Are you having a hard time attracting quality tenants to your property? You’re not alone. There are plenty of landlords like you who have outstanding properties but are struggling to attract the right tenants.
Today’s your lucky day because we’ve put together a few actionable tips that you can apply to help make your property irresistible.
How to make your property more attractive to tenants
- Invest in your kitchen:
Ever hear the saying “the kitchen is the heart of the home?” It’s one of those timeless adages that still ring true today and we can bet your prospective tenants will agree.
Unless your property is brand-new, the first thing you should do is thoroughly clean the kitchen after each tenant. This includes mopping the floors, deep cleaning the sink and the cabinets. Be sure to use good quality natural detergents and a few unused toothbrushes to get between the nooks and crannies in your hardware.
While you’re at it, check the ceilings for dust or mold and clean them right up. Make sure your light bulbs are working and replace them if they're worn out.
Keep in mind that tenants are attracted to a well-furnished place. So don’t be shy to fill your kitchen with essential appliances like a toaster, a kettle, and even a microwave oven. After all, people are looking for a bargain and they love the idea of not having to buy essential appliances.
- Heating and cooling:
We recommend that you get an HVAC system or even a regular air conditioner for your property. Yes, it’s a long term investment but it’s worth it. Plus, you can always increase your rental fee to attract tenants that are willing to pay higher rates for the comfort of proper heating and cooling.
- Flooring:
Modern-day tenants prefer options like wood laminate flooring which is more expensive than carpet but can last 3 to 4 times longer. The great thing about laminate flooring is that it’s modern and it works for all the different seasons. On the other hand, the carpet can get moldy and excessively hot during the summer. Just make sure to choose neutral colors like “greige” or white so to create a comfortable ambiance.
- Light fixtures:
If you still have old light fixtures in your unit-change them! Opt for something nice and modern for a change and make sure your light fixtures complement one another. A few popular options to consider are:
- Hanging track lights above your kitchen island
- Recessed lights for the living room and/or bedroom/s
- Under cabinet lights for the kitchen
These will really improve your unit in a way that doesn’t break the bank.
- Curb Appeal:
Most prospective tenants decide on a property based on outward appearance. That’s because it’s the first part of the property they see and it should be a good representation of the interior.
Sprucing up your outdoor area doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Here are a few simple steps that you can take today to improve the appearance of your patio:
- Manicure your lawn and shrubs.
- Get rid of the weeds and any debris that’s lying around.
- Buy a few flower pots and outdoor plants from the local nursery that you can place in your front porch and/or balcony.
- Check your light fixtures, house number plaques and mailbox to make sure they’re in good condition. If not, give them a fresh coat of paint or buy new ones if the old ones have reached their sell-by date.
- Choose neutral paint colors:
You must update your walls with a fresh coat of paint but you should be careful with the colors you pick. While colors like sage blue and hot pink might seem like a good idea to you, prospective tenants may not agree.
For best results, stick to a simple color palette with shades like cream, grey, beige and white. This makes it easier for the tenant to imagine themselves living in the space. These colors also reflect natural light beautifully.
PRO TIP! Neutral colors pair well with stainless steel appliances and subway tile backsplashes in the kitchen.
- Pay attention to the bathroom:
After the porch and kitchen, your bathroom is the third most important aspect of your property. You don’t have to refurbish it but you can add a few nice touches here and there.
The first order of business is to clean your bathroom thoroughly like you did the kitchen. Then, add a fresh coat of paint to the walls if they look tired.
Another great way to update your bathroom is to replace the knobs and handles on your cabinets. Or add a splash of epoxy paint on your bathtub and sink to make them match again if they’re looking worn and mismatched.
- Offer extra perks:
Tenants love a place that offers extra perks like free WiFi or on-site washers and dryers. Not only do these conveniences make the tenant’s life easier but it’ll make them feel special like they’re staying at an ultra-exclusive place. You can also add convenience by enabling tenants to pay their rent online with property management software, this might even cut your costs as a property manager in the long run.
Plus, these small touches could give you the edge you need to set yourself apart from the competition.
- Service is king:
Even in today‘s technological age, good service still counts for something. If you appear impatient or inattentive, people might get turned off and look elsewhere.
Tenants appreciate a sincere smile, good manners, and polite communication, so keep that in mind when interacting with prospective tenants. We’re not saying you should try to be their BFF, but a pleasant demeanor could go a long way to helping you bag new tenants.
- Incorporate fresh scents:
Aside from appealing to your tenant’s sensibilities and sense of sight, you should engage their sense of smell. There are plenty of different ways you can make your property smell amazing. The easiest one is to buy a natural room diffuser and place it in a central part of the property. Or opt for a few smaller reed diffusers to place in areas like the kitchen, living room and toilet. This will give the place a nice, pleasant and fresh scent that will linger in the prospect’s memory long after they’ve left.
- Use mindful advertising:
By now you know who your targeted tenants are, whether it’s families, young couples, retirees or young professionals. Use the knowledge you have on your demographic to create a thoughtful advertising campaign.
For example, you could mention that your property is near the best schools and recreational areas if you’re targeting young families. If you’re looking for young professionals to rent your property, you could mention how easy it will be for them to get to work.
To wrap up…
There’s no need to feel powerless when you’re having a hard time attracting tenants. By making a few seemingly small changes, you could transform your property from an empty space to someone’s new home practically overnight.
Whether it’s updating a few superficial details or improving your advertising efforts, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. We hope our guide has been helpful and that you’ll take a few of these ideas as inspiration to help you get tenants asap.
Special thanks to Dr. Thanu Jey at Yorkville Sports Medicine Clinic for sharing some insights..
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