Today’s tenants are a diverse group and while their individual requirements differ, what unifies them all is a desire to make their rental house feel like home.
High-quality finishes and properties in the best condition are increasingly becoming the new norm for tenants. But with a rise in the number of tenants taking out long-term rentals as a lifestyle choice, not just out of necessity or due to a temporary relocation, landlords also need to make sure that their property feels inviting, appealing and most importantly, homely.
Whether it’s an apartment suited to a professional couple, a townhouse ripe for a downsizer or a large family house, a property's first impressions are key. Smart seasonal plants outside a front door or in an entrance hall help create a warm, welcome but so too do practical considerations such as useful coat hooks and smart family storage for shoes and bags.
With the kitchen being the hub of most homes, a vase of fresh flowers, scented candles and items such as a coffee station or pinboard for family activities will help tenants imagine themselves living there. Games set up in a playroom or playsets outdoors demonstrate that the home is ready for a new family to move into.
During the colder months, lighting a fire or simply making sure the heating is on for a viewing will evoke a sense of cosiness, while in the summer months, opening up patio and balcony doors will conjure visions of how the warmer months could be lived in that property.
If the property is furnished, paying attention to living areas and investing in items and pieces that are functional, stylish and that will stand the test of time is a key consideration. Dated or worn furniture simply won’t cut it; demand is strongest where a landlord has kitted out a properties with smart sofas, on-trend lighting and bedroom furniture that suits the style and period of the building. Rather than a clashing mix of furniture and decoration, complementary colour palettes and interior design that flows throughout the property suggest a well thought-out interior, created solely for that individual home.
Finally, bear in mind that tenants are seeking a home for all the family, which might include their beloved four-legged friends. Being flexible where pets are concerned will help a tenant feel they've found everything they could want and need to make a rental property a home.
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