As a California city landlord, you have to make every effort to meet your tenants' expectations from the rental property to retain them in the long run. One of the best ways to do so is by offering amenities that make your property more comfortable and more desirable.
Modern amenities attract a larger pool of tenants to your property and increase the value of your rental. In addition, you also can charge your tenants for the additional amenities, if required, which can help you boost your sources of revenue.
At JBL & Associates, we have kept track of the changing tenant priorities over the years when it comes to rental amenities. Here, we list the top six amenities that California property managers should consider providing to their tenants.
A smart home is a quintessential example of how technological advancement has made life easy for humans. So naturally, many tenants often look for houses with intelligent automation systems installed. While these need not always be high-end fixtures, incorporating some of the following smart home features can help you maximize the value of your California rental property.
Water damage can be a significant threat to the structural integrity of your house, as it can lead to the growth and spreading of mold and mildew. However, having an intelligent system that can identify water leaks, notify through an alarm, and automatically stop water supply can save the situation. It also gives you time to arrange repair services and prevent drastic damage.
To retain your tenants, you need to make them feel safe in your rental. This is where digital security tools can help. A fully automated security system can significantly improve your home's safety standards.
Consider setting up an intelligent security camera, digital lock system, video doorbell, smart plugs, and indoor CCTVs to protect your tenants and property from potential risks of theft or break-ins.
Installing smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can boost the safety of your rental property and alert you immediately to the danger of fire. Furthermore, it can automatically turn on the sprinklers to prevent the fire from spreading in your absence.
Home automation systems allow your residents to control all appliances, from entertainment systems to electrical devices like television, refrigerators, and air conditioning, at the touch of a button. Tenants can customize the app settings according to their preferred routines. For instance, they may find warm water to bathe or a cup of hot coffee waiting for them every morning, thanks to home automation systems.
These days, tenants are more inclined to prefer properties with a large yard, nicely landscaped garden, and some outdoor amenities for families and kids. You can take advantage of this trend and offer the following facilities that can turn a boring yard into a fun place for your renters and their tiny tots.
According to a recent study, landscaping boosts curb appeal and can lead to a 15% increase in rental property value. To make your yard more attractive, you can use several affordable and creative landscaping ideas such as installing low-maintenance shrubs, adding white picket fencing, creating DIY fire pits or a backyard garden, and hanging string lights to create an attractive ambiance.
Many people like to cook and eat outside, especially in summer. You can create a small kitchen and dining space with a cabinet, counter space, barbeque, sink, wastewater drains, and a gas line.
Rooftop terraces are inviting and eco-friendly, which can be a selling point for your tenants. Additionally, such terraces often offer a beautiful view of the city and provide more space to add your personal touch.
You can also install light furniture like a table and some chairs, rugs, and lights. Installing a shade can protect your plants from sudden weather changes like rain and summer heat.
In the last few years, the number of people working remotely has increased tremendously. Consequently, tenants are now on the hunt for properties that offer co-working spaces or home offices to enjoy an undisturbed and focused work-like atmosphere.
Outdoor co-working spaces are also a good idea, as they offer fresh air and sunlight, which can boost creativity and critical thinking. Consider providing comfortable seating, electrical outlets, internet, and enough workspace.
Gone are the days when the kitchen was the least priority in terms of interior design and facility. These days, renters look for modern features in the kitchen with easy installation and customization options and sufficient space to arrange utensils in clutter-free ways. Here are a few tips for converting your kitchen into a modular one.
Modern appliances use less energy and provide high performance, improving the quality of your life. Consider replacing old appliances with new energy-efficient ones, such as refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, ovens, washers, and dryers. These appliances are also environment-friendly and help minimize the exploitation of natural resources.
You can opt for wooden cabinets with stainless steel handles or glass cabinets for a catchy and designer look. However, cabinets made of MDF, particleboard, and other mixed synthetic material are less expensive but look trendy in your kitchen.
There are different countertops with different types of material available in the market. While granite and wooden countertops are durable, though expensive, waterproof cement and tile countertops are affordable and look like a million bucks. Make sure you calculate the cost of countertops per square foot before installing them.
Installing kitchen shelves allows your tenant to systematically store many things in one place. Based on the interior and your budget, you can use baskets, partition baskets, open shelving, pantry units, kitchen holders, pull-out units, and tall units. Also, open shelves are trending these days, So you need not close the shelves all the way through.
Flooring is the first thing that draws the attention of your tenants while assessing the property. Also, it is a crucial factor in improving your property's value. There are different types of flooring options you can use in your unit. However, the following two are tenants' most favorite.
Hardwood floorings are the most durable and contain solid pieces of milled wood, such as oak, walnut, cherry, and maple. It is a desirable option for many tenants due to its versatility and high-quality material.
The average cost of this flooring is around $5 to $10 per square foot. It also requires regular maintenance like cleaning or applying a fresh coat of finish.
Like hardwood flooring, a brand-new carpet can also make your property stand out from the crowd and add to its value. It protects your tenants in harsh weather conditions like cold and summer when walking barefoot is difficult. However, make sure you stick to a neutral color palette, as this is for your rental apartment, and you don't know the tenant's taste in furnishings. Choose quality material that can last for years and avoid installing it in areas that can be complex to clean.
The interior of the bathroom is an equally important consideration for the new-age tenants. A modern bathroom with a few renovations and upgrades can draw the attention of prospective tenants and allow you to charge for the facilities you provide. Here are a few bathroom amenities you can provide in the bathroom.
Bathroom vanities are one of the popular upgrades for rental properties that improve functionality and the design and offer extra storage in your bathroom. Vanities come in six different types: freestanding, pedestal, floating, vessel, under-mounted sink, and cabinet. The vanity cabinet is similar to your kitchen cabinet with pull-out drawers and is customizable as per personal taste.
Walk-in showers occupy less space and add an elegant look to your bathroom with minimal structural changes. You can easily install them in a small area and customize any shape that best suits your bathroom.
Apart from these modern amenities, you can also consider a few extras that always help in boosting your property value and are commonly seen in every rental unit.
If you own a multi-family property with fitness-conscious tenants, offering fitness centers can add to your benefit. Consider providing some gym equipment like a jump rope, doorway pull-ups, dumbbell sets, and a treadmill or two to encourage your tenants to stay fit and healthy.
Offering a swimming pool in your rental property can increase the scope of your tenant pool and allow you to survive in rental competition. Even if your tenants don't use the swimming pool daily, having access to it can enable them to host a pool party, improve their social life and enjoy summer times with loved ones.
No tenant will want to waste half an hour searching for parking after a long day of work. If you provide ample parking space to your tenants, they are more likely to stay in your rental unit, increasing your property value.
Tenants in apartments love when they need not go to a laundromat every time to wash their clothes. Although providing in-unit laundry is not legally required, offering one can save your tenants' time and effort and make your rental unit stand out. Make sure you opt for modern appliances that consume less energy and provide good performance.
JBL & Associates is a leading property management company in California that offers all types of rental services to property owners and assists them in increasing the value of their property. In addition, we can guide you about tenants' expectations in rental properties and help you install modern amenities that will capture the attention of your tenants and help you find the best renters in California.
For more information, contact us at JBL & Associates.
760-373-1800 Office
