Six ways to improve your rent

As investors, we’re so focused on rental yields that we often forget that both existing and potential tenants view our properties in a different light.  

While we’re concerned about our investment property’s performance, tenants are concerned about things such as whether or not they would enjoy living in our home.

So how to satisfy both our tenants and ourselves?

Simple. Give our tenants what they want and we’ll be helping ourselves out in the process.

The following 5 features should be a part of every property investment you own. These amenities appeal to peoples’ basic human desires - a strong motivating factor when it comes to a boost in rents.

1.     Security

Your investment property should have proper locks for windows and doors as well as sufficient lighting. A lock-up garage gives a tenant a greater level of comfort as they know they have both storage and a secure place to put their car.

2.    Reverse cycle air-conditioning

After a long day in the heat nothing quite says “I’m home” like walking into a cool, comfortable room. Would you pay more to have this amenity?

3.    Dishwasher

In today’s modern, busy world, something as simple as a dishwasher will encourage a tenant to choose your property over another - even if your rent is higher. In fact, this feature is often a deal breaker for many people!

4.    Lighting

A home with ample lighting is a welcoming home. You want your tenants to be glad to come home. When possible, provide as much ambient light as possible. A property with dark features, including poor lighting does not appeal to the majority of renters.

5.    Privacy

A highly rated feature, privacy for your tenant can be achieved through something as simple as the use of quality blinds and/or curtains.

While these features may seem rather simple - and yes, they are - their emotional appeal will help deliver an increase in your rents with a minimum of effort from you.