4 Features That Make a Rental Feel Like Home for Tenants

Around 41% of renters spend over 35% of their income on rent. It’s a lot, and if you are one of the landlords receiving that rent, you want to make sure your tenants are happy and getting bang for their buck—especially if they are good ones! Do they take care of your place and pay their rent on time? If yes, you want to keep them in the property for as long as possible and to do this, it needs to feel like their home.

Make every member of the family feel welcome

You are already a step in front of your competition as a landlord if you allow pets on your property. You can take this one step further by including a well-sized dog kennel as a standard fixture to really tell prospective tenants that their furry family members are welcome.

People are happier with pets, and you can easily make sure your tenants feel at home and happy in your property by making the space more pet-friendly. A kennel makes the outdoor areas a little more comfortable for pets by providing shade and a place to retreat to when it’s time for one of their many naps.

Improve the outdoor spaces

Outdoor spaces that feel inviting and livable add real, practical value to the rental experience and help make a house feel like a home. The key is in the details here—add versatile structures, make the space safe and accessible, and minimize upkeep to fit the busy lives of today’s tenants. Here are a few ideas that will make any outdoor area a renter’s haven.

A great outdoor space is one that tenants can enjoy without fuss, so make sure there’s an easy, natural transition between indoor and outdoor areas. This might mean widening entryways, minimizing steps, and adding secure handrails where necessary to make the space safe and comfortable for everyone. A well-designed flow between the living room or kitchen and the backyard makes it easier for tenants to entertain or relax outside, seamlessly connecting the indoor and outdoor spaces.

Lighting is also crucial—consider soft pathway lights and some overhead lighting to make the area usable and welcoming even after the sun goes down. This way, tenants can make the most of the outdoor space at all hours, turning it into an evening escape or a spot for casual dinners with friends.

Create a better lighting vibe

One of the easiest ways to make your rental property feel more like home is by replacing the lightbulbs. Standard rental lighting often features harsh, outdated fluorescent bulbs, which can make a room feel cold or overly yellow. Swapping these out for LED bulbs, which now come in a range of warm, natural hues, can transform the atmosphere instantly. 

While there’s an upfront cost, LEDs are affordable and highly efficient, often lasting up to 20 years. A softer, more personalized lighting scheme can make any space feel warmer and cozier, and best of all, no renovations are required for this easy upgrade.

Pre-install some indoor plants

Now, this one can be a little controversial as you are technically passing a bit of work on to your tenants, but plants instantly bring warmth, colour, and a sense of life to a space, making it feel more like home. To soften the blow of handing over what is essentially a chore, opt for a low-maintenance pothos on a shelf or a few succulents on the windowsill.

Plants are a simple addition, but they add vibrancy and a fresh, natural element that instantly brightens the environment. Even if you or your tenant is not a seasoned plant parent, many varieties thrive with minimal care and can add a personal, lived-in touch. For a quick greenery fix, a small bouquet or bundle of fresh eucalyptus also brings a refreshing vibe, keeping the space lively and welcoming.

Ensure a thorough cleaning 

It’s a simple one, but if your rental feels fresh and inviting, it will scream “home” to a potential renter. Dirt and grime, even if subtle, can dull an area and make it feel less homey. Simple tasks like scrubbing the floors, wiping down surfaces, and especially cleaning the windows can make a huge difference. 

Clean windows, for instance, let in more natural light, transforming the room with a brighter, more open feel. Even if the rental was cleaned after the last tenant moved out, a deep clean before the next showing can set the tone for a space that feels well-cared-for, bright, and ready to become a home.

Streamline the process of finding top-quality tenants

RentRedi offers full credit, criminal, and eviction history reports provided through TransUnion, giving you a complete view of each applicant’s background. We simplify tenant screening with automatic alerts for applicants and easy access to screening details. Protect your property and find reliable tenants today.