Every year, tons of people flock to Florida’s sunny shores, ready to enjoy the tee times, tan lines, and tropical weather. Many of those people choose to call Florida home, leading them on a hunt for the perfect property to rent. Florida’s rental housing market is tight and competitive, with landlords and property managers pulling out all the stops to lure in potential tenants. Amenities flow like water in the most competitive neighborhoods, attracting high-quality tenants for long-term occupancies. In this post, we’ll explore the top five rental amenities savvy renters are looking for here in the Sunshine State.
1. Resort-Style Pools & Outdoor Spaces
Outdoor is just as important as indoor here in Florida, with warm, pleasant weather drawing people out and about all year long. So what’s the best way to spend your time in this tropical paradise? In the pool! Pools are almost a must-have for all South Florida homes, and tenants love being able to take a dip without having to leave the property. Add in some fun water features (waterfall, anyone?), shady cabanas, charcoal grills, and string lights for the ultimate Florida vibes.
Many property managers are adding even more outdoor amenities to attract quality tenants. Proximity to walking trails and sports activities are big sellers. For pet-friendly properties, a small dog park and strategically placed potty areas are a must.
2. Health & Wellness Facilities
Looking and feeling good are big business here in Florida, so any modern rental property should include an updated gym to satisfy appearance-conscious tenants. Not only will this save them from having to spend on an outside gym membership, but it can be complemented with a variety of trendy classes like yoga, pilates, or spin classes to increase appeal. Take it to the next level by adding in wellness features like saunas, steam rooms, and meditation spaces and some tenants may never want to leave!
3. Smart Tech
Working or going to school from home is closer to being the norm than ever before, so cater to those remote employees and students by offering high-speed internet, co-working spaces, and even gaming stations for a little digital relaxation. Bundle these with in-unit smart home features like smart thermostats, keyless entry systems, home assistants, and energy-efficient lighting to make the properties even more desirable. Not only will these technologies provide convenience, but they can also help renters and property managers save on utility costs, better monitor usage so issues can be identified earlier, and keep properties more safe and secure.
4. Vehicle Accommodations
When most properties have basic parking lots, elevate your property by offering extras like covered parking or electric vehicle (EV) chargers. Covered parking helps protect tenant’s vehicles from the scorching sun and frequent storms. Since a vehicle is often a renter’s most valuable asset, they will appreciate the extra protection. EV chargers might not appeal to all your tenants, yet, but with the use of EVs on the rise nationwide, now is the time to get your property infrastructure set up for sustainability.
5. Responsive Management & Maintenance Services
As a landlord or property manager, being responsive to your tenant’s requests is critical to ensuring a positive rental experience. Renters enjoy knowing that if they have an emergency in the middle of the night – like a broken A/C in the heat of summer – their needs will be prioritized and handled quickly. Offer tenants a 24/7 emergency maintenance contact where they can report serious issues that need quick resolution. For non-emergency issues, simply providing tenants with an online method of handling frequent tasks such as paying rent is very desirable. Finally, be sure tenants can reach a live person during normal business hours so small problems don’t turn into overnight emergencies without cause.
Amenity-Rich Rental Properties in Southwestern Florida
The right mix of amenities can set you up to attract high-quality, long-term tenants. Investing in key amenities enhances the appeal of your property and also ensures that it remains strong in Florida’s competitive rental market. If you are a property owner in southwest Florida, including Ft. Myers, Cape Coral, San Carlos, Lehigh Acres, Port Charlotte, North Port, and Punta Gorda, and want to explore how to maximize your property’s potential, contact Douglas Realty Property Management today! Our expert team will work with you to ensure your property stands apart from the crowd by offering the amenities and services that tenants here want the most. Just give us a call at 239-542-6906 to learn more.