Amenities play a substantial role in renters’ choice of housing.
The amenities you offer determine the tenants you attract, the rent amount you can charge, and your tenant satisfaction.
Tenants have varying priorities when it comes to amenities, but they generally want features that improve safety, convenience, and health. Technology is also an attractive feature and motivating factor for many renters.
Although amenities may require an investment to purchase or maintain, they will pay for themselves over time by attracting more renters. You can also use amenities to justify rent increases or charge additional fees to increase revenue.
Here are the top seven apartment amenities to watch out for in 2022.
1. Fitness Centers
Due to pandemic restrictions and sanitary concerns, more people are taking health management into their homes. The home is now a place for both working and working out.
Many tenants can’t have an at-home gym due to the limited space in apartments. These fitness-focused tenants would certainly appreciate a private fitness center on-site.
To get started on your resident fitness center, you’ll need to purchase equipment and address space and safety concerns. When completed, it will benefit your entire resident community.
2. Outdoor Community Spaces
Community spaces include BBQ stations, patios, playgrounds, and other outdoor amenities. Many tenants still work from home and need outdoor spaces to unwind after the workday. Community amenities can fill this need.
Outdoor community spaces also encourage resident community, boost morale, and serve as a great place to host resident events.
3. Laundry Facilities
Conveniently located laundry facilities are a top priority for many renters. In fact, it’s one of the basic amenities many renters simply won’t rent without.
If in-unit washers and dryers are not an option, an on-site community location is almost as good. Whether your tenants are busy parents, seniors, or college students, they will undoubtedly appreciate the ability to take care of this essential household chore without leaving the building.
4. Package Center
Packages left on porches or outside doors are vulnerable to porch pirates. As online shopping becomes a typical way to buy many products, theft is a serious concern.
Your tenants won’t want electronics, food, or other purchases to sit outside and get wet, damaged, or stolen. They would almost certainly prefer that their purchases are safely held at a package center. A spare room or office area can be fitted with lockers complete with mobile management so tenants receive a text or email when their package is delivered.
You or an employee will need to routinely load packages in the locker, but your tenants will surely appreciate the extra security.
5. Smart Home Technology
There are many innovative ways that technology has made homes safer and more energy efficient. Smart home technology is one of them. Smart appliances and security systems are a great addition to your rentals and highly beneficial for your tenants.
For example, smart thermostats adjust temperatures automatically to limit energy waste during the day. Smart locks enable tenants to use their mobile devices to lock and unlock their doors from wherever they happen to be.
Smart technology is an attractive amenity you can use to market your properties as modern, safe, and environmentally friendly.
6. Pet Amenities
Pet owners are fierce advocators for their furry friends. Given the choice between two rentals, they will pick the one where their pets can live the happiest. These rentals may have friendly pet policies and amenities like walking trails, dog parks, etc.
Outdoor pet amenities are also excellent places for tenants to relax and enjoy time outdoors.
7. Co-Working Spaces
Lastly, renters who work remotely sometimes look for co-working spaces. These spaces are typically open offices or workspaces with tables, computers, printers, and high-speed internet. They provide a place for remote workers to quietly work among others outside their units.
Any spare office or lobby area can be converted into an attractive co-working space for your renters.
Conclusion
Apartment amenities are a huge draw for renters. Not only do they provide added benefits for your tenants, but they also draw new applicants and increase revenue. Adding any of these seven amenities will surely help your rental business be more successful in 2022 and beyond.
