When preparing a property to be rented out, there are several steps you need to take before you’re ready to start receiving rental applications.
One of the biggest ones is making sure your rental property has the right home amenities. While a rental property doesn’t have to be decked with every new and upcoming amenity on the market, there are some basic ones it should still include.
Take a look at these six home amenities your rental property should include. Adding these amenities could enhance your opportunities of finding future tenants.
Plenty of Light
When you look around your home or outside, what do you see? Is it natural light streaming through windows, skylights, or glass doors? The more natural light that enters the home, the better.
Prospective renters are more likely to take notice of a property that has ample lighting versus one that requires the use of artificial lighting. Landlords with properties in dark locations should consider installing brighter bulbs or more lamps to ensure they are always visible.
A Functional Kitchen
In most homes, a kitchen is a place where renters gather for meals and socialize. Outdated or badly-maintained kitchens can immediately turn off potential renters, who may consider the space unusable or unpleasant to work in.
Current or potential tenants want to live in homes with functional kitchens because it ensures they can prepare their own meals, save money by making them at home, and save time by not having to dine out.
You’ll want to make sure it has all of the basic amenities that you anticipate your tenant will use on a daily basis. Kitchens with the following amenities are more attractive to tenants:
· A stove or oven
· A sink
· A refrigerator/freezer
· Cabinets for food storage
· Dishwasher (in homes with a dishwasher)
· A countertop with ample space for food preparation
A Clean Living Space
When you market your vacant units for rent, make sure they are pristine. No matter the condition of your rental property, it must be clean inside and out to attract tenants. Keeping up on maintenance is crucial for prospective renters to feel comfortable living there long-term.
The best way to ensure your rental property is clean from top to bottom is a thorough cleaning after a move or turnover and a weekly routine scrub down throughout the year.
A Functional Restroom
This is one amenity that will be used by all occupants daily, at a minimum. Ensure your rental property’s restroom(s) are functional and clean before establishing it as part of your home’s amenities.
Prospective tenants want to live in homes with well-maintained restrooms because it ensures their own comfort and safety. A rental property with a dysfunctional bathroom can lead to unpleasant living conditions, especially if the sewage system backs up or the toilet overflows.
Safety Features
Prospective tenants typically look for homes with safety features because it gives them peace of mind and allows them to rest easy at night. As an added bonus, security features can increase your home’s overall value and make it more attractive to buyers who are looking for a place to settle down long-term.
Renters tend to gravitate towards homes with various safety precautions installed, such as deadbolt locks and window bars. Make sure your property is equipped with these features before showing it to interested individuals.
Storage (Nearby)
Landlords know that prospective tenants are always looking for storage options, whether it’s a place to store their clothing or other belongings. To make your rental property more marketable, make sure you have ample space available where renters can keep their things.
Prospective tenants want homes with functional spaces to store items rather than live in cluttered conditions. It is more attractive to renters if they know where their things are at all times, versus trying to find room for them in their living space.
Before they move in, prospective tenants will need to know that your rental property has amenities they want and need. If you have a house full of outdated fixtures or rooms with no natural light, it may be hard for them to envision living there long-term.
When creating a list of all the home amenities you require, think about choices that will benefit your tenants. Having these six amenities could make your rental property more marketable and increase the likelihood of finding an ideal tenant. By providing quality amenities, you can attract more residents to rent your home
.