Don't have that problem in my area.

Work with a good agent.

The local newspaper is a good source. After this, use the force

look at Craigslist and Trulia/Zillow, HotPads, oodle etc - for the non listed properties

I do not handle rentals, but I have a property manager in my office that does a great job.

Have an impeccable rental record.

When nothing is on the MLS, have them check Craigslist or vacant listings that have been on the market a long time. Sometimes owners will take them off the market and rent them until there is a better time to sell.

Mass email to other agents and others in the business in your area.  We do that here and often someone has a new rental or one that isn't yet listed. 

Renters love Craig's list.

Caroline, In my market … Craig’s List is the go to place for rentals.  

I would go to the nearby property management companies and see what they might have coming up. Not everything is on the market.
I would also get into some investor groups perhaps on LinkedIn . . . those kids need tenants for their in-contract properties when they close.

Caroline, I understand.  No tips.  No tricks.  Just like the buyer dealing with low inventory and a quick moving market, the prospective tenant needs to understand the definition of compromise when it comes to finding a rental.  

People are always moving.  Look at many sources to find a rental.

Good luck.

Most rentals here are found by driving around looking for signs; most owner's do not want to pay for the MLS.

Craigs list and The Coconut Wireless (that's word-of-mouth here in Hawaii).

I recently had good luck with HotPads searching for an apartment in Chicago!

I do not do rentals often, but received 3 rental request this week. The inventory is extremely low in mls for that price ranges. I'm not sure if it will work. I thought about giving the ad via craiglist, but I did not have much success with '' housing wanted''...

Good morning Caroline. No matter how tight the housing market it, there is always a home available that becomes available. Would reach out to property managers or search Craig's List.

Craigslist and the MLS are good sources, but also network, do a shout out for the needs & wants moment at a pre brokers open meeting (like the one on Friday mornings at Meadowlark Country Club in Huntington Beach) Be prepared to be creative in the offering, I most always advise (in a tight market or one with delinquent credit or in both situations) to offer more than the monthly payment as well as fronting multiple payments. One really big thing is the application itself, spend the time to "stage" the application, so it looks great and stands out.

I've moved applicants with bad credit many times into rentals that had required good credit, through many tips and tricks. Some of these same tricks can be used acquiring a rental in a tight market by anyone with adequate finances regardless of credit.

You will find many lease properties even in a tight market, but the main thing is, is using creative negotiation skills to win the battle to acquire the lease your client wants.

Property management companies seem to have listings not on the MLS. 

You have some great replies.  Possibly contact homeowners of expired that are vacant.  A year leasing is better than nothing. Just an idea.. Then maybe you could list the property.  

Leasing in our market is crazy!  Rent is high. Taking consideration of the cost getting into a lease, a person could purchase a home..  I work with leasing properties also. 

In Orange County?  Pray.

Lots of stuff to rent, but with the way rental rates are skyrocketing, it's tough to avoid even renting more than a shoe box

contact other agents if you know someone who will.

Bigger officer does more...

Go directly to property managers.

That is tough. Do you drive neighborhoods to look for signs? Sometimes word of mouth will help and calling other agents to find out if they know of any coming up.

Check out all of the web sites other than your MLS, which will have only a small percentage of available rentals.  

Backpage.com

Craigslist (carefully)

HotPads.com

Padfinder.com

Realtor.com

Forrent.com

Apartments.com

I use all the sites plus, I use my property management companies...call them to see if they have any inventory coming up in your clients search area.