Getting your property ready to be a rental? From location to trust, check out our list of 15 must-have apartment “amenities” that will make prospective tenants swoon.
1. Location, Location, Location
Any landlord worth their salt knows the saying, but it is an important reminder–Location is the #1 priority for most tenants. Some tenants are willing to drop items off of their apartment amenities wishlist for a good location. Tenants look for rental properties that are close to work, school, groceries and entertainment, depending on their priorities.
2. Quality School District
If your tenants have kids, the quality of the school district will probably be a significant priority for them. This includes quality teachers, education, and social activities such as sports and other after-school programs.
3. Safety
Not only do tenants like to see low crime rates in the neighborhood they are considering, but they also like to know the property has a working security system with locks on both the windows and the doors.
4. Parking
Reserved parking is a must for tenants. Even better if it is off-street! Driveways and garages are much preferred over parallel parking. If you really want to wow your tenants, add-on a double garage.
5. Younger Property
Younger properties look nicer and are less likely to need repair in the near future, a hassle tenants prefer to avoid.
6. Renovations and Upgrades
Moving into a rental is a fresh start for a tenant–Make the property as fresh as they feel! Tenants don’t want their new home to look like it has been lived in before. Consider renovating the kitchen or bathroom or adding to the new stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors or quality carpeting to the apartment amenities list if you want to attract quality tenants.
7. Open Floor Plan
Open floor plans are popular, making even the smallest spaces feel larger. They are also perfect for entertaining. Consider knocking out a wall in the kitchen, living room or dining room to make this tenant dream come true.
8. Natural Lighting
Tenants often look for natural lighting unconsciously because it makes rental properties look brighter.
9. Clean and Tidy
If a rental is clean on the surface, chances are it has been properly maintained beneath. Tenants often use the neatness of a rental property to gauge its maintenance level, which is important for avoiding future repairs to plumbing, HVAC units, etc.
10. Storage
A place for everything, and everything in its place. Limited storage space makes a rental feel cluttered and cramped. Tenants look for space for their stuff, including outdoor equipment like bikes and skis. Walk-in closets are a big draw.
11. Outdoor Space
Connecting with the outdoors is important for a lot of people. Outdoor space could mean a backyard, patio, or nearby park.
12. Appliances Included
Tenants do not want to purchase expensive appliances for a place that is not their own. Rental properties that include dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers on their apartment amenities list score big.
13. Move-In Ready
Your rental should not require any repair, painting, carpeting, or cleaning on day one if you want to attract tenants. They are ready to move-in, so make it move-in ready!
14. Pet-Friendly
For a lot of people, their pets are their family. Draw more tenant interest by making your rental property open to furry friends.
15. Trustworthy Landlord
Finally, tenants want to know that they are not being lied to about the property they are interested in–that they can trust their landlord to keep future promises.
The best way to make your rental property attractive to tenants is to ask yourself, “What would I want in a home in order to live a rich, full and happy life?” If you are unsure or want to avoid the hassle of getting your property ready for rental, a local property management company can help you from start to finish.
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Indeed, I totally agree with the #1. Great tenants are often willing to pay more or overlook less desirable aspects of the rental unit if the property is in a great neighborhood.