As a general rule of thumb, not all rental property upgrades are worth the cost. You could spend thousands remodeling a kitchen, adding custom blinds, or installing crown molding – only to find that your ideal tenants don’t notice or don’t care.
Meanwhile, small improvements you might’ve overlooked could be the very things that help your listing stand out and justify a higher rent.
So how do you know what’s worth upgrading?
It starts with understanding your target tenant. Whether you’re renting to working professionals, small families, or remote workers, their priorities tend to be less about fancy design features and more about functionality and lifestyle convenience.
Here are eight property upgrades that tenants actually do care about – and that can help you improve your cash flow and bottom line. Work with your property management company to get them added.
- In-Unit Laundry
Few things make a rental more appealing than in-unit laundry. No one wants to lug baskets to the laundromat or share a dingy basement washer with half the building. If you want your unit to feel modern and self-contained, this is one of the most important features you can offer.
If space or plumbing constraints make it tough, even just installing hookups and marketing it as “washer/dryer ready” gives you an edge over listings that don’t mention laundry at all.
And if your property doesn’t allow for in-unit machines, make sure any shared laundry area is clean and easy to access. The experience still matters.
- High-Speed Internet Access
Today’s tenants expect to stream, Zoom, scroll, and game without any lagging or buffering. So, a strong internet connection isn’t a luxury anymore. It’s a basically a utility, like water or electricity.
Make sure your property is wired for modern speeds. In some markets, tenants will actually search listings based on internet providers. If your building has fiber or other premium access, highlight that in your ad.
And if you really want to stand out, consider offering internet as an included amenity and bundling it into rent. The simplicity and reliability can be a major selling point – especially for work-from-home renters.
- Functional, Modern Kitchens
No, you don’t need granite countertops and top-of-the-line appliances. But you do need a kitchen that looks clean, functions well, and feels modern enough that someone would want to use it.
That might mean:
- Replacing old, mismatched appliances with a clean, stainless or black set
- Updating cabinet hardware for a fresh look
- Installing a tile backsplash to add visual interest
Swapping out a stained or cracked countertop for something durable and neutral
If the layout allows, adding a small dishwasher is almost always worth it. It’s a big convenience for a small investment – and one tenants will notice immediately.
- Energy-Efficient Windows and Lighting
No one wants to live in a drafty apartment that costs a fortune to heat. And tenants pay attention to lighting – whether it’s for ambiance, safety, or energy savings.
Double-pane windows help keep the temperature steady and the noise down, especially in busy areas. Energy-efficient LED lighting gives your unit a clean, modern glow while keeping utility costs low.
- Durable, Easy-to-Clean Flooring
Carpet is falling out of favor, and for good reason. It stains, traps odors, and wears down quickly. Tenants are leaning toward hard-surface flooring that’s easy to maintain – and you should, too.
Vinyl plank flooring is especially popular. It looks great, handles water well, and can survive multiple tenants without needing replacement. Laminate and engineered hardwood are also good options, depending on your market.
If your unit still has carpet, consider removing it from high-traffic areas like living rooms or entryways. You’ll have happier (less grossed-out) tenants.
- Smart Home Features
You don’t need to turn your rental into a tech showroom, but a few smart upgrades can make a big impression.
Start with a smart thermostat, like a Nest or Ecobee. They save energy and let tenants control the temperature remotely,
Keyless entry systems are another win. No more lost keys or awkward handoffs – just a secure, professional way to manage move-ins and lockouts.
Other nice-to-haves include:
- Video doorbells
- Motion-sensor lighting
- Smart smoke detectors
Tenants appreciate features that make life easier and safer. And as a bonus, some of these upgrades make your property easier to manage, too.
- Closet and Storage Space
Tenants don’t want to feel cramped. Whether they’re a couple moving in together or someone downsizing from a house, storage matters.
If you can’t add square footage, make the most of what you’ve got. Install shelving systems in closets and use tall cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms. Then add storage benches or wall hooks where appropriate.
Even a small coat closet or linen closet can tip the scale in your favor compared to a similar unit that doesn’t offer any. (Think about the little frustrations your tenant might have once they move in, and then solve them in advance.)
- Outdoor Space (Even If It’s Tiny)
A little bit of fresh air goes a long way. If your rental has a balcony, patio, or even a small fenced yard, make sure it’s clean and usable. Add a couple of pavers, string lights, or planters to make it feel like a mini-retreat.
For multifamily units, a shared green area with a picnic table or grill can also boost appeal – especially for families or pet owners.
Upgrade What Tenants Notice Most
The key to upgrading your rental property is to focus on things the tenant will actually notice and care about. Otherwise, you’re not really moving the needle very much. Keeping this in mind, we recommend going through this list of eight items and pinpointing two or three that you can start with. That’s how you get the process rolling.
