How to Make Your Rental Property Stand Out From the Rest
By Teri Silver
Having your rental property stand out from the rest ensures your home will be on the A-list for would-be tenants. As the rental agent or homeowner, showing your property in its best light will get you top dollar.
People have different reasons for renting a home –– one of which is that big-ticket items like furnaces, appliances, windows, and plumbing are (usually) the landlord’s responsibility. The housing market varies in each city, but one thing is for sure — residents want a nice place to live with everything in working order. Check these items off your property prep list before placing a “for rent” sign in the yard.
Lawn Maintenance
Direct eye-to-house curb appeal is the first thing people see, so maintaining your lawn is the No. 1 thing you can do to make your rental property more appealing – and to increase your property’s overall value.
Grass that looks smooth and weed-free is nice to look at and lets tenants know the lawn has not been neglected. A well-kept lawn and inviting landscape provide shading, a place for children to play, and the feeling of being “home.”
Clean and Inspect
Surface cleaning of carpets, floors, windows, and draperies or blinds is a given, but a deep scrub will make your rental stand out from the rest. Whether you hire a professional maid service or do the job yourself, dig into all those cracks and crevices that gather dust, mold, dirt, and grime. (Having a maid service on contract is a nice touch, and your tenants will be impressed — and grateful.)
Providing reports on monthly or bi-monthly inspections of the house for regular maintenance and upkeep shows would-be tenants that you, as the landlord, are on top of things. Make sure faucets, toilets, lights, pipes, and appliances are in safe and proper working order.
Stage It!
Showcasing a clean house that looks lived in — but without the clutter — helps to make would-be tenants feel like they belong there. Remove intimately personal items like photographs, religious statues, knick-knacks, and vibrant artwork. Live plants, flowers, lamps, vases, neutral decor, and simple tablescapes are decorative but not overwhelming to people trying to envision the home as their own.
Smarten Up!
Smart homes — and most others too, nowadays — are wired for Wi-Fi, and if your rental doesn’t have it, it’s a must for your to-do list. In our artificial intelligence (AI) world, just about everything is controllable through an app on your phone. Make your rental property stand out by adding some smart home products, like video doorbell cameras, home security, kitchen countertop appliances, and lighting. Lock the front door with a tap of the phone? Perfect!
Build-Ons
Does your property have room for a little something extra? Tenants have varying needs for space, but houses that are big enough for growing families should bring in more rental dollars. Consult a contractor about whether you can build another bathroom, bedroom, or home office. Consider the Return on Investment (ROI), as well as local building codes, before making any changes.
Lighting, Security, and Privacy
Safety and a feeling of security are on the minds of renters, especially if they have children. Energy-efficient outdoor lighting and solar-powered light sticks brighten up the property. Motion sensor flood lights turn on at the sign of movement, letting unexpected or unwanted visitors know the house is occupied. String lights create a cozy outdoor space. Privacy fences — as tall as the neighborhood’s fencing laws allow — are must-haves for parents and pet owners.
Getting your property ready for that top rental dollar is just as important as prepping it to list for sale. A little financial and sweat-equity outlay right now goes a long way in the long run
Teri Silver is a journalist and outdoor enthusiast. She and her husband live on 5 acres with a vast lawn, three gardens, a farm, a pond, many trees, and a lot of yard work! The best parts of the year are summer and fall when home-grown veggies are on the dinner table.
