Is your rental family-approved? Suppose your idea of the perfect tenant is a quiet, single professional who never leaves a coffee ring on the counter. In that case, it might be time to expand your horizons. The problem is that families are a huge part of the rental market, and if you learn to cater to them, you are going to get more bookings, happier tenants, and a property that will practically rent itself.
So, how do you make your rental irresistible to parents, kids, and even the occasional grandparent? Let’s break it down.
Kid-Safe Space: Created
Parents are parents; they can always tell when danger is around the corner. If the shelves are unsteady, there are exposed outlets, and there is a staircase that looks like a toddler’s personal Everest, then those are all the flags. Outlet covers, safety latches, and sturdy furniture are something you should invest in. If your rental has stairs, you may want to install baby gates. The fewer potential disasters, the more appealing your rental will be.
Family-Friendly Perks to Add
It’s like turning your rental into a mini family vacation home. A few well-thought-out touches can make all the difference. Board games, puzzles, and kid-friendly books should be provided. A highchair and a pack-and-play? Parents love properties that save them from carrying half their house on vacation. If you can give kid-sized cups, plates, and utensils, that’s a big plus.
Easy to Clean
Kids are fun, but they come with their kind of mess. Avoid the white carpet and delicate furniture. Parents will appreciate hardwood floors, stain-resistant fabrics, and easy-to-clean countertops so they won’t have to walk on eggshells. When they see that they won’t have to swipe up every crumb with a magic eraser, parents will feel relieved.
Nearby Family Hotspots to Highlight
Families don’t just want a place to sleep; they want to have fun. Provide a list of nearby kid-friendly attractions: parks, playgrounds, museums, and ice cream shops (especially ice cream shops). If you want to go the extra mile, explain when they’re open, how much they cost, and your recommendations. It’s a little effort that makes a big difference.
Increase Security
Parents will want to know that their family is safe. A sound security system, good outdoor lighting, and strong door locks can help make your rental a top choice. If you have a yard, a fence is a big bonus—for the kids and the family dog, too (more on that later). Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are up to date and a fire extinguisher is readily available.
Provide Additional Sleeping Options
Families don’t travel light, and they often need extra places to sleep. A pull-out couch, bunk beds, or even a couple of air mattresses can make all the difference. Kids also tend to make a big production out of bedtime, so make sure to supply lots of extra blankets and pillows.
Think Nap Time
A well-rested child will be a happy child. Help parents out by offering blackout curtains, a white noise machine, and maybe even a small nightlight. If your rental is on a noisy street, you can try soundproofing windows or bringing in a fan to mask other noises. Parents will be grateful, and well-rested kids mean well-rested parents who write glowing reviews.
Provide Storage Space
Families don’t travel light, and they need to make room for strollers, suitcases, and the entire army of stuffed animals. There should be plenty of closet space and maybe even a place to put extra stuff. Hooks for jackets, shelves for shoes, and labeled bins can create order out of chaos.
Consider Pet-Friendly Options
Families love their pets, and many will not consider a rental that doesn’t accept their four-legged members. If your property allows pets, make sure to highlight it! Just be sure to set clear rules—perhaps a pet deposit or certain restrictions on where pets can be allowed to roam. If a rental can accommodate both children and pets, that’s a real winner.
Work with a Property Manager
Managing a family-friendly rental can require a little more work, but a property manager can make it easier. At Brady Realty Group in St. George we can conduct background checks on tenants, take care of repairs, and make sure that the property is ready for families. We can also assist in advertising your rental to the right demographic. If you are looking to make your rental family-friendly, then a property manager is a big help.
Are you ready for families?
Families are an important part of the rental market, and with a bit of effort, your property can be made to stand out. Safety, convenience, and a few nice extras go a long way. But if you want to keep things simple, having a property manager can take the pressure off while still making sure that your rental is always in the best condition.
So, what’s next? It’s time to start adding kid-friendly perks, ensure this yard is pet-proof, and prepare for a flood of happy families (and five-star reviews).
If you want further info on how to achieve this, give us a call today.