Top 3 Light Fixtures To Bring Value To Your Rental

Dustin Edwards • April 24, 2025

One of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to improve the look and feel of your rental property is by upgrading your lighting. Choosing the right fixture doesn't just illuminate the room, it can add style, improve energy efficiency, and make the rental more appealing to prospective tenants.


Below are the top three light fixtures that help in bringing value to your rental property.


LED Recessed Lighting

Many older homes are currently using center light fixtures for each room. These fixtures require the typical bulb we’re all familiar with. Though you can purchase LED bulbs to improve efficiency, these fixtures tend to be underpowered for the amount of light needed in a room. LED recessed lighting is a smart investment, especially if your rental is still using older fixtures with older fluorescent or incandescent bulbs. 


Recessed lighting provides a clean and even lighting without taking up visual space or looking out of place after a tenant has decorated the rental. LED lighting also consumes significantly less energy when compared to older lighting. This means they require less maintenance, which means fewer calls for you. While requiring the highest initial investment, recessed lighting’s sleek look and low maintenance are typically seen as a worthwhile investment.


Accent Lighting

Pendant and rope lighting can be used to make a strong visual impact. Pendant lights over kitchen sinks or dining areas make for an inviting visual appeal. They’re a sign of thoughtful design and can help your rental property stand out when compared to rentals with more traditional lighting packages. 


For pendant lighting, attempt to find fixtures with timeless qualities, such as matte or brushed finishes, to appeal to a broader range of prospective tenants while keeping your rental looking modern. Rope lighting, on the other hand, wants to be hidden; you can take advantage of crown molding to hide the lighting in, which can result in a unique experience with hidden mood lighting. Although this lighting may not be as useful, accent lighting helps your tenants feel welcomed as they see the space was thoughtfully designed. 


Ceiling Fans

In Southern California, a ceiling fan is a great selling point, as even our winters can be hot. In warm climates, ceiling fans with lighting are an upgrade that most tenants love. While they may stand out, they provide airflow to reduce the cost of cooling. Older fans used traditional light bulbs, though in recent years, ceiling fans are seen with sleek LED fixtures instead. This practical combination of utility and lighting is best used in bedrooms and living rooms. 


While the light on the fan won't be able to compete when compared to recessed lighting, these are the most straightforward installations. Combining two important functions in one unit saves ceiling space and installation costs. Tenants will appreciate the added comfort and practicality, especially during the hotter months.


Lighting doesn't need to break the bank; the right fixtures in the right location can offer returns by making your rental more efficient and attractive. For fixtures, you should consider investing in ones with neutral finishes that won't clash with your tenant’s decor, such as the aforementioned matte or brushed finishes, alternatively, you can use a white fixture or something similar that matches the walls. If budget allows, consider smart lighting fixtures, which function just like traditional features with the exception that they can be controlled via an app on your tenant’s mobile phone. Whether for efficiency or style, lighting can help make your
property draw interest. If you need help deciding on what lighting fixtures to choose from or you need help managing your Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online.

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