In an ideal world, all tenants would be friendly, kindly people who take immense care of the property they’ve rented. In real life, though, attracting the attention of quality renters is often a challenge.
To boost the appeal of your rental property, especially if you are letting it furnished, you may want to consider an added investment in the following nine items. Granted, they might not seem that much in the grand scheme of things. Nonetheless, whether you’re offering up a prefab home in Wisconsin or a place on the California coast, these items can greatly help tip the scale your way and help you strike a deal with your ideal tenant.
1. Faster Internet
Working from home is here to stay. Hence, by throwing in a very fast and reliable internet connection, you can easily boost the appeal of your space. This will allow you to advertise your rental as a home office space too, enabling you to cast a wider net.
Even if the space won’t be used as an office, fast internet speeds are always good to have. They will appeal to everyone, from gamers to entrepreneurs.
2. Other Tech Benefits
You may also want to consider a Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, or Disney+ subscription. You don’t actually have to sign up for one before a tenant moves in. Just make a note of this added option in your ads, and let renters choose which service they prefer.
They might come with their own subscriptions, but the offer will speak volumes about the kind of landlord you are.
3. A Comfier Bed
One of the worst things about renting is having to contend with what’s often a relatively cheap and well-used mattress. A brand new mattress – preferably a king-size one – is sure to fit most tenants’ needs. With this simple investment, you’ll instantly differentiate your property from all the others that come with shoddy mattresses.
You can also invest in a nicer bed frame and turn it into the focal point of the bedroom with some decorative items.
4. Smarter Storage
Storage is often a challenge, especially in small spaces. You want all of your items to be within arm’s reach but still tucked away in a cupboard so as not to be on display all the time. Floor-to-ceiling storage units are often space-savers, and they can be that one element that makes your property more appealing.
There are lots of creative ways to store items. If you add in closet organizers, drawer organizers, and adjustable racks, you’ll also make someone’s life that bit easier.
5. Blinds and Curtains
Although usually not the most affordable, a fresh and low-maintenance set of blinds and/or curtains can do wonders for the curb appeal of your rental property. After all, nobody wants the neighbors to be able to see what they get up to during the day. An easy way to provide some much-needed privacy is always welcome.
Make sure the curtains are nice, too, because a cheap and shabby pair will hamper the aesthetics of the space. Of course, they should also still let in plenty of light while keeping the Nosey Parkers away.
6. Time-Saving Appliances
Maybe you can add a microwave or a coffee machine to the kitchen? These non-essential items are often a great way to add a bit of extra value to the space. If a tenant doesn’t want them, you can always move them to your own home or store them away until they’re needed again.
Of course, no one is expecting all of the appliances to be of the latest generation. Just making sure they are sparkling clean and in good condition will make them much more appealing.
7. USB Outlets
Speaking of technology, you can also consider adding a couple of USB outlets to the living and bedroom. Given the fact that we all need to charge practically all of our smart devices via USB, being able to do this without a charger can be incredibly helpful.
If you want to go the extra mile, you can also make some of these outlets smart and remote-controlled. However, if your prospective tenants don’t need or use them, that may be a bit of an overkill.
8. Bike Storage
A space in the home where a bike can be stored can massively influence your curb appeal. That’s especially important if you’re letting in an area that provides easy bicycle access to other parts of the town.
In fact, even just a bike rack in a convenient place can work perfectly. Installing a rack on the ceiling or converting a part of the utility space so that it can house a bike can solve a potential tenant’s issue in one fell swoop. It’s one of those little things that can have a big influence on a quality renter choosing your place.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes, the simplest investments can take the space you are leasing to entirely new heights. Remember, you don’t need to spend a fortune on making it more expensive. All you need to do is make it more appealing, inviting, and easier to live in and maintain.
The items we’ve listed here do just that. They’re there to help your tenants enjoy their time in their rented home. And that will make them far more likely to choose your property and stay for a long time to come.