When the rental market is booming, it’s easy to assume tenants will line up for anything. But when the tide turns and more homes hit the market, the difference between a quick lease and an extended vacancy often comes down to one thing: appeal.
There’s always another listing down the street, and if yours doesn’t grab attention, it’s going to sit there, empty, costing you money.
Whether you’re renting out a cozy one-bedroom apartment in Sarasota or a spacious family home in Lakewood Ranch, there are a few key areas that tenants care about. And if you focus on these five elements, you’ll have more people lining up to move in:
1. Have All the Essential Amenities in Place
First off, people want a home that works for them. It’s about creating a space that’s functional, comfortable, and easy to live in.
That starts with the basics, like making sure your property has all the essential amenities that people are looking for, things like air conditioning, reliable plumbing, and decent heating. If you can, invest in energy-efficient appliances. Not only does this save your tenants money, but it also shows that you’re thinking about their long-term comfort.
If you’re offering something like an in-unit washer and dryer, make sure it works well and looks clean, and honestly, that’s a big selling point for a lot of renters.
2. Make Extra Effort When Staging
The first thing potential tenants notice is the overall feel of the place. You want them to walk in and imagine themselves living there. Staging plays a big part in that. Think of it like setting the stage for a show. You want the furniture and decor to highlight the space’s best features, not clutter or hide them.
Start off by cleaning and decluttering. A tidy, well-organized space instantly feels more inviting. If the place is empty, consider renting or borrowing a few pieces of furniture to show the potential of each room. A simple couch, a dining table, and a few chairs can really help people visualize themselves living there.
If you feel like it, you can add a couple of strategically placed throw pillows, fresh towels in the bathroom, or even a plant here and there. You don’t need to go overboard, just a few key pieces to create a cozy, functional space will do.
3. Green Your Space
Sustainability is becoming a bigger factor for renters. People are more aware of their environmental footprint and want to live in a space that reflects those values. If you’re not already, consider making eco-friendly updates to your rental property.
Things like energy-efficient appliances, low-flow showerheads, and smart thermostats can help lower utility bills for tenants, which will always be appreciated.
If you’re up for it, even little things like providing recycling bins or offering some garden space for growing vegetables can set your property apart as more environmentally friendly. Some tenants might even appreciate a composting area if they’re into gardening or sustainability.
4. Don’t Forget About Pets
More and more renters have pets, so being open to animals could give your property a serious edge. Of course, you’ll want to set some guidelines (for example, a pet deposit), but letting tenants bring their pets shows that you’re flexible and willing to make the property feel like home.
A lot of renters would rather pay a little extra for the privilege of having their furry friends with them, so don’t rule out this group. Plus, it opens up your property to a wider range of potential tenants.
5. Hire a Property Manager
If managing everything feels like too much, that’s okay. A property manager can take a huge load off your shoulders. They can handle rent collection, maintenance, and all the behind-the-scenes work that makes renting out your property run smoothly.
With the right property manager, you’ll have someone on your team who knows what renters are looking for and how to keep them happy.
One standout name in the game is Jennette Properties. We know the ins and outs of property management, and we specialize in making life easier for property owners like you. With years of experience under our belt, we know exactly what tenants are looking for and how to keep them happy.
From setting competitive rental prices to handling maintenance requests and managing lease renewals, we’re here to help you every step of the way, making sure your property is as profitable and well-managed as possible.
Ready to make your rental property the one everyone wants to live in? Get in touch with Jennette Properties today.
