As a single-family Kalamazoo rental property owner, you would like to know what renters need. Because once you know what these renters want, you would then know what your property needs in order to attract these higher-paying renters. Although meeting every specific need for all renter demographics may be daunting, we can focus on the basic needs every tenant will have for their rental homes. Here is a list that we have compiled for the most requested items. See where your Kalamazoo rental property stacks up.
1. Location
You can’t do anything about this but one of the top criteria for renters is the right location. This may mean proximity to parks, public transit, and shopping centers for single-family rental homes. Along with that, a safe and attractive neighborhood.
2. Safety
Quite obviously, safety is a priority for tenants in their rental homes. While location dictates how safe your property is, you can still improve your property’s security features. Good quality exterior doors, sturdy locks, and an alarm system can all make your tenants feel at ease and secure.
3. Convenient Payment Options
Along with safety, tenants also want to pay their rent easily and conveniently each month. Renters favor landlords who give them an option of secure online payment. This is beneficial for both parties. The tenant has ease of payment, which leads to the landlord receiving his rent on time and in full.
4. Move-in Ready Condition
Property owners should only allow renters to have a look at their property after it is being cleaned and repaired. Since, more often than not, renters prefer rental homes that are move-in ready. So, before you open your property to showings, make sure property maintenance and repairs have already been done. This will then increase the likelihood of a new tenant renting your property.
5. Appliances
If your Kalamazoo rental home doesn’t already include appliances, it might be a good idea to furnish it now. Appliances are a big draw for many renters since most do not want to incur the expense and hassle. The same is true for old appliances – don’t expect tenants to tolerate using a worn-out stove or dishwasher. Appliances need not be at the top of the line. As long as they are reliable, tenants will be drawn to your rental house.
6. Upgrades
Your rental house should be updated to keep it in step with the times. While you should regularly update countertops, appliances, faucets, and light fixtures, modern renters are also interested in newer, tech-friendly upgrades. Smart thermostats, video doorbells, and plenty of USB outlets are popular features many renters are looking for.
7. Outdoor Space
Modern renters want to entertain family and friends so that includes space for gatherings. But if your Kalamazoo rental does not allow this, you can still make it attractive to your renters by creating an outdoor gathering space. You can get creative by adding a patio or deck for instance and start attracting great renters!
8. Flexible Lease Options
Sometimes, life may not turn out as planned and this is true for tenants as well. Property owners would rather have long-term leases, but this might not turn out well for renters. One way to solve this is by giving offering different lease lengths to your tenants. This way, you attract a wider range of tenants that could honor the lease and not just break it after a few months.
9. A Responsive Landlord
Ultimately, what makes renters really happy in a rental property is a responsive, professional landlord. Successful rental property management is built on the landlord-tenant relationship, making it all the more important to ensure that you communicate regularly and often with your tenant and respond promptly to repair requests.
But property management is akin to a full-time job. Why not consider entrusting your Kalamazoo property management to the experts at Real Property Management Investment Solutions? We can help you maximize the appeal of your rental property while also managing tenant relations so we can free up some time from your busy schedule. Contact us online or give us a call at 616-419-4578.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
