For landlords, an easy way to save money is to attract good tenants and have them occupy your rental property for a long time. Your ability to do this comes down to what you’re offering your prospective tenants, and how it compares to the rest of the market. To help you, McPherson Property Management have compiled six of the most attractive amenities for renters. See what you’re missing and what improvements you can invest in to attract long-term tenants.
Having shops or a park within walking distance of a property is a big plus for most people. This is especially true for parents of babies and young children. For them, the ability to get out-and-about for play or supplies without having to pile into the car is almost as good as breakfast in bed.
Some landlords complain about tenants making a house damp, resulting in mould, smells, rotting wood, stains and watermarks. Smart landlords arm their tenants with everything they need to keep a house warm and dry, and educate them on how to go about it. This means the likes of insulation, well-sealing or double-glazed windows, inverter heat pump, dehumidifier(s), heat transfer and ventilation systems, hygrometer, extractor fans in bathrooms, domes on shower cubicles and rangehood extractor fans. These provide a cost-efficient heat source, and reduce humidity by removing moisture created by bathing, cooking and breathing. Moisture from drying clothes indoors during winter is a big one too… How about installing a vented dryer?
Seldom few enjoy washing dishes. Installing a dishwasher in your rental property is a surefire way to excite prospective tenants. Dishwashers are so essential to some that they make it onto their ‘must have’ list when rental-hunting.
Whiteware in general can be a big selling point for renters who don’t already own any, so consider offering whiteware as part of your rental package. The same can be said for furnishings like beds and lounge suites.
When viewing a house, renters are assessing the fit – how will all of their stuff fit into the property. Sizable bedroom wardrobes mean tenants won’t be vying for space with their clothes, shoes and whatever is in all those boxes. Any additional out-of-sight storage space is always highly sought after as it means garages, wardrobes and closets aren’t full of boxes.
Having an outdoor area at home is almost a birthright in New Zealand. Renters will judge a rental property’s outdoor area on how easily they can see themselves relaxing in it, or their kids playing in it. The more presentable and contained a lawn, garden or courtyard is, the easier it will be to visualise. If there’s a lawn, think about including a lawn-maintenance contract in your tenancy agreement, or supplying a lawnmower with the property.
A whopping 64 per cent of New Zealand households own a pet, the second highest rate in the world. For pet-owning renters, finding a landlord that allows pets in their property is imperative.
So, how did your rental property stack up? Is there room for improvement, or are you ready to speak to McPherson Property Management about your long-term tenant magnet?
Image credits:
DC People and Places 33802 by Ted Eytan under CC BY-SA 2.0
Lazy Animals by Chris Lexow under CC BY-SA 2.0
In this increasingly competitive rental property market, it’s essential to raise the bar on your marketing. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by showcasing your property via stunning photography. Here’s a few tips (that won’t cost the bank) to get you started! Time of the day … Read more
The Healthy Homes Standards (HHS) became law on 1 July 2019 and comprise of a set of standards for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture and drainage, and draught stopping in rental properties. The Government recently announced a deadline extension to the HHS. What does this mean for property owners that are … Read more