To be a successful landlord, you will need to attract tenants to your rental property. Writing an excellent property description for your online listing with Apartments.com and taking top-notch photos of your rental property can help attract more potential tenants. However, one of the best ways to attract long-term tenants is to cater to what they want. Here are the top 10 amenities that renters can’t get enough of.
1. Flexible Pet Polices
Many tenants are pet owners, and because their cuddly companions are treated like family, they’ll be looking for pet-friendly rentals when searching for their next home. Although allowing pets in your rental property is a bit risky, there are some benefits beyond widening your pool of potential tenants. You can charge a pet deposit to cover damage, and pet rent can be an extra source of monthly income. The regulations for pet rent, pet fees, and pet deposits vary, so make sure to check your state laws. Along with a great pet policy, pet-friendly amenities like on-site dog parks and doggy bag stations will help your rental property stand out. Both tenants and landlords appreciate tile, laminate, vinyl, or sealed hardwood flooring since they are easier to clean and more scratch resistant. To learn more about renting to tenants with pets, check out our landlord’s guide to pet-friendly rentals.
2. Granite Countertops and Stainless Steel Appliances
Renters search for upgraded kitchens because they are attractive and modern. They’re also an extra perk for renters who enjoy cooking. Since granite countertops and stainless steel appliances are durable and easier to clean, they will help keep your property low maintenance because you won’t have to constantly replace or repair them. Granite countertops and stainless steel appliances are also great investments because they are luxury amenities that allow you to adjust the price of rent accordingly.
3. Outdoor Spaces
Although it’s important to invest in unique features inside of the apartment, outdoor space is also something renters are searching for. Renters appreciate areas like a small patio, balcony, roof garden, or fenced yard where they can go for fresh air or enjoy sunny weather. Special amenities like a swimming pool, tennis courts, a dog park, outdoor furniture, or fire pits can help renters envision themselves living at the rental property. Add in some shrubs, flowers, and other landscaping to enhance these spaces even more and improve your curb appeal.
4. Walkability
Even though you can’t change where your rental property is located, you should consider an accessible location if you plan to buy another (or buy your first rental property). Choosing the right location is one of the most important factors when purchasing a rental property. Try to aim for properties that are within walking distance of major points of interest like universities, restaurants, beaches, etc. If your current property is already in a great location, highlight what destinations are within walking distance in your online property description.
5. Security and Safety
Everyone wants to feel safe in their homes, so it’s no surprise that renters are looking for safety features when searching for apartments. Gated access is one of the most popular amenities renters look for, but other common security amenities include alarm systems, automatic locking doors, security cameras, and secured package delivery. Along with security amenities, it’s important to make sure your rental property is compliant with state and local safety standards. If your property was built before 1978, familiarize yourself with the lead disclosure rule.
6. A Well-Maintained Unit and Community
Renters want to live in an apartment where maintenance issues are addressed quickly. They also want to live in a well-maintained community free of trash, debris, or damaged amenities. Handling maintenance requests promptly is essential when managing a rental property and is necessary for the business to be successful. The property owner or manager should be on top of maintenance and repairs across the community and in the unit, especially before giving tours of the rental property.
7. Ample Parking for Residents and Visitors
Renters don’t want to spend 30 minutes trying to find parking after work or when their loved ones come over for a visit, so if you have ample parking, make sure to advertise that. Assigned parking and garage parking are particularly popular in urban areas where space is usually limited. Covered parking is typically in high demand in places like Florida where it rains often and cooler climates like Colorado where snow is common throughout the year.
8. Walk-In Closets and Plenty of Storage
If your rental property has walk-in closets and built-in storage space like large kitchen cabinets and pantries, you’ll most likely impress potential renters. Renters want ample space to store their belongings without having to purchase extra containers, wardrobes, etc. If you don’t have walk-in closets, consider building one into the rental property. Walk-in closets can be added without making major structural changes, so the renovation could be worth it. Most renters would prefer a smaller bedroom with extra storage space than a small closet in a spacious bedroom. Any additional storage space is always welcomed.
9. In-Unit Washer and Dryer
Renters love being able to avoid a weekly trip to the laundromat down the street, so in-unit laundry is a major convenience. Although in-unit washers and dryers aren’t legally required, it’ll make your rental property stand out. Make sure to do your research before purchasing any appliances and inspect them before a tenant moves in. If you can’t offer in-unit washing machines or dryers, washer/dryer hook-ups and on-site laundry rooms are desirable amenities as well. Some renters already have washers and dryers so they don’t mind bringing them along when they move. Also, taking a few loads of clothing down a flight of steps is a better option than lugging laundry into the car and driving down the street.
10. “Smart” Home Features
Thanks to the Internet of Things, physical objects (things) can “communicate” with each other via sensors, software, and other technologies. Renters have embraced using these “smart” home features in their apartments over the past few years. Although they aren’t the deciding factor for most renters, smart devices are popular apartment amenities. Thermostats that allow the user to control the temperature with a phone app, electric car outlets, and automatic lights are just a few examples of smart device amenities that can help add modernity to your rental property and catch the eye of potential tenants.
Additional Ways to Attract Tenants
These top 10 apartment amenities will help you attract tenants, but offering online payment for rent and other fees will also help gain the attention of renters. Accepting checks as a landlord can be tricky, particularly because most renters don’t use checks regularly. When you use Apartments.com, you can conveniently accept all payments online securely. Opting for online payments is fast and convenient, so renters are more likely to pay rent on time.
Although the goal of offering popular amenities is to attract tenants, after they’ve signed the lease, the new goal is to keep them as tenants and reduce tenant turnover. You can achieve this by being accessible to your tenants and offering 24/7 maintenance and emergency repairs. Keeping your rental property occupied means you’ll have a steady stream of income, so aim to avoid long-term vacancies as much as possible.
