Tips to make your property tenant friendly

With the lowest prime rate in decades, many South African tenants are considering property ownership. As a landlord, you might be feeling the rental market is more competitive than ever. Attracting new tenants and keeping your current tenants happy is a game of looks and amenities. By polishing up your property, you can keep vacancies at bay. With our advice, you can even increase your property value for higher rental rates. 

Add prepaid electricity

Prepaid electricity is desirable for tenants with busy lifestyles. By including it in your rental property, you can put the power in their hands. Here are the benefits for your tenants: 

• Prepaid electricity takes the guesswork out of their utility bill. They can estimate how much electricity they're using each month and budget appropriately. 
• They can track their usage in real-time to figure out which appliances are taking up the most power. 
• Electricity vouchers or tokens are easy to buy and add to their meter. 
• Prepaid electricity takes away the stress of utility bills and being disconnected if they miss a payment. They can avoid squabbles over unpaid bills and maintain a good relationship with you.
• The whole process of electricity is managed by the tenant. This transparency means they won't have to worry about errors and having to contest suspect utility bills. 

Install gas appliances

Gas appliances are popular with tenants who are thrifty, eco-conscious, and value convenience. The main appeal is that they will work even when the power goes off. This is highly sought-after by tenants wishing to overcome load shedding. 

Gas stoves and cooktops mean tastier dishes because your tenants can control the heat evenly. They heat up faster which make for quicker meals. They also use a clean-burning fossil fuel which is better for the environment. 

Gas geysers also heat up quickly which is a plus for tenants on the go. They will also lead to less electricity consumption which is easier on your tenant's bank balance. 

Ensure the unit is well maintained

By taking care of your property, you can make it a place people want to put down roots in. A beautiful space will also inspire tenants to stay on longer. There's a lot you can do to get your property in order. 

The basics include checking for signs of mould and damp and sorting out any leaks or water damage. You should secure fencing and walls within the property. Giving the property a fresh coat of paint will also impress tenants. The flooring is one of the first indicators of a well-maintained property so do ensure it is in good shape. Also, consider servicing or replacing appliances and landscaping the garden. 

Modernise the kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home. Tenants spend hours in this space cooking, eating, and socialising with their families. This high-traffic space can make or break your rental property's success so take time to update its look and feel.

The easiest and most dramatic change is refreshing the paint. Lighter colours can brighten up the kitchen and make it more inviting. Replacing worn-out kitchen cabinets will also win over critical eyes. Adding more storage space through cupboards and floating shelves will help keep appliances and cooking utensils in order. 

Get fibre internet connected

Never overlook the perks of lightning-fast internet for your tenants. Fibre internet connectivity is crucial for tenants who might be working from home. Its speed, security, and reliability make it possible to entertain the family with video streaming and gaming. An investment in the core infrastructure can pay off in the long run with tenants wishing to live a modern lifestyle.

If leasing out your rental property or holding on to good tenants is a challenge, it's worth consulting the experts. De Lucia Group is a full-service property company. Our property management services can enhance the appeal of your property to attract tenants. We can then help you find the perfect tenant. Send a message or call Michael De Lucia directly on 082 493 1089 today.

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