Single-family rental homes are attractive to Houston tenants because they provide the space and privacy that isn’t often available in apartments or multi-family units. When you’re looking for renters who are willing to pay rent on time, take care of the home, and follow the terms of the lease agreement, you’ll have to work hard to attract those tenants to your property.
Here are 5 things that tenants are most likely to look for in a Houston rental home.
1. Well-Landscaped Outdoor Spaces
Access to fresh air and open space became a hot commodity during the pandemic, and one of the reasons tenants look for single-family homes is because they desire outdoor space. Tenants want a yard, even if it’s a small yard, and fenced yards are especially attractive to residents who have animals or children. Provide an attractive, well-landscaped outdoor space, but make sure the landscaping is low-maintenance. Tenants may worry about keeping up with complicated trees and flower beds.2. Pets Are Popular with Tenants Seeking Single-Family Homes
More than half the households in Houston have at least one pet. That means you’ll easily widen your tenant pool if you allow pets, or at least promise to consider them. It’s easy to hesitate when it comes to pets. They often carry a lot of liability with them, and they can potentially damage to your property. But, many tenants moving into single-family Houston rental homes are families, and families typically have pets. Be willing to consider them on a case-by-case basis, and have a strong pet policy in place.3. Modern Appliances and Fixtures
Renters are also looking for well-maintained Houston homes that have attractive and upgraded appliances, floors, walls, and surfaces. Make sure you’re offering a home with fresh paint. Check out the condition of your floors - do the carpets need to be cleaned or replaced? Energy-efficient appliances and modern countertops are also popular. You don’t necessarily have to install stainless appliances and granite counters, but you might consider it if you’re making some renovations and targeting highly qualified tenants.4. Smart Home Features
It seems like everyone has a video doorbell these days, especially in suburban neighborhoods filled with single-family homes. Tenants will always look for access to good technology that includes smart home features. Most renters don’t see this as a deal breaker, but you’ll attract better tenants and higher rents when you can provide smart thermostats where tenants can control temperatures with an app. They also appreciate automatic lights and appliances that will sync with their phones or smart devices like Alexa and Siri.5. Professional Houston Property Management
Smart tenants know that a professionally managed property delivers a faster maintenance response, online rent payments, and a rental experience that’s rooted in customer service. If you’re not already working with Houston property managers to rent out your property, this is something you should consider. Many tenants may have had a bad experience with individual landlords, and they are more likely to trust professional property managers.
These are just 5 of the most popular things that your Houston tenants are looking for when they rent a single-family home. We’d love to help you find these tenants, so please contact us at OmniKey Realty. We work with rental property owners in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and surrounding areas in Dallas County, Collin County, and Houston County.
