Designing Rental Homes That Provide Comfort For Renters

The US rental market has become skewed in favor of landlords and this has led many tenants to become unhappy. When compounded with 40% rent increases, as reported by CNBC, many will be looking for alternative accommodation. For all of the power that landlords have within the rental market, it is also accepted that the process of losing a tenant and going through the process can be a difficult and costly one. The best way to retain tenants while still being able to charge competitive rental rates is through design – creating properties that satisfy the basic needs and priorities of renters and then go a little above and beyond, too.

Heating, energy and light aside, one of the most important factors for any renter is safety from pests. Unfortunately, many poorly maintained properties and pest-ridden properties do exist throughout the country, and they have a significant impact. The Beacon Journal highlights one case of properties in Akron, OH, which is an all-too-common tale – and the problem lies in design. Properties simply aren’t in the right position to prevent infestation. Furthermore, pest control is the responsibility of the landlord, as long as the tenant has taken reasonable steps to discourage pests. Design can help. Using modern building materials, proper insulation around pipes and open spaces, high quality and well protected ventilation, and construction that enables regular maintenance, is crucial. Through this, the property will be secure and meet the most basic requirements.

There has been a surge in workers renting properties due to the hybrid working revolution. As Time magazine highlights, many workers have moved out of cities and into cheaper semi-rural or suburban areas, taking advantage of the greater space and lower rents. For many, they will be working from a home office setting, using their home as their workspace simultaneously. There are studies and analyses that indicate the need for a psychological workspace in order to be productive. Designing internal walls in such a way that a clear demarcation between the relaxation and work areas of the house achieves this, and is another step that landlords can take to secure high quality tenants.

Aside from being a major focus of the renter generation, which is predominantly younger, sustainability measures are a huge factor now that energy prices are increasing. The World Economic Forum has shown a 28% increase over the past year in US oil and gas energy prices; these are only going to increase. Making sustainable changes to home, for instance through internal design that benefits air flow, using proper insulation between rooms, and having properly tuned thermostat systems to measure and control heat, will help renters to a significant degree.

Focusing on what’s important to renters will help to create properties that are high value and continue to meet their needs. In a competitive and yet lucrative rental market, that’s a huge benefit for landlords, and will also do right by a new generation of tenants.