: Great for inserting PVC or wooden dowels for balcony or vertical mount

How Long Do Leasing Banners Last?

Standard Vinyl: 6–12 months depending on sun exposure
Heavy-Duty Vinyl: 1–2 years with minimal fading or wear
Mesh: 6–10 months in windy zones, with proper install

If you’re running seasonal or rotating promotions (like “Now Leasing — Summer Move-In Specials”), we recommend 13 oz vinyl. For all-weather, long-term displays on major roadways or gated properties, upgrade to heavy-duty vinyl or mesh for longer lifespan.

Need help picking a material based on your site conditions? Request a free consultation and we’ll walk you through it.

Banner Placement & Mounting for Maximum Visibility

Even the best-designed “Now Leasing” banner won’t do much if it’s hidden, crooked, or facing the wrong direction. Where and how you install your banner is just as important as what’s printed on it. Strategic placement ensures your banner is seen by the right audience—at the right time—and makes your property look professionally managed.

Best Places to Install a Leasing Banner

Fences Along Busy Streets: Perfect for catching attention from cars and foot traffic
Balcony or Second-Story Railings: Works great for vertical space in urban settings
Leasing Office Exterior: Reinforces that units are available and ready to tour
Entry Monuments or Gate Posts: High-visibility spot for gated or luxury properties
Scaffolding or Construction Fencing: Ideal for new developments or properties mid-renovation

Pro Tip: Walk or drive the property from every angle to identify the best line of sight for banner placement. Place banners where people naturally pause—at crosswalks, driveways, or intersections.

Mounting Methods That Work

Depending on where you hang your banner, you’ll need to choose the right mounting method:

Zip Ties: Best for chain-link fences or railing installs
Screw + Washer: Use for walls, wood fences, or posts (with grommeted edges)
Bungee Cords: Allows flexibility for windy areas—reduces stress on grommets
Pole Pockets: Insert banner rods or PVC pipe for a tensioned, clean look
Heavy-Base Stands: Portable options for events or front-of-building sidewalk placement

Mounting Mistakes to Avoid

Too High or Too Low: Keep banners roughly 4–7 ft from ground level for best visibility
No Tension: A sagging banner looks unprofessional—tighten all corners evenly
Loose in Windy Areas: Use mesh material and reinforced grommets if wind is a factor
Obstructed by Landscaping: Trim bushes, branches, or parked vehicles that block view

Permits & HOA Restrictions

Some neighborhoods and commercial zones may require permits or have size/location restrictions for banners. Before hanging a roadside or oversized banner, check with your property’s HOA, city sign ordinance, or property management firm.

At 760 Print, we’ve worked with dozens of apartment managers across San Diego County and can advise on common restrictions for banner placement, especially in gated or multi-phase developments.

Need Installation Help?

Our team offers banner delivery and professional installation throughout the region. We’ll make sure your banner is straight, secure, and mounted for maximum exposure. Learn more about our banner install services here.

Common Mistakes That Kill Leasing Banner Performance

We’ve reviewed, fixed, and replaced hundreds of leasing banners across San Diego—and the same costly mistakes pop up again and again. If your “Now Leasing” banner isn’t generating phone calls, tours, or leads, chances are it’s not the concept—it’s the execution.

Here’s what to avoid if you want your banner to actually perform like an on-site lead generator:

1. Small Text or Weak Fonts

The problem: Script fonts, thin lettering, or text that’s too small to read from the street
The fix: Use bold sans-serif fonts and ensure your headline is at least 4–6" tall for roadside banners

2. Poor Contrast or Wrong Colors

The problem: Light-on-light or dark-on-dark color combinations (e.g., gray on white, navy on black)
The fix: Aim for 70% contrast minimum—white on red, yellow on black, or black on white are top performers

3. Cluttered or Overloaded Designs

The problem: Too many lines of text, icons, photos, or unnecessary info
The fix: Focus on one big idea: "Now Leasing" + 1–2 key value points + call-to-action

4. Wrong Banner Size for Viewing Distance

The problem: Using a 3' × 2' banner 50 feet from the sidewalk—it’s invisible
The fix: Match size to location. Use 6' × 3' minimum for fence banners, and go bigger for high-traffic or elevated placements

5. Weak or Improper Installation

The problem: Sagging banners, grommets tearing out, or signs that flap noisily in the wind
The fix: Reinforced edges, proper mounting hardware, and wind-optimized mesh for breezy zones

6. No Call to Action

The problem: Banner says “Now Leasing” but doesn’t tell viewers what to do next
The fix: Add a simple CTA like “Call Now,” “Tour Today,” or “Scan to Apply” with a short URL or phone number

7. Outdated or Damaged Banners

The problem: Faded text, peeling vinyl, or torn edges make your property look neglected
The fix: Replace seasonal banners every 6–12 months and keep backups on hand for immediate swaps

Remember: banners are often the first impression of your property. A dated or unreadable sign sends the wrong message to potential renters—and may cost you the lead before they even visit.

Need help troubleshooting an underperforming banner? Send us a photo or upload your file and we’ll offer design corrections or upgrade recommendations—free of charge.

Final Thoughts: Design a “Now Leasing” Banner That Gets Results

A great leasing banner doesn’t just look nice—it fills units. When designed and installed correctly, it works 24/7 to bring attention to your property, drive foot traffic, and convert interest into signed leases. But it has to be readable, clear, and professionally produced to work its hardest.

Whether you’re announcing a brand-new development or promoting availability at an existing community, the team at 760 Print is here to help you get it right—fast. We’ve worked with apartment managers, leasing agents, and developers across San Diego County to design and produce banners that look great and perform even better.

Why Work with 760 Print?

Fast Turnaround: Need it yesterday? We offer rush banner printing and same-day pickup options.
Local Installation: We offer professional installation throughout the region—so your banners go up straight, secure, and on time.
In-House Design: Send us a logo, concept, or sketch—we’ll deliver polished, print-ready artwork optimized for outdoor use.
Weather-Resistant Materials: Our banners are built for Southern California sun, wind, and visibility.
Custom Sizing: Whether you need one banner or fifty, we print to the exact size and layout your property needs.

How to Get Started

Just tell us:

Your banner size
Where it will be mounted
Your message and any property-specific details (rent deals, amenities, etc.)

From there, we’ll design, print, and (if needed) install your custom leasing banner—often in 24–48 hours.

Related Resources:

Let’s Fill Those Units

Ready to bring more visibility to your property? Request a free quote today and we’ll help you create a leasing banner that turns passersby into renters.

Still deciding on size or message? We’re happy to advise—just call or email us and a 760 Print team member will help you pick the best materials, placement, and layout to maximize impact.

sales@760print.com

760 758-1140

2585 Fortune Way, Suite B Vista, CA 92081