Whether you’re renting out a house, apartment, or condo, tenants have come to expect certain amenities that may have been optional in the past. While you don’t need to go too far to please your renters, tenant satisfaction will greatly increase when you provide more than just basic amenities. Ultimately, satisfied tenants tend to renew their lease and become long-term tenants, so it benefits you financially.
When it comes to modern kitchen amenities, functionality and aesthetics often go hand in hand. Renters increasingly look for appliances that not only serve their purpose but also blend seamlessly with the overall decor. For instance, if you’re outfitting your rental property, you might consider suggesting tenants buy a dishwasher online that will suit your decor style, combining practicality with visual harmony. Offering guidance on such details can elevate the appeal of your property.
When your goal is to increase profitability and get those high-quality, reliable tenants, consider offering some of the following amenities with your rentals.
Smart home technology
Smart home tech is really in demand by today’s tenants. For example, there are smart thermostats, coffee makers, refrigerators, speakers, personal assistants, locks, lights, and even video security.
If the thought of managing smart technology feels like a chore, consider hiring a professional to handle your properties. A company like Green Residential, a Houston property management company, for example, offers full-service property management to Texas landlords who have their hands full.
What smart tech should you install? A Nest? A Canary? At the very least, consider smart thermostats so your renters can remotely control the temperature in their house. While it’s also a great way to help people reduce their heating and cooling costs, smart thermostats also make it possible to keep a house warm while you’re away in the winter months without worry.
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You can turn it on and off with an app. If you rent property in cold areas, this is a must for making sure your pipes don’t freeze if your renters happen to be away. Granted, you’ll need to talk with your renters to make sure they follow through, but that shouldn’t be hard.
Next up are smart coffee makers and locks. Most people will love being able to brew coffee before they get out of bed, but you might get some pushback about smart locks from the older generation. However, much of the younger crowd – specifically Millennials – prefer smart locks for convenience. Since Millennials dominate the rental market, this would be a wise move. Many people have said that the existence of smart tech would greatly influence their choice in renting a property.
A pet-friendly policy
While not your traditional amenity, having a pet-friendly policy will go a long way to get you a long-term, reliable tenant. It’s not common for small pets to do serious damage. There are exceptions, but pets tend to be a reflection of their owners. If you find someone with reliable income, good credit, and stable income, they’re more likely to be responsible overall, which means they will take care of their pets. They’ll pick up after them outside and they won’t let them potty all over the carpet or tear up the rug. Most responsible people don’t have destructive pets, anyway.
Opening up your home to people with pets will get you more applicants and you can always collect a higher security deposit than usual to cover the cost of any damage. For example, if you normally require a security deposit in the amount of one month’s rent, ask for a deposit equal to two months’ rent if it’s legal in your area. It’s fully refundable, so good tenants shouldn’t have an issue paying a higher deposit.
Air conditioning
While heating is required, air conditioning is still considered an amenity, with the exception of a few states. However, extreme heat can be just as uncomfortable as extreme cold. It can also make people sick with heatstroke and be life-threatening. If you rent a property in an area that gets hot, air conditioning is a must.
A washer and dryer in the unit
Most people don’t like going to the laundromat to wash their clothes because it’s inconvenient. When you offer a washer and dryer inside your rental unit, people will feel more at ease because they can just toss something in the wash if it gets dirty anytime they want. If they need to wash a blanket or shirt for work the next day, they can.
A dishwasher
Even though dishwashers have been around for a long time, they aren’t always standard in rental units. Today, it’s tough to rent a property without a dishwasher and it’s a deal-breaker for many people. Some people prefer washing dishes by hand, but nothing beats the convenience of being able to wash everything at once after a party or holiday.
Tenants will appreciate your thoughtfulness
By providing the most desirable amenities to your tenants, you’ll attract more applicants to choose from and you’ll have happier renters. You’ll be more likely to get lease renewals and keep your units occupied with limited vacancies.
Author: Bhok Thompson
Bhok Thompson is a Singapore-based engineer, entrepreneur, and self-proclaimed “eco-tinkerer” who thrives at the intersection of sustainability, business, and cutting-edge technology. With a background in mechanical engineering and a deep fascination with renewable energy, Bhok has dedicated his career to developing innovative solutions that bridge environmental consciousness with profitability. A frequent contributor to Green Prophet, Bhok writes about futuristic green tech, urban sustainability, and the latest trends in eco-friendly startups. His passion for engineering meets his love for business as he mentors young entrepreneurs looking to create scalable, impact-driven companies. Beyond his work, Bhok is an avid collector of vintage mechanical watches, believing they represent an era of precision and craftsmanship that modern technology often overlooks. On weekends, you can find him exploring the vibrant street food scene in Singapore—because, as he says, "Innovation starts with good energy, and nothing fuels creativity like great food!" Reach out: [email protected]
