logo
logo
Sign in

Apartment amenities that can make or break the deal

avatar
Theresa Hus
Apartment amenities that can make or break the deal

When looking for a place to live, there are always certain qualities accommodation seekers will be looking for. Even first time renters with no experience renting an apartment have some idea what they're looking for. Whether they’re wealthy pensioners who want their manor house to have a tennis court, or frugal millennials seeking a condominium that has parking for their 2011 Toyota Prius, everyone has a list of things they want in a home. 


When it comes to apartments, everyone’s list is different. Some prospective residents want one thing, some want the exact opposite. There are apartment seekers who prefer a studio apartment with an open floor plan, with a bright, airy atmosphere. Then there are those who prioritize more conventional layouts. Some like a modern, minimalistic style of decor, and some prefer a refined, traditional interior style. 


If you’re renting out an apartment, chances are you are already acquainted with this reality. Another thing you’re probably acquainted with is the fact that certain amenities are well liked by almost everyone, while others are a dealbreaker for nearly everyone. So what are these amenities, and how can you ensure your rental has the ones that bring people in, with as few of the ones that turn people away as possible? Let’s find out! 


Our apartment requirement checklist


For those of you looking to take your rental to the next level, we’ve put together a quick checklist containing our suggestions regarding ways you make your apartment more desirable to renters. We’ve compiled two groups of requirements: things that will make the deal, and things that will break it. Let’s get started! 


Makes the deal: modern interior 


While some may prefer a traditional, subdued atmosphere in their apartment, the overwhelming majority of renters prefer a clean, modern interior, with large open spaces,  bright but tasteful colors and a ton of natural light. If the apartment you are trying to rent out is dated with ugly wallpaper, trim and a constrictive, segmented floor plan, you’re going to need to do something to fix that. 


If you’re making an apartment requirement checklist, this should be near the top. Fortunately, there is a great deal you can do to modernize an apartment without spending too much. Small changes like replacing outdated light fixtures with stylish new ones, or painting over drab, fading wallpaper with a carefully selected palette of bright, airy colors can go a long way towards making the apartment more modern. 


Now, if the apartment you’re renting out is particularly outdated, you might have to spring for a remodel. This will take more effort, and perhaps even involve knocking out a couple walls and improving the floorplan, but it will increase the value of the apartment and greatly increase the renting potential of your apartment. If you do it right, you should see an exponential return on your investment. 


Breaks the deal: old/poor quality furniture 


The next thing to consider when making an apartment requirement checklist is furniture. Many times a hopeful landlord has had potential tenants walk out on the deal when they see the old, torn up couch, flimsy wooden bed or bulky, unattractive table. These may seem like minor issues from your point of view, but they are immensely important to renters looking for a place to make their home. 


Fortunately, you can check this entry off your apartment requirement checklist quite easily, simply by updating your furniture with newer, sturdier and more aesthetically pleasing offerings. They don’t even have to be new; used furniture can often be found for very reasonable prices, and if you have an eye for quality and interior design, you can refurnish with minimal effort. As an added bonus, environmentally friendly renters can refurnish sustainably!  


Of course, if you do decide to buy brand new furniture from a interior design outlet, you’ll have the added benefit of being able to easily purchase a complete set of furniture, with a uniform color scheme and style that complements the apartment. This is a surefire way to make the inside of the apartment more attractive and functional as a whole. 


Makes the deal: good appliances 


Few things should be higher on your apartment requirement checklist than modern appliances. When searching for an apartment, one of the principal concerns for apartment hunters is the quality and age of appliances. After all, no one wants to live in an apartment where the refrigerator rattles at night, a washing machine that leaves a puddle on the floor with every load, or an AC unit that never really cools the apartment. 


While we’re discussing appliances, we would be remiss if we failed to mention energy efficiency. One of the most crucial entries on your apartment requirement checklist should be efficient appliances with good EnergyStar ratings. These appliances won’t just bring in tenants and save money on utility bills; they also have the added benefit of putting less stress on the electrical grid of the house, making visits from the electrician less frequent. 


Breaks the deal: poor maintenance 


There aren’t many things more likely to do a deal in than the sight of an apartment that has been poorly maintained. Whether it's stains on the living room carpet, mold on the bathroom ceiling, or countertops with doors sagging lower than an abandoned suspension bridge, these issues will turn away renters as fast as they walk through the door. 


The name of the game for this entry on the apartment requirement checklist is regular, thorough maintenance. Clean the apartment regularly, check for damage or degradation to the structure, furnishings, appliances and all other areas of the apartment, and make sure that all such problems are addressed as soon as they come to light. 


Makes the deal: high speed internet 


In this age of high tech instant communication, streaming and gaming, one of the most important additions to our apartment requirement checklist is a reliable high speed internet connection. Considering the extent to which modern life is lived online, it makes sense that a high speed internet connection is one of the most sought after qualities in a rental apartment. 


Now, in many areas, getting high speed internet is no easy feat. Fibre optic internet is still outrageously expensive, and in congested areas, high traffic makes a standard internet connection tedious and difficult to work with. While it may be a hassle to acquire, getting your apartment set up with a stable and high speed connection is sure to draw many renters to your property. 


Conclusion


There are many amenities that renters look for in an apartment, and an equally large number that are sure to drive renters away. With the help of this list, we are confident that you’ll be successful in making sure your property is as attractive to renters as possible. If you follow the steps listed above, you’re sure to have tenants in no time! 


If you enjoyed this article, or have any feedback or questions, feel free to leave a comment in the comments section below, and we’ll be sure to reply as soon as possible. Here’s hoping this list helped you out! 



collect
0
avatar
Theresa Hus
guide
Zupyak is the world’s largest content marketing community, with over 400 000 members and 3 million articles. Explore and get your content discovered.
Read more