What tenants want in a rental

Have an investment property? When it comes to finding a rental, there are a few key features tenants are looking for.

And if your property has one or more of these, it will make it more attractive to potential tenants.

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Pet friendly

Many tenants have pets or want to get a pet during their tenancy.

Having an investment property that is pet friendly opens it up to more potential tenants during the application process.

Under new rental laws that came into effect on 1 October 2022, property owners can no longer have a blanket “no pets” policy for their insurance property.

Tenants are required to seek the property owner’s consent to keep a pet at the rental property and once the application is received, the landlord must respond to the request within 14 days.

As a property owner, you can approve the request subject to additional conditions that must be outlined in a written response.

These conditions must be reasonable such as requiring the pet to be kept outside of the rental property if the pet is not a type of pet ordinarily kept inside, requiring the premises to be professionally cleaned at the end of the tenancy.

Property owners cannot set out conditions involving raising rents or bond in exchange for approving pet requests.

If you’re worried about the potential damage caused by pets, many landlord insurance policies cover damage by a tenant’s pet.

Contact your insurance company or do some research on insurance companies that offer pet damage cover and as always, read the product disclosure statement (PDS).

Air conditioning

In Mackay, where our summers are hot and humid, it’s no wonder majority of tenants are looking for a rental with air conditioning.

Ducted air conditioning directs cooled air into multiple rooms via concealed ducting in the roof cavity. It it most advantageous for cooling the whole house, however, it is often more expensive than split systems.

Split system air conditioning units can be installed in specific rooms. They are cheaper to buy than a ducted system and can be installed where they are needed most.

If your rental property doesn’t have air conditioning, it could be beneficial to install a split system in at least the main bedroom and the living area for comfort during the hot summer months.

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Secure parking

Tenants want a secure space to park their cars at their rental property. Having a double lock-up remote-controlled garage, shed or secure off-street parking is a big drawcard.

Sometimes, tenants might choose to use a garage as another living space so having a secure space for cars to be parked in this case is highly attractive to potential tenants.

Outdoor space

A patio, balcony, veranda, undercover entertaining area or a fully-fenced backyard – tenants want a rental with a dedicated outdoor space.

In Mackay, when the weather is mild or at night after a hot day, tenants want to get outside.

And if they have kids or pets, they want a safe and secure space for them to play.

If you haven’t, consider fencing your backyard and/or creating an outdoor space your tenants can enjoy.

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Swimming pool

While it is extra maintenance, a swimming pool in Mackay is quite a drawcard. Having their own pool to cool off in during summer is something many tenants want.

If you have a pool, it must be issued with a safety certificate by a licensed pool safety inspector and the maintenance of a pool should be covered in the special terms of the tenancy agreement.

All temporary pools and spas (which can be filled with water to a depth of 300mm) must also comply with the pool safety laws and may require fencing requirements.

To learn more about pools, visit the RTA website.

Of course, when it comes to managing your hard-earned investment property and liaising with tenants on your behalf, Baileux Real Estate property managers are your property management specialists.

We understand what tenants want and with your interests at heart, we, as your property manager, play and provide an excellent service that is not only stress-free but in turn ensures happy tenants and profitable investment.

To learn more or to discuss your property management needs, call our office today on 07 4829 4816.

Benjamin Molineux
Licensee/Director
Baileux Real Estate