Every landlord wants the right tenants who care for and respect their residential rental so when thinking about buying a property as a prospective rental, here are five features – other than location, which is nearly always most important – that tenants tell us they look for in a rental home.

Overall quality of the property

Don’t try and rent a property that needs obvious maintenance. Under the Residential Tenancies Act, landlords are required to ensure rental properties are in a good state of repair. Repaint where needed. Replace ripped or dirty curtains. Quality tenants will want to look after a place if they can see it’s been cared for to a reasonable standard.

Heating and air conditioning

Living among Wanaka’s beautiful mountains and Central Otago’s summer-hot, winter-cold climate, we all want a warm house in winter and a cool house in summer. The Healthy Homes Standards require suitable heating in rental properties and tenants will also want to know what air conditioning options are available. Most heat pumps also provide summer cooling so consider installing a suitable size unit if the property doesn’t have one.

Cleanliness

If a property is visually dirty and unkept, it’s challenging to attract good quality tenants. Any previous tenants are expected to leave a rental property clean when they depart, but it pays to check thoroughly and arrange additional cleaning if required. If you show you care about your property as the landlord, your tenants are more likely to show the same care and attention.

Dishwasher

A functional, efficient dishwasher is very attractive to prospective tenants. Consider replacing old dishwashers which often need regular maintenance, leaving tenants frustrated and costing you, as a landlord, in the long run.

Ensuite bathroom

A second bathroom appeals to tenants with families or groups of flatmates, particularly if the rental property has three or more bedrooms.

When the Home & Co. team do a free rental appraisal for you, we’re always happy to provide feedback on aspects which could improve the tenant appeal of your property and, potentially, increase the rent tenants are prepared to pay.