In the past, tenants were just looking for basic utilities such as electricity, heat, and water. Today, landlords and property managers need to have a selling point to attract high-quality tenants—renters that have the ability to pay rent on time and can take care of your property properly. Tenants have specific preferences and certain features and amenities that they look for when searching for a rental property. Having these desirable features will make a big difference and is worth having.
If you’re looking for a way to attract and retain high-quality tenants, take a look at the following perks and amenities that tenants look for in a rental property, which can help set your rental property apart from the competition.
Perks Quality Tenants want in a Rental Property
1. Technology
Prospective tenants these days consider technological advancements crucial not just in the property but also in the way the landlord or property manager manages the property during their tenancy. This could mean providing wireless connectivity so they can continue working from home, paying their rent online, or even signing the lease online. Having an online portal where they can make requests for maintenance is a highly desirable perk nowadays and has actually become a necessity for all property management companies.
2. 24/7 on-site maintenance
A busted pipe or a leaking faucet can cause serious damage overnight. Having a 24-hour emergency service hotline can lessen the damage. Having a property manager that is always available to answer all concerns, issues, or questions anytime, anywhere can make a huge difference in every tenant’s life.
3. Security System
Having modern safety and security features in a rental property, be it residential or commercial, can enhance the tenant’s comfort. While these security features may come as an added expense, they are cost-effective and will attract high-quality tenants even if they have to pay a small monthly fee.
4. Fitness Space
Gym memberships can be pricey for some tenants. However, as landlords or property managers fill in and attract long-term tenants, offering a space for fitness with a daily, monthly, or yearly membership can be something worth investing in.
5. Flexible Pet Policies
Allowing pets in your rental property comes with a certain amount of risk, but looking far beyond the risk is the added benefit of attracting a segment of the renter population, which is the pet owners. Opening up your rental to pet owners also means added fees in the form of pet deposits and monthly rent increases by allowing pets into your rental property.
6. Early Rent Discount
An early rent incentive as a tenant perk can be a great way to attract high-quality tenants. Whether it’s a percentage off their monthly rate or something else, it’s up to you. The purpose is to encourage every tenant to pay rent on time.
Amenities Quality Tenants want in a Rental Property
1. Location
A good location can command a higher price for your rental property. A good location means your rental property is located in a safe and desirable area, which is accessible or close to your office, your children’s school, hospital, transportation, shopping, food, and entertainment.
2. Safety and Security
Many tenants, if not all, search for crime statistics in their chosen neighborhoods. A safe environment is a very important factor when choosing a location, especially if you have children, the elderly, or are even working from home. While an alarm system is a good security feature, nothing can beat the fact of being able to sleep soundly at night without worrying that somebody might have broken into your home.
3. School District
This is a game-changing factor for tenants with or without school-aged children. For one, quality education is at the top of many parents’ lists, and they want to make sure they are near one. And for those without children, a good school district is an excellent indicator of the quality of the neighborhood.
4. Move-in Ready Condition
Every tenant knows that someone might have lived in the unit or house before them, so it’s important that the move-in ready condition of the unit or property is in good condition. A property that is in good move-in ready condition sets the expectation that the tenant will maintain the property with high standards of cleanliness and order. Renovated kitchens and bathrooms can give a very good impression during showings.
5. Appliances
Stainless steel and energy-efficient appliances are especially appealing to tenants. Central air conditioning is also highly desirable, especially if your property is located in a warmer state. A dishwasher can provide a touch of luxury to any rental property. Above all, having a washer/dryer is a huge plus. While new appliances are attractive to prospective tenants, make sure to include these details when marketing the rental property.
6. Open Floor Plan, Large Windows, and Storage
An open floor plan with large windows can help a smaller space appear larger. A kitchen that is open to the living area allows for better entertainment. Having large windows can bring in natural light that can make the property look more inviting. Adequate storage space will allow the tenants to store their belongings, allowing them to have ample space to move about and create a more enjoyable living experience.
7. Assigned Parking
Parking is incredibly important for renters with cars. Being able to provide a parking spot or garage will help get the unit or home rented quickly. Off-street parking is all the more desirable. But if you are unable to provide off-street parking, a nearby parking garage is also highly efficient. Make sure to include the garage rules in the lease and add post signs to avoid unauthorized users of the parking spaces.
8. Outdoor Space
A private balcony or yard is not only a nice bonus, but it also adds a lot of value to a rental property and may allow you to charge a higher rent. Even if it’s just a small space to enjoy fresh air or have your morning coffee, an outdoor space in a rental property is a good way to attract and maintain the right tenants.
What perk or amenity is at the top of your list when looking for a rental property? Let us know in the comments.
Work with Apogee Properties
Apogee Properties is Houston’s Premier Property Management Company. We work and live in Houston, and our property managers are local. We’ve been in business for more than a decade, providing comprehensive property management services in the Houston region, ranging from a studio condo to a multi-family million-dollar estate. Contact us to learn more about our property management services, and what we can do for you and your rental property.
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