Fielding calls from thousands of prospective renters provides excellent insight into what today’s tenants want in a rental property. And while each potential tenant requires his or her own set of desirable property amenities, listed below are 7 features of the utmost importance to the majority of prospective renters searching for a rental home.
- Location– The importance of location can never be stressed enough. Even houses in the same desirable neighborhood can be valued and looked at differently based on their distance from things like downtown areas. New tenants not only want properties close to work or kid’s schools, but they think about things like proximity to expressways and shopping areas. Location is the first thing potential renters ask about.
- Beds/Baths– Although this may seem more important than location, many future tenants will willingly downsize or pay additional rent for more rooms than needed, in order to snag a dream spot in the right neighborhood. Others seek ways to save money by turning basements or attic spaces into rooms when legally possible.
- Appliances– Numbers of renters come without their own appliances, and many more assume properties come standard with washer, dryer, fridge and stove. Make sure tenants understand what appliances they will need for a property, so they can prepare to rent or purchase them if needed. If appliances are something you are unable to offer, consider providing them for flat monthly fee or slightly increased rent.
- Garage– Whether a tenant wants to shelter a vehicle or store a snow blower, garages both attached and detached are highly-requested features for potential renters. Make sure to provide at least one of the two, per city ordinances, if a tenant is responsible for maintaining the yard.
- Basement– Other than an extension of space in the house, the basement area is highly sought after in the Michigan rental market. This naturally cooler space in humid Michigan summers offers extra storage or room to do laundry. Whether it is finished or unfinished- just be sure to properly protect the basement from rain and snow.
- Central Air– Fans and window units are great ways to keep tenants cool, but central air is the most asked about feature in the summer months.
- The Fenced-in Yard– Popular among tenants with dogs and or children, this feature also acts as the boundary and privacy of a yard, helping tenants avoid property line disputes and cities determine who is responsible for unkempt lawn.