10 Ways to Update Your Rental Property

Key-less Entry
A key-less entry system, like a smart lock, is a great option for any rental property. Not only does it secure the property with a deadbolt but it adds an updated tech savvy feel. With this upgrade you wont have to worry about the cost or time of having to change out locks in between renters. Tenants wont have to worry about hiding a spare key and will never get locked out of their home. Smart locks range in price and have many different features. Some are wireless and others simply use a keypad. 

Upgrade Plumbing Fixtures
Replacing outdated bathroom and kitchen faucets can add appeal to your property. Over time faucets can get rusted so replacing them with more modern hardware like brushed nickle fixtures will be a huge upgrade. Matching fixtures in a bathroom, like a towel rod and shower head, brings harmony to the property’s decor. 

Back Splash
A back splash in the kitchen is a great option to add value to your property. They protect your walls from grease and other messes, are durable, and easy to clean. When choosing tile for your black splash it is a good idea to go for a more simple look verses colored tiles which can date a property. A white subway tile is a timeless look and can be added to any kitchen.

New Flooring
Wall-to-wall carpeting can be a deterrent for any tenant, especially one with pets or allergies. Instead of having to professionally clean your carpets in between tenants choose to upgrade to hard wood floors instead. Upgrading carpets or laminate flooring may seem like an expensive option but it’s definitely one that will increase your income and value of your property. Wood flooring can be cheaper than people realize and over time your floors wont need to be replaced as often. Plus, renters LOVE wood floors. 

Fresh Paint
A coat of fresh paint is the biggest bang for your buck and will liven up any space, especially in between tenants. It’s an easy and affordable way to spruce up your property while giving it a clean appearance. If time is an issue, updating just couple of rooms will do the trick. White or neutral tones allow future tenants to use their own accent colors with fun decorations. 

Kitchen Appliances
If your rental property is lacking a little attention upgrading the appliances to stainless steel can go a long way. New tenants not only love the appearance of stainless but they will also appreciate the better working dishwasher or a fridge that is up to date. Even purchasing new white appliances can feel updated compared to a dingy old stove that is too far gone to clean. If buying new appliances isn’t in your budget having the fridge and stove cleaned can make a big difference. 

Install High Quality Window Covers
Instead of having tenants worry about shades and blinds themselves, install them before they move in. Replacing broken vinyl blinds with wooden blinds or cellular shades will look much more appealing to renters. Wooden shades look great in common areas, while blackout cellular shades work better in bedrooms for extra privacy. White is the best option for homes with white trim and goes well with any wall color. Installing curtain rods before tenants move is essential if you don’t want extra holes in the walls. Just leave them bare and your tenants can choose to hang curtains once they move in.

Update Light Fixtures
Replacing ceiling lights is an easy DIY project that doesn’t take much effort. Most ceiling light fixtures can be upgraded without rewiring, just unscrew the old one and replace it with a new one! If upgraded your fixtures is out of your comfort zone, changing light bulbs or cleaning current fixtures will brighten up the room. Soft light bulbs are great for bedrooms while bright lighting is best for the kitchen and bathroom.

Pressure Wash Siding
Dirty gutters and inclement weather can leave the outside of your home needing a good cleaning. Renting a pressure washer or hiring someone to clean the outside of your home once a year will brighten and extend the life of your property’s siding. Prospective renters will appreciate the well kept appearance of their home.

Landscaping
Creating a beautiful exterior of your home is just as important as the interior. Weeding, trimming overgrown plants, and adding fresh mulch is inexpensive and easy for any landlord to accomplish. For bigger exterior concerns you may have to hire a professional. Paving a pot hole filled driveway or adding a patio can bring tons of curb appeal and add value to your property. Painting a porch or a chipping front door can also create a great first impression for your potential tenants.