Rental properties are an excellent source of additional income for many individuals who are looking to bring in some extra cash. 

Becoming the owner of such a property can come about in various ways. Some individuals search the local markets looking for a good value to purchase a home specifically to rent out. Some homeowners may have a home they have lived in at some time during the past, and when they moved, they decided to rent it out instead of selling it. Others may have inherited a property from a family member who has passed away or came to own the property during the settlement of a divorce. 

Whichever way the property came to be a rental, making sure that it is rental ready is an important factor. Most tenants want to rent a space that is clean and feels move-in ready. They want the space to have a “good feel” about it and be aesthetically pleasing.

Paying attention to the details will be what can set your property apart from the rest of the market, making yours the more attractive option to potential tenants. 

Here are a few easy ways to make your rental property more rentable. 

Makeover tip number one for any property, not just a rental property, is to apply a fresh coat of paint. 

Painting the walls is one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to give the entire space an updated new look.

Choosing wall colors in neutral shades will make it easier for your renters to visualize themselves living there, as they mentally picture the layout of the space with their own furnishings decorating the rooms. The light colors will also appeal to renters as it will make the space feel bigger, brighter and more airy. 

Even if the current paint color is neutral or bright, go ahead and give the walls another fresh coat. New paint is a great way to cover any lingering odors that may be in the rooms, and the new paint will also help cover any existing marks or diminish the looks of the nail holes from previous wall hangings.

New carpeting is another easy way to make your property have a new, updated feel. First impressions are lasting, and having dingy carpets on display when you bring your prospective tenants into the unit will not help you make the sale. If you want to make a great first impression, have the old flooring removed and install new carpets, in neutral colors. 

Another idea is to have laminate flooring installed instead of the carpets. In today’s markets, laminate flooring is an attractive selling feature when someone is looking for a place to rent. Laminate is easy to clean, goes with most decor, and does not hold odors the way that carpets do. Laminate flooring will also show less wear and will most likely hold up longer, thus saving you additional renovation costs in the future.

Take the time to do a thorough walk through of your property. Test out all appliances and anything else that has a “function” to ensure that it is working properly and as it should be. Make any necessary repairs or call a technician to have the work done for you. Having the property move-in ready will save a lot of headaches and frustrations for your new tenants when they move in. 

Having a washer and dryer in the unit on property is a huge selling point for any potential move-in candidates. If your utility room already has the hookups, invest the extra cash and install laundry facilities. Your new tenants will appreciate the convenience so much, that they will be more likely to sign a lease amendment when it comes time to renew their lease. 

People love their pets. Pets are a part of the family and no one wants to have to get rid of their furry friend just to move into a rental apartment. Properties that deny their renters the opportunity to bring their pets, immediately decreases their pool of renters. Allowing your rental to be pet friendly should be viewed as an opportunity to reach more prospective tenants and get your property rented faster.

Secure new tenants by selling the safety features your property has to offer. Hard-wired smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and conveniently located fire extinguishers are just to name a few. Make sure the tenants know the fastest and safest escape route should there be a fire. A video doorbell or security camera on the front of the house may also give your tenant an added boost of security.

Using a few of these easy tips to make your rental property more rentable will draw in more prospective tenants to want to view, and ultimately rent your property. And with your continued upkeep and attention to detail, will hopefully keep them satisfied and renting from you for a very long time.

Thousand Hills Realty is Branson, Missouri’s premier property management company. If you’d like us to give you more tips on how to make your property more rentable, call us today at (417)337-8081. We would love the opportunity to discuss the possibilities with you!