Today’s young home renters commonly have an affinity for aesthetics. Thanks to Instagram and Pinterest, they’ve developed an eye for beauty and design, both of which have become one of their priorities when looking for a place to live. You’ll often find them comparing the interiors of their prospect house or apartment to the photos they’ve Liked or saved. And if they don’t find what they’re looking for, they’ll either search for another dwelling, or make changes in their current pad.
That said, as a rental property owner who markets to young adults, your units’ or house’s design should be one of your selling points now. If you’re unsure about the current design trends, consult a property manager from a trustworthy rental property management firm. Their perspective will be essential in figuring out your target tenant’s design preferences.
But for the meantime, let’s gather the types of aesthetics young adults are usually drawn to.
Curb Appeal
Your property’s curb is the first thing they’ll see. Hence, it’s important to maintain a well-manicured lawn, a path that’s free of weeds and other debris, a porch or outdoor areas with inviting blooms and plants, and mailboxes in good condition, to name a few.
Cleanliness is going to be a major motivating factor, too. So make garbage bins and recycling receptacles available.
Neutral Paint Colors
Eccentric and distinctive paint colors aren’t recommended in rental properties. Instead, stick to universally appealing hues, like neutrals. Shades of gray, beige, and cream are particularly trendy, not to mention suitable for all genders.
Make the neutral color scheme apply to the entire space, from the floors up to the light fixtures. Exhibit variety and dimension by using different shades and finishes. Think of shaker style kitchen cabinetry, subway tile backsplashes, and natural stone countertops.
Beautiful and Functional Kitchens and Bathrooms
Other than appealing backsplashes, countertops, and cabinetry, renters will also appreciate modern and matching hardware pieces. This means polished knobs, cabinets handles, and faucets in sleek designs. They’ll also appreciate rust-free and matching bathroom fixtures.
An Allowance to Make Improvements
Young and design-savvy tenants would also give you plus points if you allow them to make some improvements in their units. If they don’t like the hardware, allow them to change it. Let them install or replace the lighting, too. Considering that most rental lighting are just the standard, run-of-the-mill types, your tenants will most likely find them unappealing.
The same goes for window treatments. Typical rentals come with plain white curtains or blinds, and while they’re functional, they’re also a bit boring. Take them down before a new tenant moves in, so they can use a new window treatment of their liking.
Also, allow the use of removable wallpapers and wall art. Peel-and-stick wallpapers don’t damage the paint, unlike traditional ones, so there’s nothing to worry about. With art, though, your tenant will be making nail holes on the walls, but those aren’t major issues at all. Those can be covered with fillers once they move out.
By granting your tenants a bit of control on their unit’s design and decor, you can make them feel like the spaces is theirs. They’ll be free to express their personality and tastes to their dwellings. But still, don’t forget about being firm on your limitations. It would be troublesome to deal with a tenant who fails to follow those, so be sure that your lease contract clearly details the allowed and disallowed design changes.