There is no doubt that a poorly maintained property will not be a tenant’s first choice. People’s opinions of your home will affect not only their opinions of the place itself but also your reputation as a landlord.
Certain home decor, design elements and features in rental properties are commonly considered to be unattractive.
Home experts reveal the most common rental property eyesores and give tips on how to deal with them.
Top Unattractive Features Found in Rental Properties
Outdated or Worn-out Fixtures
Rental properties with outdated fixtures, such as old light fixtures, faucets, or doorknobs, can give the impression that the space has been neglected and reduce its overall visual appeal. Consider replacing such fixtures with modern alternatives to freshen up the space. Choosing energy-efficient models can also expand your target audience and attract tenants who are concerned about the environment.
Dull or Mismatched Paint Colours
Walls with faded, outdated, or mismatched paint can make a rental property feel uncomfortable. Repainting the walls with neutral, light colours is a budget-friendly solution that can instantly transform the space. Neutral colours, such as beige, light grey, or off-white, provide a blank canvas from which the tenants can expand and personalise their living areas. In order to spice up the room, use wallpaper or decorative elements to create an accent wall.
Lack of Storage Space
There is not enough storage space in many rental properties. Consider installing new storage options or maximising existing ones in order to resolve this issue. Built-in shelving, closets with organisational systems, or freestanding furniture, such as wardrobes or bookshelves, can significantly improve storage capacity, which will make the rental property more appealing. You can also utilise vertical space with hooks and shelves and increase under-bed storage. In this way, you make the property more accommodating to tenants with various storage needs.
Worn or Outdated Flooring
Floors that are visibly worn out or scratched are a major turn-off for potential tenants. Consider replacing or refinishing them, depending on the extent of the damage. Flooring types such as hardwood, laminate, and vinyl are some popular choices for rental properties. They are durable and easy to maintain. For a cohesive look, make sure the flooring is consistent throughout the property. Your best option when your budget does not allow refinishing or replacing is to invest in some inexpensive modern area rugs. The rug will give your small space a trendy look.
Insufficient Lighting
Poorly lit rental properties can feel gloomy and unpleasant to live in. To prevent that, maximise natural light by keeping windows clean and unobstructed. Make sure each room has adequate lighting as well. A mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting will create a warm and functional space.
Wall Stains
Typically, trying to hide a wall stain is a lot of work because you have to prepare the surface well and paint it. Still, it may often show through the colour. An alternative way to fix such an issue is to hang art or picture over the stain. You can also use the tip for damage marks, such as dents or holes. However, before you do that, make sure your tenant agreement allows you to put nails into the walls.
Tangled Cables
Cables all over the place are a very common, unattractive sight in rental properties. To fix this issue, bundle them together and this way, it’ll turn into one big cable which you can deal with easier. You could easily wrap it in coloured tape in a way that matches another piece of furniture or the walls – it’ll be a lot less visible.
Tip: Place routers in pretty boxes with holes cut out in the back for the cable so they don’t ruin the design of your living room or kitchen.
Lack of Patterns and Texture
Even if you’ve updated the colours in a rental space, it can still feel dull, cold and uninviting. Investing in soft furnished pieces of furniture, curtains or simply fluffy pillows and throw blankets can help you solve this problem easily and inexpensively. These solutions will refresh your interior space and make it feel warmer. Besides that, consider layering different types of textures to make the space feel more elegant. The trick for this is to use subtle textures that can easily match one another without being visually overwhelming.
Poor Quality Appliances
Don’t neglect home appliances – tenants don’t like low-quality or outdated appliances. Old appliances are also unreliable and unsafe.
A nice set of appliances will make a rental property more appealing to potential tenants.
As renters demand energy-efficient, functional, and stylish appliances, it’s important to replace dated appliances with modern ones.
If you can’t afford to buy new appliances, make your old ones look more appealing by cleaning, repairing, and painting them. Regularly inspecting your appliances can prevent more expensive repairs.
Neglected Facade
Overgrown lawns, broken fences, and damaged sidewalks are not uncommon in rental properties. Having an unattractive exterior can be an obstacle for potential tenants.
A well-maintained front yard pleases the eye, and it adds value to the rental property. So, keep lawns mowed and trimmed regularly, repair or replace fences if needed, and keep sidewalks free of cracks and debris
Poor Maintenance
Neglected maintenance can cause mould growth. It is important to address issues such as roof leaks, plumbing issues, or blocked gutters, which can lead to water damage and mould formation.
A rental property should be in top condition – it usually requires more extensive cleaning. In order to ensure that the place is spotless, using end of tenancy cleaning services would be a good decision. Such professional services include cleaning all rooms and items, as well as the carpets.
Conclusion
A rental property without modern features may be less appealing to potential tenants.
Investing in energy-efficient appliances, smart home devices, and additional storage solutions will increase the property’s value and make it more attractive to future tenants. Regular maintenance is also a key to creating a place where tenants look forward to moving in.