Prospective tenants approach the rental property search with specific criteria in mind. Understanding their preferences and needs is crucial during the tenant screening process. The more boxes your property ticks on their checklist, the higher the chances of securing a tenant quickly and maintaining a long-term tenancy. Here are some essential factors that prospective tenants consider when looking for residential rental property:
- Location: Proximity to local facilities such as shopping centres, public transportation routes (bus stops, taxi ranks), schools, and daycare facilities.
- Value for Money: Competitive pricing in line with market value compared to similar properties in competing areas.
- Presentation & Cleanliness: Well-maintained, clean properties make a positive first impression and convey a sense of freshness.
- Pets: Whether the premises allow pets, especially in open housing complexes or flats.
- Bedrooms & Room Size: Adequate room sizes to accommodate queen or king-size beds, with wardrobes and appropriate flooring.
- Wardrobes: Floor-to-ceiling built-in or walk-in robes for ample storage space.
- Bathrooms & Baths: Homes with baths and second bathrooms are often preferred by families with children.
- Climate Control: Air conditioning/heating facilities in multiple rooms, with ceiling fans for airflow.
- Cooking Facilities: Clean and properly functioning cooking facilities, preferably with gas options in areas with unreliable power supply.
- Car Accommodation: Secure parking options such as lock-up garages or covered parking, with remote-operated garages as a desirable feature.
- Storage Facilities: Walk-in pantries, linen presses, and garage shelving for convenient storage options.
- Fly Screens: Functional and intact fly screens to keep insects out.
- Security: Emphasis on security features such as deadlocks, security screens, and motion detector lights.
- Lighting: Natural lighting within the property and exterior security lighting.
- Everything Operational: Ensuring all fixtures, including taps, doors, and hotplates, are in proper working order.
- External Entertaining Areas: Adequate space for BBQs and outdoor dining, preferably with undercover options.
- Fencing: Secure fencing around the premises.
- Low Maintenance: Timber or ceramic floors and easy-to-care-for gardens to minimize maintenance requirements.
- Peace & Quiet: Properties located in quiet streets away from noisy areas.
- Neighbours: Observing the condition of neighbouring yards to assess the overall environment and neighbourhood.
Other Factors of Influence:
- Property owners considering selling should provide options such as Rent-to-Own agreements to attract long-term tenants interested in homeownership.
- The availability of different lease lengths to accommodate tenant preferences.
Understanding what prospective tenants prioritize in a rental property is vital for attracting and retaining quality tenants. By addressing their needs in terms of location, value for money, cleanliness, amenities, security, and maintenance, property owners can increase their chances of finding suitable tenants. Have additional tips or factors to consider? Share them in the comment section below.
