Fido or Whiskers are among the top reasons why single-family renters chose to rent a home over an apartment. But offering dog walking services for an additional fee, for example, isn’t the pet-friendly amenity that will attract these tenants. Instead renters prefer paying extra for lawn or interior maintenance services, according to a survey of nearly 1,200 single-family renters by John Burns Real Estate Consulting.
Burns polled single-family renters with monthly rent budgets over $1,000 to determine what landlords should spend more on. In addition to pet-friendly design, other draws were premium kitchen finishes and energy efficient appliances, amenities that tenants can relax and feel secure in, and a home office.
Matters more: Spend extra for a fabulous kitchen
Premium kitchen finishes and energy efficient appliances are huge draws for single-family renters, with 42% considering them a top influence for choosing a home above others. Don’t forget about ease of cleaning, which is a top pain point among owners and renters alike. A great kitchen can be a huge differentiator.
Matters less: Spend less on premium flooring, healthy home certifications, and smart tech
These features ranked at the bottom of the list of draws for single-family renters. While nice to have, they do not sway rental decisions. That said, we also advise developers to spend extra money on materials that will reduce damage and reduce the work needed to get the home ready for a new tenant.
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