What do tenants really want from a rental property?
Most landlords and rental property owners have no idea what tenants really want. In a study, 84 per cent of tenants indicated their desire to meet the house owner prior to moving in yet only 46 percent of landlords actually meet them.
In the same study, 33 per cent of tenants expect to find a working Wi-Fi in a rental property while about 17 per cent would like some flexibility on pets. Others believe rental property owners should add more information on property ads.
This is not all. Tenants also want:
Modern, clean home
Rental prices are always going up, including the expectations of tenants. They expect high accommodation standards and property to be up-to-date with modern kitchens, baths and living rooms. Tenants also want a clean home with pristine equipment and facilities.
Safe tenancy
Most tenants are busy with demanding careers and arrive very late or travel for business reasons leaving their homes and personal property behind. Modern landlords have no choice but ensure the residence is safe for every renter by ensuring locks are functioning and effective, windows and doors are working, including well-maintained plumbing systems and flooring, safe electricals and working fire safety mechanism, among others.
Respectable tenancy
Renters also want a respectable tenancy and treated fairly. Essentially, they want:
- To find the property as promised and any issue addressed as assured
- Zero surprises such as unannounced visits by property managers
- Reasonable expectation on deductions from their security deposit
- and guarantee they won’t be thrown out or lose their tenancy if the property exchanged hands without their knowledge
Repairs before letting
The worst experience is moving in and then having the landlord or agency send workmen to repair diverse issues from drainage, plumbing to electrical issues. renters expect landlords to complete repairs once the previous tenant has left.
Enough storage
People will always keep purchasing items and also want the safety of their belongings assured. Tenants will always appreciate some extra storage space, especially if they want to rent for a while. As a landlord, maximise on various amenities to add more storage, such as adding more storage shelves and cupboards from empty spaces. You can also allow tenants to use the attic, access the shed or add different storage choices in the kitchen, living room to the bedroom.
Additional extras
Tenants are always in search of something unique in a rental property. They expect internet access and the speed of the internet to be mentioned. If you’ve Wi-Fi let the tenant know, including other impressive additions such as cable TV, dishwashers, underfloor heating, top-notch appliances and latest gadgets.
Accessible renter property caretakers and landlords
As already mentioned, no tenant wants to suffer the frustrations of calling a caretaker with a repair issue unsuccessfully. Renters want approachable rental property owners who care about their properties and the comfort of every tenant.
Pet friendly environment
People keep pets for diverse reasons, including health ones. Tenants will consider pet-friendly environments first before others even if they don’t own furry friends yet. Making you property pet friendly, even if it means a bit of renovation, tenants will move in for the long-term in a neighbourhood their pets are allowed to move in with them.
Tenants generally want attention when they’ve issues and a caring landlord who offers all the different facilities, extras and basics they expect. The important thing is doing as much as you can to find ways of satisfying renters even if it means incurring renovation and repair costs.