By Property Management Systems

Do you own a Portland Oregon Rental Property but have found that it’s sitting on the rental market longer than you originally thought it would? If so, you may not be neglecting to promote the underrated amenities that your rental property has to offer.

In this article, we will share with you some of the most common underrated amenities that you can start promoting immediately and attract more attention to your rental

What Underrated Amenities Does Your Rental Have?

It doesn’t matter if your rental property was built in the 1970’s 90’s or 2000’s, just about every rental property has underrated amenities and landlords can attract more tenants to their rentals if they start promoting those amenities to renters once again.

Some of the most underrated amenities include:

Location – Can the location of your rental property be considered to be an amenity? The answer to this question is yes especially if your rental property is located close to schools, colleges, public transportation, sports teams and the cool things that Portland has to offer.

Upgrades – Have you recently updated the flooring, cabinets, HVAC or windows on your property? If so, don’t hesitate to market those upgrades as amenities because those upgrades could be exactly what some renters are searching for.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Promote These Underrated Amenities!

Underrated Rental Amenities: #1

Outdoor Space = An Extension of Your Rental

On warm summer nights and dewy weekend mornings, your tenants will crave the ability to relax outside. If your property has outdoor space—even if it’s just a small area—play that up in your listings.

Do you have a deck, balcony, patio, or yard? Do you have space for an outdoor table and chairs? Does the backyard come with anything, like benches or a garden? Include images that highlight these outdoor spaces, and help tenants visualize spending time there.

Here are some buzzwords that Rentalutions recommends including in your listings (if they apply, of course):

• Upscale
• Urban
• Perfect for entertaining
• Water views
• City skyline views
• Backyard Haven

Underrated Rental Amenities: #2

Security Features = Peace of Mind

A security system brings peace of mind, but it’s also expensive and requires installation. If you don’t have a full system hooked up, be sure to include information about other, less traditional security features:

• A peephole on the front door, especially if it provides a wide-angle view
• Motion sensors
• Updated locks or smart lock technology
• New windows, which are likely stronger and more “break-in proof”

Ultimately, you want to be able to say that all points of entry are secure. The 4 areas recommended by security experts are:

• Windows
• Front door
• Backyard
• Garage

Underrated Rental Amenities: #3

Updated Technology = Staying Connected

With so many of our gadgets requiring connectivity, it’s important to stay up-to-date on tenants’ technology needs. How can you make it easy for new tenants to get and stay connected? Having a Wi-Fi-ready unit is a no-brainer; but here are a few other upscale technology features to promote if you have them:

• A smart home system (like Nest) for heating/cooling and lighting
• Smart lock systems
• Any TV mounts or surround sound options that are already in place

Underrated Rental Amenities: #4

Energy-Efficient Upgrades = Money Savings

Upgrading windows doesn’t just make them safer; it also helps to keep heating and cooling costs low. Old windows leak air, costing tenants hundreds of extra dollars a year. If you’ve recently made energy-efficient upgrades like replacing your windows, talk about the money-saving benefits that tenants will enjoy. In addition, eco-friendly living is a rental amenity that many of today’s tenants will find attractive.

Use this Energy Saver guide from Energy.gov to find more ways to make your home energy-efficient. You can also take it one step further using this energy savings checklist from Madison Gas and Electric to make more upgrades that you can feature in your listing.

Underrated Rental Amenities: #5

Accessibility = Social Life

As homeownership rates hit record lows, more and more people are seeing the financial benefits of renting versus buying. As many as 71% of Millennials are renters:

“Traditionally, young adults have become first-time homebuyers as they grow older and have [advanced] in their careers and incomes. This suggests that the fundamental shifts in the economy (job loss, low-income growth, diminishing affordability of homes) may have caused the increase in renting for those in the 18-34-year-old group,” a recent Trulia report said.

A prime location is critical for this portion of the population. They want to be able to get to work easily and go out with friends on the weekends. To show accessibility in your listing, include the commute and walk score, both of which you can get online. 

What If Your Rental Doesn’t Have Underrated Amenities?

Let’s say that your rental property doesn’t have any of the underrated amenities mentioned above.

In this case, the good news is that you can still attract attention to your rental property simple by making some improvements to your Portland Oregon Rental Property before you rent it out again.

Some of the improvements you should consider making include:

• Add new flooring
• Renovate the kitchen and bathroom
• Paint your rental property
• Install new hardware throughout the rental
• Replace old light fixtures
• Add new appliances

Once you’ve made upgrades or improvements to your rental property you shouldn’t hesitate to promote those upgrades when marketing your rental online. Most renters will be attracted to renting something that’s new compared to a property that’s older and hasn’t been renovated in some time.

Get Property Management in Portland Oregon

For property management in Portland Oregon contact us today by calling (503) 515-3170 or click here to connect with us online.

We take the “heavy lifting” out of owning rental properties and can offer you a wide variety of services to make your life easier including property marketing, tenant selection/placement, rent collection, customer service and more!

Let Property Management Systems show you how we can simplify your life and get you more ROI from your Portland Rental Property.

Contact us today to learn more.