Are you a rental property owner who wants to stay ahead of the curve? Then you'll want to know about some things renters are looking for in 2023. From energy-efficient appliances to private outdoor spaces, read on to find out what tenants will look for when searching for their next home.
1. Access to a high-speed internet connection
Doesn’t everyone have a high-speed internet connection these days? Not necessarily. That fiber-optic cable doesn’t reach quite far enough to meet some rural areas. But, with the high number of people working from home and attending school remotely, it’s no wonder that today’s renters are looking for a super-fast connection in 2023. Moreover, a reliable high-speed internet connection affects more than just streaming movies; the efficiency of work tasks has to be top-notch in today's ultra-connected world - no one has time for buffering anymore!
2. Smart features and energy-efficient appliances
In 2023, the modern renter won't settle for less than a fully-loaded house. We're talking all the bells and whistles, from smart thermostats and lights to energy-efficient appliances in the kitchen; tenants want it. Renters will expect all these features to be a standard issue - it's no longer a luxury but a necessity! You don’t want to be the only landlord whose tenants have to set the thermostat manually, do you? The era of disconnection is over, which means only the most feature-packed homes will do for tenants seeking satisfaction.
3. Access to private outdoor space
In 2023, tenants want more than just a secure and comfortable home - they demand a great outdoor space to relax and unwind. We’re still recovering from being stuck inside during the pandemic, after all. Whether it's a single-family home with a spacious backyard or a condo with a private terrace and panoramic views, renters need to find the perfect spot to relax and enjoy some much-needed peace and quiet.
4. Pet-friendly rentals
As pet ownership continues to rise, pet-friendly accommodations are becoming increasingly necessary in the rental market. And, if pets aren’t allowed at a property, it takes that property off most potential tenants’ “to see” list. But, if you have concerns about pet damage, don’t worry – reputable property management companies will screen pets on your behalf and have an ironclad lease that spells out the tenant’s responsibility should their pet cause any problems.
5. Work space
Working from home became more than just a trend in 2020 - it was a necessity, and it’s probably here to stay. We all know that having the right workspace is key to work-life balance, so it's no surprise that today’s home renters require plenty of space for their office setup. Whether they're working from a laptop or have multiple monitors, tenants need a designated spot to check emails, attend virtual meetings, and keep up with their tasks without encroaching on family time or spilling over into the living room. So if you have a rental investment property or are planning on purchasing one, remember - now more than ever, if you want to win over your tenants, think about what areas of your property would make a good potential office space.
6. Online payment and maintenance request options
The last thing today’s renters have time for is writing a paper check and dropping it by the rental office. That’s why providing options for online payments and maintenance requests is a must. Not only does this provide convenience for the tenant, it often aids in ensuring that rental property investors receive their money on time. If renters don’t have time to drop off a check, they sure don’t have time to stop by and fill out a maintenance request. That’s why having the capability to take online maintenance requests is a must-have too. What if there’s an emergency? Having 24/7 access to an emergency maintenance service will give your renters some extra peace of mind.
Conclusion
Given the advances in technology and the changes brought about by the pandemic, it's no surprise that renters are being a lot more strategic when considering their housing options for 2023. From high-speed internet connections and smart features to pet-friendly accommodations and private outdoor spaces, there is certainly no shortage of elements to consider before signing a lease.
If you’re ready to upgrade your home but aren’t sure where to start, contact a professional property management company. An experienced property manager has intimate knowledge of what today’s renter is looking for and can help you decide what features to add to your rental investment property to attract high-quality tenants for years to come.
As a leading property management firm in the Cape Fear region, Sweyer Property Management recommends that property owners strongly consider working with a trusted, experienced property management company. Whether it pertains to the eviction process or another area of handling your investment properties, we want to ensure property owners and investors understand the relationship they are entering into when choosing to work with a property management firm.
If you have investment properties and do not use a professional management company, we hope you consider doing so. The experts at Sweyer Property Management will be happy to provide you with a free rental analysis or, if you prefer, give us a call at 910-239-1338.
Sweyer Property Management is a full-service professional property management company specializing in all aspects of rental management. If you're an investor or property owner looking to learn more about our services and what a professional property manager can do for you, reach out to us today at 910.256.3031 or via our website. Sweyer Property Management has exhibited continuous growth throughout the Wilmington, Leland, and Hampstead areas while maintaining an excellent Google+ rating for customer service.