Successfully renting a home often comes down to having the right features, features that make the space functional, appealing, and easy for today’s renters to say “yes.”
Renting your home successfully involves more than setting the right price. Today’s renters are looking for comfort, convenience, and cost savings, and homes that meet these priorities tend to rent faster and have fewer vacancies.
Based on real market insights, this Redfin article details which features typically improve rental quality, which upgrades are worth prioritizing, and why location tends to play a bigger role than you might think.
In this article:
Features that attract tenants and reduce vacancies
Upgrades for a high return on investment
The importance of location and neighborhood
Common Mistakes Investors Make – What to Prioritize Instead
How to select features based on target renter
Features that make it easier to rent your home: Final points
Features that attract tenants and reduce vacancies
As utility costs soar, renters are also paying attention to monthly expenses other than rent. According to Mashvisor, energy efficiency is becoming an expectation rather than a bonus.
Sylvia Schallhout, Head of Real Estate Insights and Content at MashVisor, explains that energy efficiency is no longer a bonus, but is becoming an expectation among tenants. “Rising utility costs continue to be a pain for the average renter in the U.S. Energy-efficient rental features such as LED lighting, better insulation, and smart thermostats that help reduce utility costs are becoming the norm for renters.”
These features not only appeal to cost-conscious tenants, but also help your property stand out in a competitive rental market. MashVisor adds that these upgrades will “significantly increase appeal and reduce time to market.”
Other high-impact amenities can also improve occupancy and tenant satisfaction. “Based on MashVisor’s analysis of active short-term rental properties over the past 12 months, properties with pools were nearly 8 percentage points more likely to reach occupancy rates of 70% or higher compared to the market as a whole. Modern convenience features such as EV chargers and self-check-in are also positively correlated with improved booking performance, suggesting that both experiential amenities and ease of access are influencing rental demand,” Schallhout said.
Upgrades and amenities that can make a big difference:
1.LED lighting to reduce energy usage and maintenance costs.
2. High-quality insulation that improves comfort and reduces heating and cooling costs.
3. Smart thermostats that allow renters to control energy usage more efficiently.
4. A well-maintained, modern system that lets you know your home is move-in ready.
5. Pool, EV charger, and self-check-in system to enhance tenant comfort and convenience.
Amenities of high occupancy properties % of all properties Performance increase rate Average annual income (high occupancy properties) Pool 42.11% 39.04% +7.9% $5,927 EV charger 90.5% 86.34% +4.8% $4,614 Self check-in 88.17% 85.55% +3.1% $4,592
Not all markets require these features, but depending on your location and renter profile, they can make a measurable difference.
Upgrades for a high return on investment
When it comes to improving rentability, first impressions are important. Mashbeiser emphasizes that exterior upgrades are often some of the most effective investments a landlord can make, as they have a direct impact on whether a potential tenant will schedule a showing.
“Never underestimate upgrades that improve curb appeal. First impressions make or break the show, so upgrades like new paint, new siding, or replacing an old front door with a steel door can be very effective,” Schallhout explains. “Exterior improvements reduce vacancies, increase added value, and provide the best ROI at resale.”
Exterior upgrades that can help:
6. Paint the exterior walls fresh to give your home a clean, updated look.
7. New or updated siding to improve durability and appearance.
8. Steel front door for added safety and security.
9. Easy-to-maintain exterior material that reduces long-term maintenance costs.
The importance of location and neighborhood
Even the newest homes can struggle if they don’t match what renters want from the surrounding area. Ease of access, nearby amenities, and convenience all influence whether renters find a property desirable. Whether you’re renting a home in Tucson, Arizona, Hawthorne, California, or anywhere else, the location and neighborhood can make a big difference in making your home stand out.
Schallhout explains, “Even beautiful, modern homes will struggle to fill vacancies in locations with poor access. In many urban markets, walkability is a non-negotiable among renters. In suburban markets, private parking is a top priority. Landlords need to adapt their rental features to the demands of local renters.”
Location factors that affect rentability:
10. Walkability: Easy access to shops, restaurants, and transportation is becoming increasingly important in urban areas.
11. Availability of parking: Required in suburban areas where tenants are dependent on cars.
12. Proximity to public transportation: Expands the pool of potential renters who commute to work.
13. Neighborhood Safety and Amenities: Parks, grocery stores, and other conveniences improve overall desirability.
Before investing in upgrades, consider whether the property’s location already meets renters’ expectations, or where small improvements can fill in the gaps.
Common Mistakes Investors Make – What to Prioritize Instead
Many real estate investors think that major renovations will automatically lead to higher rents or faster lettings, but that’s not always the case.
Shalhout warns that over-renovating can lead to unnecessary spending without significantly increasing occupancy, saying, “Real estate investors often over-renovate, leading to financial losses. For example, you probably don’t need to demolish the entire kitchen. Upgrading old appliances or refinishing countertops is enough to fill a vacancy.”
Rather than costly overhauls, investors should focus on upgrades and features that reduce friction between tenants and minimize long-term turnover costs.
“Prioritize features that reduce tenant friction and cost of sale, such as durable luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring.”
Smart upgrades to prioritize:
14. Durable Flooring: LVP or other durable materials that withstand heavy use.
15. Minor kitchen and appliance updates: Rather than a complete remodel, replace outdated appliances or refinish counters.
16. Easy-to-maintain features: Fixtures and finishes that are easy to clean and repair.
17. Cost-effective improvements that impact tenant comfort: efficient lighting, smart thermostats, or functional storage.
How to select features based on target renter
Not all upgrades and amenities will appeal to every renter, so it’s important to tailor features to your target audience. Understanding who is most likely to rent your property can help investors prioritize improvements that truly make a difference.
Long-term and short-term renters
Long-term renters may prioritize durability, storage capacity, and energy efficiency. Short-term renters may value amenities like pools, smart locks, and modern finishes more.
Urban and suburban real estate
Renters in urban areas often prioritize walkability and transportation access. Suburban renters may prioritize parking, garden space, and additional bedrooms.
Understanding your target renter allows you to make strategic upgrades rather than just cosmetic upgrades.
Features that make it easier to rent your home: Final points
The most successful rental properties are not necessarily the most expensive or extensively renovated. It was designed with the needs of renters in mind. By focusing on data-backed upgrades and housing market data to align your properties with what today’s renters value most, you can reduce vacancies, improve tenant satisfaction, and strengthen your long-term rental income potential.
