Everyone hates going to the laundromat. Lugging a bag of dirty clothes to a laundromat even only 10 minutes away is the kind of hassle people want to avoid. And once you have the luxury of in-unit laundry, it’s hard to go back.
When you’re trying to make a rental unit more appealing to potential tenants, you need to keep in mind what they’re looking for. For some tenants—it’s in-unit laundry.
Every renter has a specific thing they want in a home, whether it’s granite countertops or hardwood floors. Whatever it is, highly-requested amenities are often deal-breakers. And these days, search filters on websites are getting increasingly specific.
When tenants search on popular real estate websites like Apartments.com, Zumper, RentCafe, or PadMapper, they have plenty of filters to choose from. As a landlord, you need to know exactly what makes your rental irresistible to potential renters.
Writing an excellent listing and taking high-quality photos can help, sure, but the key to securing long-term tenants is by giving them a place with something no others have. They may even stretch their budget if it means they get to have the rental of their dreams.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top amenities renters just can’t resist.
11 Amenities and Features Renters are Searching For
These eleven items come from my experience running a property management company as well as data from industry-standard websites: Zumper and Apartments.com. In other words, you can be confident that these are the kind of features you want to use to attract interested renters.
- Air Conditioning: Heat and air conditioning come at the top of the list according to Statista. The law doesn’t require cooling systems, but many tenants want it. Not surprising given that a large part of the US gets hit with sweltering temperatures throughout the summer. After all, nobody wants to be stuck lying awake at night with loud fans blasting beside them.
- Central Heating System: On the flip side, many different regions of our country also deal with the coldest of winters. While all states require heating systems, they don’t require central heating—which is what most renters prefer, according to Zumper.
- Plenty of Parking Spaces: Another one of the most searched items is parking. Renters want to have a parking space reserved for them and others when they invite over company. Assigned parking is especially popular in urban areas where space is limited, and covered parking is sought-after in places that get rain or snow all year.
- Flexible Pet Policies: If there’s one thing we all have in common, it’s that we love our pets. Most of us have one, too, as a survey showed that 96% of Americans had pets before, and 72% of renters still have pets! If you’re not allowing pets into your rental, it may be time to reconsider.
- Dishwasher: As they say, the kitchen is the heart of every home. So what do renters look for in a rental? A dishwasher. It’s even the 5th most popular amenity according to the same 2021 survey from Statista. Even Zumper reports “dishwasher” is one of their top 10 most-searched terms.
By buying a mid-range dishwasher for even $500 to $1000, you can up the monthly rent by $50 or even $100 per month and make it back shortly—especially since a good dishwasher should last about 10 years. If your unit is on the smaller side, there are still options like countertop dishwashers that can attract tenants too.
- Outdoor Spaces: Something that was a “nice-to-have” before is now a “must-have” after the pandemic. Zumper saw the search for “outdoor space” catapult by +143% after COVID-19 meant many of us were trapped indoors. Terms like “roof deck” and “balcony” also increased as people realized the importance of having accessible fresh air and open spaces.
- In-Unit Laundry Equipment: While others may argue that doing laundry is relaxing, Zumper data indicates that most renters want to turn an afternoon in the laundromat into a press-and-wait task at home.
Having an in-unit washer and dryer in your unit makes their inevitable chores more convenient. It can even allow you to charge $100 more on rent! Especially when considering they cost anywhere from $300-$2,000 each, it’s logical that the rent will go up to cover the cost.
- Hardwood Floors: Nobody wants a carpet that reeks of pets or spilled liquids. They’re a pain to clean, and expensive when they need to be replaced. Instead, renters want beautiful hardwood floors that look better, last longer, and are easier to maintain than shag or wool.
Of course, if you’re going to splurge on flooring, you need to be sure you’re renting to tenants that will take care of it. Otherwise, you risk an even more expensive renovation. For C and D rental properties, this might not be the best choice.
- Furnished Homes: People hop from one city to another way more than before, which translates to a higher demand for furnished rentals. Not only is lugging furniture a hassle, but moving can cost up to $2,300—more than two month’s rent in the City of Detroit.
If you do decide to go the furnished route, be sure to get it insured in case anything goes wrong. It also opens up the opportunity to charge far more if you accept short term renters, but it will still boost the price for long term rentals too.
- Granite Countertops: While this is not a necessity, it’s a luxury that many enjoy. An updated kitchen is especially attractive to younger renters, since 76% of Millenials say that they enjoy cooking. Boosting the value and the appearance of the kitchen will help you stand out in a competitive rental market.
- Modern Appliances: If the toaster is old and broken or the microwave is stained or smells, it’s probably time to upgrade. Small changes like this can be a great way to subtly impress a potential tenant and help them justify their monthly payments.
Of course, sometimes things can go missing or be taken, so this will depend on the type of property and type of tenant. If you’re renting out a high-end apartment to working professionals, then it makes sense. But, if you’re renting a basement suite to university students, then you could skip this.
Conclusion
These eleven amenities mean you have plenty of ways to entice prospects into renting your property—and maybe even increase your profits.
Keep these home features in mind when you’re upgrading the rental, revamping advertising materials, or expanding your portfolio to include more properties. They’ll give you a far more competitive edge in the market and attract serious renters looking for a perfect match.
Any other highly-requested amenities we’ve missed? Comment them below!
Image courtesy of Patrick Perkins
