The Best Amenities to Offer Your Potential Tenants

The amenities your property offers are important to highlight in your online rental listing for several reasons. Amenities are a key focus for tenants, and as such they can help your listing stand out from others and they can generate more interest.

As a landlord, there are a multitude of amenities you can add to your property with minimal effort, such as an in-unit washer and dryer or pet-friendly areas. To help you figure out which amenities are right for your property, we outlined the top amenities tenants are looking for when shopping for apartments.

What Are Amenities?

Amenities are considered a service or feature that tenants can utilize while occupying the unit. Tenants typically look at the listed amenities when searching for their next home, as comfortable amenities can result in a better renting experience. Many tenants even tend to filter their online searches by amenities so they only come across listings that match their criteria.

If you're looking to have your rental listing stand out, then it's a wise move to advertise the great amenities your property offers that can be valuable and enticing to potential tenants.

Are Amenities Included in Rent?

While charging additional fees to use the amenities sounds like a smart idea on paper, landlords typically avoid doing so, as this can become too expensive for prospective tenants and deter them from wanting to rent the property. If you do want to charge a monthly fee for certain amenities, such as the pool or WIFI, you can fold the fee amount into the rent price versus requiring separate payments from tenants.

8 Best Apartment Amenities to Offer Tenants

There are various types of property amenities to offer, but not all of them have the same impact for each potential tenant. Below, we've outlined the most sought after amenities to consider adding to your rental property.

1. In-Unit Laundry

An in-unit washer and dryer are two appliances that can increase the overall value of your rental property. Whether they're located in the unit or in the basement of the building, providing tenants with a reliable alternative to having to travel to the laundromat to do their laundry is a huge selling point on a rental listing.

However, you'll want to confirm that the property allows for such appliances to be installed and has the proper hook-ups, especially if you're renting out a condo in a multi-unit building.

2. Stainless Steel Appliances

A stainless steel dishwasher, refrigerator, and kitchen sink are all great, easy to clean appliances to install in your rental. They add a modern twist to your property and increase the value of your property - allowing you to charge more in rent.

Similar to laundry amenities, tenants will need to know how to properly use all the appliances to avoid damaging them. You can either leave the instruction manuals in the drawers prior to tenants moving in or leave them with a welcome letter that teaches them how to properly use them.

3. Pet-Friendly Amenities

This apartment amenity won't appeal to everyone, but designated pet areas are great to highlight in your rental listing. Pet-friendly amenities help your property stand out, while also providing value to tenants that own pets. Consider designating part of the property as a dog run, and providing pet-waste stations to encourage pet owners to clean up after their furry companions.

Even if you decide to not allow pets on your property, it can be a good idea to include such amenities for any tenants with service animals.

4. Air Conditioning

Asking tenants to provide their own air conditioning unit can absolutely deter them from applying for the property. AC units can cost a few hundred dollars to purchase and more often than not require professional assistance to install. This may also lead to tenants having to get creative to cool a room without air conditioning, which is not ideal for properties based in areas that regularly experience hot weather.

5. Backyard

Amenities don't just have to be indoor - tenants enjoy having access to a backyard. If you're worried that tenants might cause too much damage to it, you can include a special clause in your lease agreement to let tenants know what their limitations are with regards to the backyard. Consider if you want to allow gardening, barbecues, or any large lawn furniture, and the impact that might have on the lawn or landscaping.

6. Kitchen Island

Although not necessary, adding a kitchen island provides tenants with more counter space to cook or store kitchen appliances. There are many different types of kitchen islands to choose from, including those with sinks and lazy susans, but it's always a good idea to include a durable counter top that doesn't stain easily.

7. Balcony

If your property does not come with a backyard, a balcony is a great alternative to allow your tenants to spend some time outside without having to leave the building. If you're still in the process of finding an investment property, you can try to find a condo with a balcony or a house that has one on the second floor If you're unable to offer a backyard or balcony, then it is a smart idea to highlight recreational parks the property is nearby so tenants are aware of their options.

8. Parking Space

Offering a parking space, especially in a busy metropolitan area, can be incredibly enticing for tenants who own a vehicle. You can offer them a garage parking space for a monthly fee, on- or off-street parking, or allow them to park in the driveway of the building. For more residential or suburban properties, a driveway is a major selling point.

Modern amenities are great additions to any rental property because they increase the overall appeal of your online rental listing. Regardless of how many amenities your property offers, it's important to highlight them all when advertising your rental.