When someone is looking for a new place to live, they’re going to be sure to take note of the places that they tour. And, unfortunately, there are some things that can turn them off from a property – no matter how great everything else may be.
As a landlord or real estate investor, it’s important to be aware of these ten tenant turnoffs, so you can make sure your property doesn’t have any of them! Plus, we’ve included some tips on how to fix them if they do. Read on for all the details.
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1. Unresponsive landlords
The best way to fix this is to be responsive yourself! If you manage your own property, make sure you give your tenants your contact information and respond to their questions or concerns in a timely manner. If you use a property management company, make sure you choose one that is responsive to tenant needs.
2. Poorly maintained properties
This is a turnoff for tenants of all types, but especially those who are looking for a long-term rental. Make sure your property is in good repair and that any necessary repairs are made in a timely manner. If you have an HOA, follow their guidelines for property maintenance.
3. Inadequate security
This is a top concern for many tenants, especially those who live in urban areas. Make sure your property is well-lit and that there are no obvious safety hazards. If you have a security system, make sure it is up to date and working properly.
4. Lack of privacy
Tenants want to feel like they have their own space, even if they are renting an apartment or condo. Make sure you respect your tenant’s privacy by not entering their unit without permission or notice. If you have cameras on the property, make sure they are not pointed at tenant units.
5. Noisy neighbors
No one wants to live in a place where they can’t get a good night’s sleep because of noisy neighbors. If you have control over who your tenants are, make sure you screen for those who are likely to be considerate of their neighbors. If you live in a multi-unit property, talk to your neighbors and try to come to an agreement about noise levels.
6. Parking problems
This is another top concern for urban tenants. Make sure there is enough parking for all of your tenants and that it is well-lit and safe. If you have limited parking, consider offering a discount to tenants who don’t have a car.
7. Unreasonable rules and regulations
Tenants want to feel like they are respected and that their rights are being upheld. Make sure your rules and regulations are reasonable and necessary, and enforce them evenly. If you have an HOA, make sure you are familiar with their rules and regulations.
8. Poor customer service
This is a turnoff for tenants of all types, but especially those who are looking for a long-term rental. Make sure your property management company is providing good customer service to your tenants. If you manage your own property, make sure you are responsive to tenant needs and concerns.
9. Hidden fees
Tenants don’t like being surprised by hidden fees, so make sure all of your fees are disclosed upfront. If you use a property management company, make sure their fees are transparent and that you understand what they cover.
10. Discrimination
This is illegal, but it still happens. Make sure you are not discriminating against tenants based on race, religion, gender, national origin, or any other protected characteristic. If you use a property management company, make sure they have a non-discrimination policy in place.
Final thoughts
If you want to avoid turning off potential tenants, make sure you are responsive to their needs, that your property is well-maintained, and that you have adequate security measures in place.
You should also respect your tenant’s privacy, be considerate of their need for peace and quiet, and offer fair terms and conditions. Finally, make sure you disclose all fees upfront and do not discriminate against any protected groups.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your property is attractive to potential tenants.
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Credits: Blog post written by J. Scott Digital freelance copywriting services, featured photo by Mimi Thian on Unsplash. This blog post is available for purchase and re-use as a limited-edition NFT on Mirror.xyz.
