Most tenants have specific things they look for while apartment hunting. Some prefer a property with a lot of storage, some look for a quiet community, and some may want extra amenities like a pool or gym. That said, it’s important for rental owners and property managers to know what their tenants want so they can effectively market to prospective tenants. Today, we’ll discuss what amenities tenants look for and what makes them so appealing.
Contents of This Article:
- What Are Rental Property Amenities?
- Top 10 Amenities Tenants Look for In Rentals
- Manage Your Rentals With the Professionals
What Are Rental Property Amenities?
Rental property amenities are extra features, services, or facilities offered by landlords or Northern Virginia property management companies to enhance the rental experience. Typically, amenities go above and beyond basic necessities and are designed to improve tenant satisfaction, attract more tenants, and justify higher rental rates.
That said, amenities can include in-unit features like updated appliances, air conditioning, or smart home technology. They can also extend to shared community spaces like a swimming pool, fitness center, or rooftop lounge.
The specific amenities you offer at your rentals may depend on the property type and your target market. Read along as we discuss some of the top amenities tenants look for in rental properties today.
Top 10 Amenities Tenants Look for In Rentals
The goal of any landlord or property manager is to attract and keep tenants happy in their rentals as long as possible. However, this can be challenging if you don’t have anything desirable to offer. So, when thinking about which amenities you’ll offer, consider your target market, figure out your budget, and determine which amenities are best for tenants living in your area.
If you need help, here’s a list of the top 10 amenities tenants look for in rental properties.
- In-Unit Washer and Dryer
- Reliable WiFi
- Modern Kitchen Appliances
- Smart Home Features
- EV Charging Stations
- Pet-Friendly Features
- Pool or Fitness Centers
- Outdoor Spaces
- Air Conditioning and Heating
- Security Systems
In-Unit Washer and Dryer
Having an in-unit washer and dryer is one of the top amenities tenants look for in rentals. After all, it’s much more convenient to do laundry at your home rather than taking it to a laundromat. That said, this is a great place to start if you want to immediately attract more renters. If you have limited space in your rental, consider investing in a stackable unit or providing hookups so renters can bring their own units.
Reliable WiFi
In today’s world, high-speed internet is a must-have for most renters. Chances are, some of your tenants work remotely, attend online classes, or stream entertainment on a daily basis, making reliable WiFi another top priority. Some tenants may purchase their own internet services, but if you want to stand out, you could even bundle WiFi into the rent price.
Modern Kitchen Appliances
An updated and well-equipped kitchen is one of the best ways to make your rental stand out. Tenants appreciate modern, energy-efficient appliances like stainless steel refrigerators, dishwashers, and microwaves. Updated kitchens not only improve functionality but also enhance the overall appeal of your rental home. Additionally, making sure they’re energy-efficient can help everyone save on energy bills.
Smart Home Features
Smart home technology is becoming increasingly popular in rental homes. For instance, features like keyless entry, smart thermostats, and security cameras add convenience and safety for tenants. These types of upgrades can also help landlords manage energy efficiency, helping tenants save money, too.
EV Charging Stations
As electric vehicles become more popular in Northern Virginia, renters are starting to look for properties that can accommodate their charging needs. Not only does this help attract EV-owning tenants, but installing these chargers can also increase the value of your property. Not to mention, providing EV charging stations helps set your rental apart, especially in areas with limited street charging.
Pet-Friendly Features
Most people these days have pets or would at least like the option of having pets, making pet-friendly amenities a major selling point. So, allowing pets with reasonable fees can expand your pool of potential tenants. Additionally, features like pet washing stations, dog parks, or designated pet areas can make your rental more attractive to people with pets.
Pool or Fitness Centers
On-site pools or fitness centers are highly desirable, especially in apartment complexes or multi-unit buildings. These amenities provide a convenient way for tenants to stay active without having to leave or pay for an external gym membership.
Outdoor Spaces
Northern Virginia has comfortable weather all year round, meaning people are going to want to enjoy the outdoors. Having accessible outdoor spaces that renters can enjoy while living in your rental can give it more appeal. Whether it’s a private balcony, shared courtyard, or rooftop terrace, outdoor spaces enhance the living experience and add value to a rental property.
Air Conditioning and Heating
Proper climate control is essential, especially in areas where the weather can get pretty hot, like Northern Virginia. Tenants expect reliable heating and cooling systems that keep their homes comfortable all year round. That said, properties without adequate temperature control may struggle to attract and retain tenants.
Security Systems
Safety is another top priority for many renters, making security features an important consideration. For instance, gated entries, surveillance cameras, smart locks, and alarm systems can provide peace of mind and make tenants feel more secure in their homes. Investing in these features may be more pricey, but it can also help reduce liability concerns for landlords.
Manage Your Rentals With the Professionals
If you’re looking to attract more renters, it’s important to know what amenities tenants look for. Now that we’ve gone over some of the most popular ones, you can decide what’s feasible for your rental property. You may need to make some upgrades or consider expanding to cater to a wider tenant pool.
If you need help managing your rental properties, look no further than Professional Property Management in Northern Virginia. Our team of experienced property management professionals can help you with any step of the rental process. Contact PPM today to learn more about the services we offer our Northern Virginia rental owners.
