The Top 10 Rental Property Amenities That Tenants Look For

Having trouble filling your rental property? It could be that you’re not providing enough of the amenities that tenants are looking for. Tenants have different needs and preferences when it comes to rental properties, so it’s important to know what they consider important. From pet-friendly features to energy-efficient appliances, here are the top 10 rental property amenities that tenants look for. By understanding and providing the amenities that tenants need and want, you can increase your chances of finding the perfect tenant for your rental property.

Pet-friendly features

If you’re renting to pet owners, it’s important to have pet-friendly features. Some of the most important pet-friendly features include a fenced-in yard, pet-friendly carpet and/or flooring, and a separate air conditioning system for a pet’s living space. These three features are especially important if you live in an area with hot summers, as they will help keep both pets and renters comfortable. Although it’s important to have pet-friendly features, make sure you outline your pet policy in the lease. This includes how many pets are allowed per rental unit, what types of pets are permitted, how many hours per day the pets must be kept indoors, and whether a pet deposit is required.

Energy-efficient appliances

Most tenants are looking for appliances that are energy-efficient. This is especially important if your rental property is located in a city with strict energy efficiency regulations. Not only will this help tenants save money on their utility bills, but it will also increase the value of your rental property. Make sure the appliances in your rental property are in good working order and have a long life expectancy. This will save you time and money down the road. When considering appliances for your rental property, examine their Energy Star rating. This will let you know how efficient the appliances are. When replacing appliances, opt for the more energy-efficient models. You can also add energy-efficient features such as programmable thermostats and smart energy monitoring devices to other appliances in your rental property.

Ample storage space

Tenants want ample storage space in their rental properties. This can be especially important if you’re renting to a young professional or a family, who might need extra storage for work items or sports equipment. It’s important to think about the different types of storage space that tenants need. This can include built-in storage shelves in the kitchen, closet shelving, and extra storage space in the garage. It’s also important to make sure that the rental property has adequate closet space. This can be especially important for the growing number of LGBTQ renters, who might have different needs and expectations compared to traditional renters. If you’re renting out a property that has limited closet and storage space, consider adding built-in storage features. You can also look into modular storage units, which can be moved around as tenants leave and new tenants move in.

Smart home technology

Renting to tech-savvy tenants? Offer smart home technology like smart lighting, thermostats, and security systems. Many tenants are opting for these types of services, and they can be an excellent source of recurring income. This technology can also help you save money on utilities, as it can be programmed to switch off in certain situations. If you’re renting out a more traditional rental property, you could lose out on these potential benefits. If you’re adding smart home technology to a rental property, make sure it’s professionally installed by licensed professionals. This will help ensure that the technology is installed correctly and meets local building codes. It will also help protect you if a tenant files a complaint about the technology, as you will have proof of proper installation and upkeep.

On-site laundry facility

Tenants who are renting with small children or pets will likely appreciate having an on-site laundry facility. This can also be helpful for tenants who work from home or have extended travel times to work. If you’re renting out a unit that only has one washer and dryer, make sure there are enough hours for tenants to use it. Tenants will appreciate having enough hours to wash their clothes. It’s also important to have this information outlined in the lease, so both you and the tenants understand the rules and regulations for using the laundry facility. If you don’t have the space or ability to add an on-site laundry facility, consider offering a rental property that has a nearby laundry facility. Or, provide access to a shared laundry room in a multi-unit property, which can be a low-cost option.

Sustainable building materials

If you’re building a new rental property, consider using sustainable building materials. These are materials that are renewable, recyclable, or made from recycled materials. Sustainable building materials are becoming increasingly popular among tenants, and they’re often required by local governments for certain types of rental properties. This can include low-income housing or environmentally friendly buildings. Sustainable building materials can help lower your operating costs, reduce utility bills, and increase the overall value of your rental property. They are especially important to use if you’re building in an environmentally sensitive area. If you’re building a new rental property, you can use green building certifications as a guide for which materials to use. There are many different types of green building certifications, and each has a different level of strictness. You can use these as a guide to determine how sustainable your building materials are.

Outdoor spaces

Many tenants are looking for rental properties with ample outdoor space. This can include areas for gardening, a porch or patio, and/or a balcony or deck. This can be especially important to tenants who want to reduce their carbon footprint. Tenants who want to grow their own food will appreciate the extra space to do so. Keep in mind that tenants who want outdoor space are often willing to pay a higher rent for this feature. This means you could have fewer applicants for your rental property. Make sure that tenants have enough space for the number of people in the rental unit. For example, if there are two people in the rental unit, there should be enough outdoor space to accommodate both people.

On-site parking

Most tenants will want to have on-site parking. This can be especially important for tenants with pets. If you’re renting out a unit without a designated parking space, you can offer a nearby parking option. This can be helpful if you’re renting in an area with limited parking. You could allow tenants to park in an off-site area, like a public garage, for a fee. This can help you manage the on-site parking while also providing additional income. If you don’t have space on the rental property to add additional parking, you can offer a nearby parking option. This can be as simple as designating a parking spot in a nearby lot. You can also offer a ride-share service, like Uber, to help tenants get to their rental property if they don’t have their own car.

Community amenities

If you’re renting out a unit in a gated community or nearby rental property, consider providing community amenities. These can include a swimming pool, tennis court, or gym. Not only do these amenities help keep residents fit, but they also promote socialization and help create a sense of community. This can be especially important for younger tenants who are looking for places to go outside of their rental properties. If you decide to provide community amenities, make sure to keep them in good shape. This will help prevent any injuries and keep the costs down. It’s also important to outline the rules and regulations for using the amenities in the lease. This includes whether a fee is required and the hours that they are available.

Flexible lease terms

If you’re having trouble filling your rental property, consider offering flexible lease terms. This can include offering a shorter lease term, extending the length of an existing lease, or accepting a month-to-month lease. By offering flexible lease terms, you could entice more tenants to apply for your rental property. This could help you fill your rental property faster. It’s also important to outline these lease terms in the lease, so both you and the tenants are aware of the details. While some of these features might cost more upfront, they could help you attract more tenants to your rental property. This can help you fill your rental property more quickly and with less effort. Conclusion Ultimately, the goal of having these amenities in your rental property is to make the tenants’ lives easier. This can help you find the best tenants for your rental property, as well as keep them happy and satisfied. By providing the amenities that tenants want, you can make the rental application process easier and faster. This can help you find the perfect tenants more quickly. 

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