Talk to any tenant and they would admit that location stays the most important priority. While most people often come with a checklist of amenities that would improve their living, tenants usually look for properties that are in proximity to work, schools, colleges, workplaces, grocery shopping and entertainment options too.

There has been an increased trend of tenants staying longer in rental properties and creating a comfortable family home. There has also been an increase in pet ownership across the country with many tenants now looking for properties where landlords are willing to accept pets. As a result, secure gardens are a desirable feature and tenants look for areas with good pet friendly walking routes and nearby parks/open spaces. For other sporting interests and hobbies is there space to store equipment (bikes, camping equipment etc) or exercise locally.

A secure place to stay and survive is as basic as the need to live. Any tenant would look for a house in a preferably crime free neighbourhood with a sense of community and a secure property. One can surely say that the crime statistics is not really in the hands of the landlord, but when considering a place to stay and relax; tenants would surely vie for the same as much as their purchasing counterparts. They want to live in a property that is secure and has good safety features such as smoke detectors (now mandatory), fire alarms, and possibly even security cameras. Tenants are often now installing their own video recording doorbell systems.

Isn’t it natural to seek for younger properties? In other words, those houses or flats of recent build or newly renovated are easier to maintain and chances of having repairs are minimised considerably.

With rising energy prices, tenants are taking more notice of EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) ratings than ever before to give the a chance to identify before moving in the likely running costs of the property. Newer properties tend to be better insulated with less chance of heat loss than older properties. Although there is still a high demand for older, character properties which perhaps are not so energy efficient. Apart from some exceptions, there is currently a minimum energy rating of E for rental properties and the Government are in consultation about increasing this to a minimum C in 2025.

The reason why storage facilities make for win-win situations is simply because of the neat and tidy look the flat imparts. Having a couple or more of storage counters or lofts will see many tenants choosing the property as that would help them stay free from the clutter. This also includes parking for vehicles like bikes and cars.

Needless to say, this can’t be an exhaustive list. But the above-mentioned aspects are usually the foremost ones that landlords must pay special attention to, if they feel the need to attract potent tenants and utilise the property well.

Affordability is a key consideration for tenants when choosing a rental property. They want to find a property that fits within their budget and offers good value for money. They will do their own calculations but affordability will also be assessed as part of a third party referencing check before a tenancy is granted.

The condition of the rental property is another important factor that tenants consider. They want to live in a property that is well-maintained and in good condition. Tenants also look for properties that are clean, modern, and equipped with the necessary appliances and amenities. At present, demand is higher for unfurnished properties as many have their own or it is easy to acquire them for relatively little cost due to the rise in popularity of second hand sites like eBay, Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace. Most modern kitchens have fitted appliances so they are usually included.

The size and layout of the property are also important considerations for tenants. They want to find a property that is spacious, comfortable, and functional. Providing a floorplan, including measurements with the online listing helps them make an informed decision about whether a property is likely to be suitable. It can also avoid wasted time for viewings if a property would never have been suitable because of the layout.

The contract terms of the rental property are also a key consideration for tenants. They want to find a property with flexible lease terms that suit their needs. Some prefer just 6 months with the option for a more flexible month to month contract while others are seeking the security of a longer term contract.

Tenants want to rent from landlords or agents who are easy to communicate with and responsive to their needs. They look for landlords/agents who are quick to respond to maintenance requests and are available to answer any questions or concerns. Almost all tenants now enquire if the property is managed by the landlord or an agent, with many preferring the professional approach of those managed by an agent.

By considering these factors and addressing the needs of potential tenants, landlords/agents can attract and retain high-quality tenants who are happy with their rental experience.

If you would like to discuss the potential value of your rental property and how desirable it is likely to be based on some of these considerations listed above please click below for a free valuation or contact our experienced team.