Easy Ways to Update Your Rental Property

What do renters want?

Unfortunately, you can often pick out which properties are rentals when you drive down the street. Rental properties get a bad rap for being unkempt and dated. If you want to fix up a rental property to attract quality tenants and generate more income, there are simple ways you can update your rental property to stand out from the rest. 

Renters want something homey. 

You don’t have to make your rental look like the cover of a magazine, but there’s something to be said for keeping your property looking fresh and up to date. One of the easiest ways to make a place feel like home is by removing all traces of the people who came before.

Charm Them From the Curb

The first impression is everything in real estate. It’s important to keep the exterior of your rental property looking tidy and welcoming. Start by power washing, pulling weeds, and cleaning out the gutters. Nothing scares away renters like clutter! Try an updated front door, modern-looking house numbers, and trendy outdoor light fixtures to get a sweet, homey look. These kinds of little changes don’t cost much, but go a long way!

For the yard, we recommend putting in low-maintenance landscaping. Find landscaping options that look nice year round with little upkeep. Maybe even hire a landscaping company to take care of the mowing regularly. These little touches show renters that you take pride in your property, so hopefully they will, too.

Click here for more tips on boosting curb appeal.

Wow Them With the Walls

Paint is a fixer upper’s best friend. A fresh coat of paint can cover up traces of previous tenants and keep your property on trend. Neutral tones are always a safe bet when painting a rental – light gray tones are the craze right now! But if you want your property to stand out, don’t be afraid to make some bolder design choices with a fun wallpaper or colorful accent wall. If you have long term tenants, get their input! It can be hard to make a place feel like home when every element is basic and plain.

Impress Them With the Flooring

Carpet stains are another one of those tell tale signs of a rental property. Not only do they look unappealing, but they’re often accompanied by a lingering smell. Yuck. Although everyone has their own preference when it comes to flooring, going with a hard surface has many benefits. Wood or laminate floors are very popular right now AND are much easier to clean! Plus, renters always have the option to bring in their own rug if they desire.

Check out this blog post for more on 2020 home design trends.

Draw Them Into the Kitchen

You don’t have to do a full blown kitchen remodel to give your kitchen an updated feel. Keep the cabinets you have and update them with a coat of paint or even just some new hardware. This little detail will stand out! Swapping out your countertops is also a good idea. Invest in something that’s durable, functional, and stylish. Installing a granite (or granite look-alike) countertop would be a great way to update your rental property. 

Catch Their Eye With New Fixtures

Investing in high quality light fixtures will make your rental more attractive while lowering the energy bills! Renters like saving money! Choose lighting that’s bright but can be adjusted for different settings. Don’t forget the fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom! You won’t regret upgrading those sinks with new faucets, either.

Need lighting tips? Click here for some bright ideas to light every room.

Renters want something convenient.

Surprise Them With Storage Space

Storage space is a hot commodity for renters! Ample kitchen cabinets, built-in shelving, and closet space are all hard to find. When you update your rental property, save the closet space and look for ways you can add storage rather than take it away.

Provide Them With a Place to Park

If your lot allows, consider adding a carport or a covered garage. Many renters end up parking outside or on the street, and would be willing to pay a little more to have a covered place to park.

Renters want something affordable.

Whenever you update your rental property, be sure your remodel budget doesn’t force the price of rent through the roof. Yes, renters want something fresh and homey, but they also don’t want to break the bank. Keep your updates trendy and simple, and your renters will appreciate it!

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First time landlord? Here’s an article from HGTV with tips on successfully renting your property.