Disadvantages: break ins, squatters set up house; teens have a party

Advantages: more phone inquiries; it's cheap advertising 

It depends on what works in your area.

I use them part of the time, mixed feelings on them since I get a lot of calls from very unqualified tenants on these.

I've seen "for rent" signs....not everyone is online.... for rent signs are useful in a high traffic area.....

The same advantages as a "For Sale" sign on a home for sale.  People who drive by see it and call.  I've gotten a lot of sign calls over the years and rented some houses out that way too.  Plus, the couple times I had a rental listing "borrowed" by a craigslist scammer, people drove by the property and called me from the sign to alert me to the scam.

The advantage is, they don't cost much, provide local exposure and can make your phone ring. Disadvantage is making sure you don't end up with squaters or kids looking for a place to party. You might ask a neighbor to give you a call if they see any unusual activity going on. 

Do what is best in your local area.

Signs, whether for sale or for rent, still catch the eyes of people passing by.  Neighbors may not follow the rental sites often or even at all, but may know of a friend, coworker, or family member wanting to move closer or into that neighborhood. 

Disadvantage is criminal activity of course.  Criminals could watch the place to see if anyone is living there.  Next thing you know, all your copper pipes are missing.  One simple fix is to put simple light timers on cheap lamps near the windows.  Spend a little more on a digital timer.  Some have a random setting, so the lights go of an on randomly and not on a set schedule.

It would depend upon the area - I've never used them but, if in a good area, you'll likely get more calls. Good luck!

People still drive around to find houses for rent and putting a yard sign is part of an advertising campaign for the landlord.

I do mine online. I don't want a sign at the house in case someone decides to knock on the door and bother the tenant or think it's empty and break in.

For Rent signs create excellent visibility

   Same pros and cons as having a For Sale sign on a listing.

Potential rents would see the sign and call you. I find most renters that way.

Signs work.  I have a couple of our mortgage loan signs on some properties that an investor is selling and get all kinds of calls from them.  

For rent signs also get your name out.  Just like yard signs get the phone to ring, for rent signs do as well.

Couldn't tell you... I don't ever rent properties.

Any marketing is good for you, especially signs that are the best for business.

As with all real estate, matters such as this are local.  What does the local tribe in your area do?  Signs? No Signs?  

Are you able to keep a close eye on the rental properties with signs? Depending on the area, there may be issues with squatters, break-ins, etc. 

Good question. I used them for years & they worked. Today, its a magnet for trouble (potential) & you said it..."online" works. Still subjective/optional

I do not work with property management, but reading comments.

It will vary but calls on RENT signs aren't as high as internet calls for the same.. in my experience Jenifer Kynor 

Jenifer Kynor I have to along with Caroline Gerardo .

Jennifer,

I agree with Caroline Gerardo .  A

No.

I still use For Lease and For Sale signs. Your listing's neighbor may know your next tenant/buyer.

No disadvantages that I know of.

To find a potential client? A lot of neighbors and people driving around may be interested...

Caroline Gerardo nailed this one!

The benefit is local people seeing a local rental and calling. I always put a disclosure inside taped to the window with my contact and beware of scams

too many calls to answer

They are still used in many places here in Chicago. Most units for rent do not use signs.

We use quality signs.

Jenifer Kynor - never had one such rental where I can put the sign... lol!

I have not put a sign for rent for several years. Often terribly prospects.

Do an open house the early bird gets the home.  Security and breakin is another issue.

Many of our calls from For Rent signs so why wouldn't you want to use them?