Are you a landlord who's looking to rent out your property? If so, you may be wondering how to make it look its best. By staging your rental property, you can make your home or rental property more appealing to potential tenants and help speed up the rental process.
Just as potential buyers want to see a well-kept, stylish home that they can envision themselves living in, so too do potential renters. By taking the time to stage your rental property, you’re more likely to attract high-quality tenants who will take care of your home.
Not sure how to get started? Here are 13 tips for staging your rental property:
1. Start with a deep clean
Before you do anything else, it's important to give your rental property a good deep cleaning. Potential renters are going to be quickly turned off by a unit that is dirty and in order to ask top rental dollar, you will need to make sure that your property is sparkling clean.
From scrubbing floors to cleaning windows, make sure that every nook and cranny of your rental is clean before you start staging. Renters are looking for a move-in-ready unit, so if your property isn't up to par, they may move on to another listing.
2. Do Necessary Repairs
Again, if you are wanting to be able to collect a competitive rental amount, you will need to make sure your rental property or unit is worth it! This may mean that you will need to put in some additional funds in order to repair issues throughout the home.
As a landlord, you will be responsible for these repairs at some point or another, so it makes the most sense to take care of them before you start showing the unit to renters. This way, you can avoid any complaints or negative feedback from potential tenants.
Some common repairs that should be made before staging a rental property include:
- Fixing any holes in walls
- Repairing any damaged flooring
- Fixing leaks
3. Ensure All Appliances are in Working Order
Renters are looking for a fully functioning unit, so make sure that all appliances are in working order before you start staging. This includes everything from the oven and stove to the washer and dryer.
If any of your appliances are not working properly, it's important to get them fixed before potential renters start touring your property. If you have included appliances in your rental listing, you will be responsible for providing the tenant with such, so as with the above, it is better to have these things handled before listing the property for rent.
4. De-Personalize the Space and Declutter
When you are staging your rental property, it's important to make sure that the space feels like a blank canvas. This means removing any personal items from the unit, such as family photos, heirlooms, and personal knick-knacks.
You want potential renters to be able to envision themselves living in the unit, and it will be difficult for them to do so if your personal belongings are still on display. If you currently have the unit rented and are showing it to new prospective tenants, meet with your current rents and discuss removing any personal items prior to showings.
Renters are also looking for a unit that is free of clutter, so it's important to declutter as much as possible before you start staging.
5. Set the Stage
If your rental unit is empty, you can help boost its appeal by staging it with minimal furniture and decor. This will help renters to visualize what the space could look like if it were furnished and can give them a better idea of how to use the layout.
When staging your rental property, be sure to focus on creating functional living areas. For example, in the bedroom, you might want to stage with a bed, nightstand, and lamp. In the living room, you might include a couch, coffee table, and rug.
Whatever you do, be sure to avoid overcrowding the space. You want potential renters to be able to move freely throughout the unit and not feel cramped.
6. Keep Your Ideal Renter in Mind
As you are staging your rental property, it's important to keep your ideal renter in mind. This will help you to make decisions about what type of furniture and décor to use as well as what type of atmosphere you want to create.
For example, if you are hoping to attract young professionals, you might want to stage the unit with modern furniture and a more sophisticated vibe. If you are hoping to attract families, you might want to use warmer colors and cozy furnishings.
No matter who you are hoping to attract, be sure to stage the unit in a way that is clean, spacious, and inviting!
7. Help Identify Each Space
Instead of just telling people about the space, show them what they can do with it! For example: put a desk and chair in your nook by that window to make it a home office; arrange some bar stools at the kitchen counter to highlight additional seating, or set a few chairs and an outdoor area rug on a patio to show off the space.
Sometimes renters might not be able to see all the potential there is in a home, and by helping them to identify each space, you can emphasize all that your rental unit has to offer.
8. Bring in Light
Another way to make your rental unit feel more spacious and open is by bringing in additional light. This can be done in a few different ways, such as:
- Opening up all curtains and blinds
- Adding additional lamps or light fixtures
- Replacing heavy drapes with lighter curtains
- Painting the walls a lighter color
9. Add Some Greenery
Staging your rental property doesn't have to be all about the furniture and décor. You can also add some life to the space by adding some greenery, such as plants or flowers.
Not only will this liven up the space, but it can also help to purify the air and create a more inviting atmosphere. If you go this route, be sure to choose low-maintenance plants that won't require a lot of care or attention!
10. Use Neutral Colors Throughout
When you are painting or staging your rental property, it's important to use neutral colors throughout. This will help to create a calming atmosphere and make the space feel more inviting. It can also be helpful in making small spaces appear larger.
Some great neutral colors to consider using when staging your rental property include light gray, taupe, beige, white, and cream.
11. Include a Few Luxurious Touches
Renters are looking for a place to call home, and adding a few luxurious touches can help make your property feel like just that. This might include things like:
- Fresh cut flowers
- Soft, cozy blankets
- Scented candles
- Plush towels in the bathroom
These are all small touches that can make a big difference in how potential renters perceive your rental unit.
12. Don't Forget the Exterior
When you are staging your rental property, it's important to remember that first impressions matter! This means that you shouldn't forget about the exterior of the unit when you are trying to make it more appealing to potential renters.
Some things that you can do to stage the exterior of your rental property include:
- Pressure washing the outside
- Painting the front door
- Picking up any trash or debris
- Mowing the lawn
- Adding some potted plants near the entrance
13. Make it Move-In Ready
When you are showing your rental property to prospective tenants, you want to make sure that it is in move-in-ready condition. While showing a unit mid-renovation does happen, it is easier for tenants to fully envision what the space will be like if you wait until all work is completed.
Things to Remember When Showing a Rental Property
It is important to remember that if you currently have renters, there are regulations around showing the property. For example, in Illinois, landlords must give 24-48 hours' notice before entering a unit unless it is for an emergency.
Keep this in mind when you are planning to show your rental property and be sure to follow all laws and regulations in your area.
Final Thoughts
Staging your rental property is a great way to make it more appealing to potential tenants. By using these tips, you can create a space that is clean, inviting, and full of appeal! While it may feel like a daunting task at first, with a little time and effort, you'll have your rental unit staged and ready to show off in no time!
