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Top 5 Property Features Renters Look for in a Rental

Dustin Edwards • June 18, 2024

Vacancies can be incredibly stressful for landlords and investors. As you're not only losing income, you're spending money preparing the rental for the next tenant. By providing features that tenants find desirable, you can not only reduce your vacancy rates but also improve your tenant retention. If you're looking to fill in a vacancy, it's a good practice to find out what tenants are looking for in a rental.


Below are five property features that renters look for when hunting for a new rental.


Location

One of the key features renters look for is location. Even if the rental property is great, easy access to major roads and highways can be convenient for tenants who need to commute. While other prospective tenants may prioritize proximity to schools, workplaces, and shopping centers.


The general neighborhood where your rental is located greatly affects the desirability of your rental property. A clean neighborhood near parks and recreational facilities can oftentimes yield a higher rent and attract more attention from prospective tenants.


Modern Amenities

There are many amenities that tenants are looking for when searching for a rental. Many of the amenities that tenants look for in rentals include energy-efficient and up-to-date kitchen and laundry appliances. As well as a reliable and efficient climate control system. Other amenities that you can provide your tenants include in-unit dishwashers, in-unit laundries, hardwood floors, smart home features, and high speed internet access.


Like most consumers, tenants want to feel as though they’re getting their money’s worth. Even though the asking rent should be adjusted to ensure your income isn't affected, tenants can find value in the time they’re saving.


Security

Everyone wants to feel safe in their own home. For this reason, many tenants look for security features when looking for rentals. In multi-unit dwellings, an intercom system and security cameras enhance the safety of the tenants whereas in luxury rentals full time security personnel should be offered. Adding remote access through smart locks or a pin pad can help to make  entering the property more difficult for a would-be thief.


The exterior of the rental should be properly illuminated at night and include motion sensor security lights. These are oftentimes used as a deterrent as most break-ins occur under the cover of darkness.


Space and Layout

The space and layout of your rental property can greatly affect how prospective tenants view your rental property. Spacious and functional layouts can maximize living space even in smaller rentals. For example, homes with multiple bathrooms are incredibly desirable to most prospective tenants and should be marketed as such.


Many tenants look for sufficient closet space, and storage areas. The more efficient the rental’s layout is, the more living space there is for your tenant.


Pet-Friendliness

Many young adults are now having families older than in previous generations, typically after the age of 30. Nowadays, many prospective tenants look for rental homes that allow pets, with cats and dogs being the most common. While being pet-friendly does help attract a greater market, you should be careful as pet-friendly rentals should be prepared to accommodate them. Such as tile flooring instead of carpet and hardwood floors. For this reason, it's common for landlords to add reasonable pet fees and deposits to protect themselves from potential damages.


By catering to your tenants' wants and needs, you're more likely to have tenants willing to renew their leases and live in your rental for extended periods of time. If you're unsure if your rental property has any desirable features for renters, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online.

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3 Common Issues That Cause Heaters To Go Bad

By Dustin Edwards • December 19, 2024
If you're properties are suffering from lack of heating this winter, these 3 common issues could be the cause.

Do These 3 Things To Help Tenants Stay Warm During Winter

By Dustin Edwards • December 12, 2024
Although Southern California’s winters are typically mild when compared to other parts of the country, tenants still value a warm home during the cooler months. Taking steps to maintain a comfortable living environment shows your tenants that their needs are being prioritized. This is crucial for tenant satisfaction, especially during the holidays. Below are three methods to help keep tenants warm during the winter season. Maintain Heating System It's required for landlords to provide rentals with a working heating system, however, it's not uncommon for these to fall into disrepair either because of lack of maintenance or negligence. Scheduling regular inspections and maintenance before the coldest weather can help to ensure the heating is reliable and efficient. Cleaning air filters, and checking for cold spots, or irregular noises can help prevent small issues from escalating into expensive repairs. Preventative maintenance can help to reduce the chances of inconvenient calls for emergency repairs. Being proactive with your maintenance can also help you protect your investment while earning goodwill from your tenant. Another factor that can affect your heating system is drafts around windows and doors. These drafts can cause your heating system to overwork which makes the system less efficient, and reliable and ultimately reduces the lifespan of your heating system. You can address this by inspecting the seals around doors and windows for gaps or cold spots. Replace worn-out seals and caulking where it's needed. Offer Smart Thermostats Consider providing your tenants with a smart thermostat for energy-efficient heating. This can not only give tenants control over their comfort, but it's also a great tool to reduce energy usage. By providing this upgrade to your tenant, you show a commitment to your tenant’s satisfaction which can in turn result in a long-term tenant. These kinds of devices definitely benefit your tenants, though they can also contribute to the longevity of your rental property as well. Additionally, you can give your tenant a smart thermostat as a holiday gift . This can show your tenant that you’re not simply collecting rent while protecting your investment. Reverse Ceiling Fans The direction in which a ceiling fan rotates is oftentimes overlooked, and it can have a great effect on the temperature of a home. A ceiling fan is typically seen as a way to cool down a home during the hotter seasons without using the air conditioning . Reversing the spin of a ceiling fan can help to circulate warm air more efficiently during the cold season . This is because warm air rises, and a fan rotating clockwise will push the warm air back down helping maintain warm temperatures. Most fans have a switch on the motor and it is easily accessible for most people with a step ladder. This easy adjustment helps reduce the need for your tenant to use the heating system. Tenants will notice a more consistent and comfortable temperature indoors. This should also help reduce costs on their energy bill. Reversing the rotation of the ceiling fans also takes some of the strain off of the heating system. This helps to ensure it operates efficiently for years by reducing the wear and tear on it. Taking proactive steps this winter season to ensure your tenant’s comfort demonstrates a landlord’s commitment to their tenant’s comfort. A comfortable tenant is a satisfied tenant , which can lead to a long-term tenant and steady rental income. Consider it a small investment for long-term success. If you need help keeping your rental warm or managing Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online .

Top 3 Gifts For Tenants

By Dustin Edwards • December 5, 2024
Discover 3 Gift Ideas for your tenants this holiday season.
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