By making your rental property “family-friendly”, you will help to attract not only high-quality, but long-term tenants. Because there are so many things that families are looking for when choosing a rental, which may not be as important to individuals or to people who are 55 and over. Continue reading this blog to learn about more tips that will make your rental property the most “family-friendly” in the Los Angeles area!
Typically, the adults in the home will be further along in their careers, providing a more stable income. You’re won’t likely have to worry about your tenant coming up with rent each month. Also, moving with a family can be a burden. People tend to want to stay put longer both for the convenience and to provide stability for their kids. Below are some great ways to make your rental property more family-friendly in Los Angeles!
Make Positive Changes to the Yard
Families with kids will likely spend a lot of time outside. If there are not currently trees in the backyard, consider planting some. Having shade is important and it will create a lovely ambiance too. Consider adding more grass, plants and other things to make the area more aesthetically pleasing. Think more green space and less concrete. Include areas for games, toys, and bicycle storage. You can also fence in the backyard if it hasn’t been already. Include a designated seating area, even adding tables and chairs so the tenant won’t have to spend their money on patio furniture. If you have a multi-family unit or apartment complex, consider adding a play area for the kids who live there. A great yard will often top a parent’s list when looking for a home. So the more appealing this part of the property is, the better. Just make sure your lease outlines who is responsible for the yard maintenance. The easier you can make it on the tenant, the better. You can offset any costs you have by increasing the rent proportionally.
Create a Safe Environment
Safety first is the motto you should stick to here. Kids climb and fall off things, so do your best to discourage this. Include handrails on the stairs and don’t allow assess to any areas with a ledge. Make sure there is adequate lighting throughout. You will want to include smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in each room and a simple way to get out of the house if needed. You will want to make sure there are multiple locks on the door and that all are in working order. You might even consider adding a security system, giving the tenant the option to pay the monthly cost or not. Anything to help the parents sleep better at night is sure to be a big crowd pleaser.
Make the Property Pet-Friendly
When a family has kids, they are likely to have some sort of pet. Whether it be a cat, dog, rabbit, chicken, or turtle, address this openly in your lease. Of course, you can set limits and you should absolutely charge an extra security deposit, but by welcoming the family pet, you are opening the door for many more families who might be limited on where their pets would be allowed. Oftentimes, we come across families are turned down from a rental property because their pet won’t be able to live with them.
Make Note of the Family Friendly Attributes in the Area
When marketing your property, be sure to point out the benefits your neighborhood offers to families. By providing information about local parks, schools, and family-friendly attractions such as movie theaters and skating rinks. The idea is to highlight any attributes or places that families will enjoy and feel safe. The more information prospective families have on your house, the more excited they will be about renting it!