As a landlord, you want high-quality tenants that pay their rent reliably. On the other hand, good renters want a clean, updated, and well-maintained property that offers the features they are looking for. Here are some of the things that tenants look for in a rental home.
Location – Tenants usually look for a property that is located close to the things that are important to their daily lives: their workplaces, grocery stores, restaurants, and open spaces such as parks. People generally want to live in a place that fits their lifestyle, and sometimes tenants will overlook negative aspects of a rental property if it is located in a desirable neighborhood.
Security and Safety – This is an aspect of location: a safe environment is of vital importance to prospective tenants, and especially to families. People don’t want to have to worry about being mugged or having their car broken into. A good neighborhood with low crime statistics can make a rental more attractive, and built-in security systems in a rental property can give tenants peace of mind.
Good Schools – This is very important for families. Every parent wants a good education for their children, and in some cases, this can be a make-or-break criterion for a rental property.
Parking – The lack of a dedicated parking area can be a deal-breaker for some tenants. Ensure parking spaces are clearly marked to help prevent unauthorized parking
Ready to Move In – A rental property generally should have all necessary repairs done and be in ideal condition before it is placed on the market. This includes re-carpeting, painting, cleaning, and making sure everything is in top condition. First impressions count and you can lose a tenant if a property looks shabby. After moving in, the last thing new tenants want to deal with are disruptions associated with repair work.
New Appliances – While renters will expect to supply many of their own appliances, by having newer appliances furnished with the rental, your rental will stand out and can be very attractive to tenants.
Upgrades and Renovations – Small details can mean the difference between getting the right tenants or a property sitting on the market. Simple things like a modern bathroom and kitchen or upgrades to basins and cabinets can make a big difference. Central air conditioning is also a big plus in some locations. The more a property feels like home the longer tenants are generally likely to stay.
At Specialized Property Management in Houston, we work hard to make your property attractive to prospective tenants and to help you keep your vacancy rate low.
