We check out the amenities even when seeking a hotel room for a one-night stay. Perusing for those must-haves that will assure us of a great stay.

Free full breakfast. Pool. Free Parking. Onsite restaurant. Free wifi.

If amenities are that important for a brief stay, imagine their impact in a residential setting? While we can manage without our faves for a night or two, it’s an entirely different matter when it comes to living long-term without the amenities that are most important to us.

By definition, amenities are the “nonessential features or services” provided and included with a rental property. While they aren’t critical to one’s existence, amenities often sway decisions regarding which property to rent or whether to renew a lease. Any way you look at it, amenities matter

It’s important to note that some items once considered “amenities” have transitioned to a standard furnishing heading. Items such as dishwashers, air conditioning, and even high-speed internet no longer fall under the label amenities. It’s also worth mentioning that we shouldn’t look at amenities as simply “bells and whistles” that can up the wow factor, as today’s tenants seek amenities that add true value.

Top Amenities For Single-Family Homes

Whether your single-family rental is in a neighborhood of rentals or located among owner-occupied homes, having the right amenities will encourage quality, long-staying tenants. Of course, some of these amenities are ‘neighborhood’ amenities that were either available when you invested in the property or not. For example, the quality of local schools and medical facilities, the availability of public transportation, and easy access to shopping and leisure activities are all tenant attractions.

On the other hand, you can add several amenity options regardless of your location. These items include –

Safety and security features: From deadbolts and peepholes in solid, rather than glass-paned, doors to security cameras, wireless video doorbells, security is a top amenity for many tenants. A well-lit property, including security night lights and motion-detecting floodlights, also increases safety.

On with the ‘outdoors’: Outdoor living space areas are a huge plus. Even a small but attractive area for outdoor furniture, grill, and decorative lighting and plants is a high-on-the-list amenity, especially in the southwest, where winters are mild. An outdoor play area also draws families.

Kitchen, bath, and laundry: These are hot spot areas. Of course, your kitchen will have appliances, but an up-to-date renovated kitchen with quality, energy-efficient, preferably stainless steel appliances, is a significant tenant draw. Don’t forget a microwave and garbage disposal. Likewise, well-maintained, regularly updated bathrooms make a difference. Another big amenity clincher is a washer and dryer. Laundry appliances are not easy movers, and tenants prefer a rental that includes them. (Ensuring that they are in excellent working condition is a must-do).

Storage: This is an often overlooked amenity. Even minimalists can collect items. An adequate place to organize, store, and easily access possessions is a high-rated amenity.

Parking: Of course, a garage is the ultimate parking amenity, but even having a private, designated space can make the difference in signing and keeping a lease.

Pet-friendly: Last but not least, people do love their pets. Finding a single-family rental that is pet-friendly can be a dream come true and keep a tenant for a long time.

Amenities for Apartment Rentals

For apartment dwellers, the outside or building amenities topping their list include—

• bicycle storage
• package delivery
• electric vehicle charging
• secure/assigned parking
• transit access and ridesharing services
• recycling services
• dog park

High priority in-unit amenities include—

• stackable washer/dryer in each unit
• pet-friendly units
• patios and balconies
• fireplaces
• all manner of smart devices, such as—
• • security cameras/doorbell cameras
  • keyless entry, including smart locks
  • smart thermostats
  • security systems
  • automated outlet controls

In both single-family and apartment rentals, the demographic a particular property serves or the clientele the landlord hopes to reach will suggest the amenities that will provide the most significant ROI. Including the most sought-after amenities will indeed impact income potential –because amenities matter.

About Rentals America

Rentals America provides full-service property management for residential rental properties. Our team is completely dedicated to property management and we’re here to help landlords navigate the rental market.