5 Things Tenants Look For in a Rental Home

The wish list for tenants keeps growing. As the rental market becomes even more competitive, people are looking for more from a rental than just a good location and a clean property. Knowing what tenants actually want is exactly the kind of insight that helps you guide landlords toward properties that let quickly and keep tenants for longer. Here are 5 things tenants want from a rental home, and how to advise landlords on each one.

Storage space is one of the most desirable features of any home nowadays. New builds are prioritising storage in their designs as standard practice. If a landlord's rental is an older building, built-in storage is likely in limited supply. Worth suggesting access to the loft or a garden shed. If that's not available, a small wardrobe, set of drawers, or even a built-in storage cupboard squeezed into a hallway or living room can make a real difference.

Remote working continues to grow in popularity, and home offices are becoming more and more desirable for tenants. People are even moving specifically to find better remote working spaces. Even without a spare room, there are other ways to capitalise on space. Can a desk fit into a living room, hallway or even under the stairs? Worth measuring up with landlords and identifying where a home office could work. Providing a desk as part of the furnishings makes it obvious to tenants that they could work from the property.

This might go without saying, since no one wants an unresponsive landlord. But with people leaving employers who don't respect them, this trend can move to landlords too. Tenants worth keeping might not stick around once the initial term is up if a landlord isn't communicating or being reasonable. Encouraging landlords to be good communicators and approachable is one of the simplest ways you can help them retain tenants, and it's often where you as the agent step in to bridge that gap.

The crime rates surrounding a property are completely out of anyone's control. But tenants want to feel safe and secure in their homes regardless. Adding an alarm or another security feature can be highly cost-effective for landlords and increases the chances of attracting tenants who stay.

Remote working being on the rise means people have more time for pets. Encouraging landlords to agree to pets can help attract tenants who stick around for longer. It's also worth noting that younger tenants aren't just after furry friends, Gen Z renters are increasingly looking for landlords who'll allow micro tortoises, geckos, and snakes too. Since these are usually no trouble at all, it's worth advising landlords to keep an open mind.

At The Letting Experts, this is exactly the kind of practical advice our Partner Agents give landlords every day, helping them attract and retain tenants who stay long-term. If you're an experienced letting agent who enjoys guiding landlords through decisions like these, backed by the systems and support to do it properly, we'd like to hear from you.

What are the most important features tenants look for in a rental property?
Tenants often prioritise ample storage space, a dedicated home office area, a communicative landlord, security features, and pet-friendly policies.

How can landlords make their rental property more attractive to tenants?
Consider providing additional storage space, creating a designated home office area, ensuring prompt communication and maintenance, and being open to pet-friendly policies.

What are the benefits of allowing pets in rental properties?
Allowing pets can attract a wider pool of tenants, including families or individuals who value companionship. It can also lead to longer tenancies and fewer voids.

How can landlords improve the security of a rental property?
Consider installing security systems, such as alarms and CCTV, and ensuring proper lighting in and around the property. Regular inspections and maintenance can also help deter potential intruders.