Apart from aesthetics, renovating a rental property is a strategic investment decision. When it comes to property renovations, landlords must choose upgrades that will attract high-quality renters, genuinely enhance market value, and minimize long-term operating costs. 

Although excessive renovations can reduce profitability, the right improvements will increase tenant retention, rental income, and market appeal. For rental property renovations to be effective, they must balance cost-efficiency, durability, and broad tenant appeal. The most effective upgrades prioritize longevity over trends, and function over luxury.

In this article by Mabry Management, we explore some of the renovations that make the biggest impact on our clients’ rental properties. Not only do these upgrades deliver financial returns across different markets, but they appeal to a wide variety of tenant demographics for stronger landlord-tenant relationships.

Top Ten Renovations to Attract Renters

1. Kitchen Renovations

One of the most influential spaces in any rental property is the kitchen. Potential tenants often base their first impression on the kitchen’s functionality and appearance. Rental property kitchens should prioritize ease of maintenance and durability over expensive finishes.

Some recommended renovations for the kitchen include:

• Installing modern but affordable appliances
• Updating cabinet hardware (as an alternative, cabinet painting or refacing achieves similar results for a lower pricetag)
• Replacing worn countertops with laminate or quartz alternatives

Landlords can communicate care and professionalism by presenting a clean, well-lit kitchen. This will also help to increase the perceived value without additional expenses.

2. Bathroom Fixtures and Features

Bathrooms play critical roles in tenant satisfaction. Minor issues in the bathroom, such as poor lighting, outdated fixtures, and worn surfaces, can have negative influences that overwhelm other strengths of the rental property. 

To improve the function and cleanliness of your bathroom, we recommend:

• Replacing shower heads, faucets, and toilets with water-efficient models to improve utility costs and aesthetics
• Reglazing tubs
• Updating vanities
• Installing modern lighting

These upgrades will refresh the space without needing to perform a full demolition. Using easy-to-clean materials and neutral finishes is a smart investment in high-traffic rental properties.

3. Flooring to Withstands Wear and Tear

Flooring is simultaneously the most frequently used element of a rental property, and most expensive to replace. For this reason, it is essential to select materials that will minimize long-term maintenance costs. 

The best flooring options for rental properties include tiles, sealed concrete, and Luxury vinyl plank (LVP). These options have gained high demand because of their ease of replacement, moisture resistance, and durability.

If you choose carpet, limit it to bedrooms and choose types that are resistant to stains. It’s advisable to use uniform flooring throughout the unit to create a sense of cohesion and spaciousness.

4. Fresh, Neutral Paint 

Few renovations can produce the same level of impact as a minimal-cost fresh coat of paint. Landlords who invest in clean walls boost their property's appearance and create the impression that the property is well-maintained (because it is!). 

Suitable colors for rental properties are neutral tones such as warm beiges, soft grays, and off-whites. Most tenants find a neutral palette makes the space feel brighter and larger. It also allows them to better envision their own furniture and signature touches in the space.

It is advisable to ensure consistency across all the units to simplify touch-ups and maintenance between tenants. You can reduce the frequency of repainting by using high-quality, washable paints.

5. Energy-efficient Upgrades

Most tenants have concerns about utility costs and environmental impact. As such, they prefer energy-efficient features. Your rental property will stand out in competitive markets if it boats overall lower monthly expenses. 

Some high-value efficiency improvements you should consider are: 

• Modern insulation
• Programmable thermostats
• Well-sealed, multi-pane windows
• LED lighting

Installing these features significantly reduces energy consumption. Property owners may also benefit from tax incentives or rebates by performing these upgrades. As a result, these energy-efficient renovations enhance return on investment. Tenants and property owners benefit from efficiency improvements because it lowers cost and reduces wear on systems.

6. Modern Lighting Enhancements

A tenant’s perception of space is greatly influenced by lighting. When there is poor lighting, even a renovated unit can feel uninviting or outdated.

Effective lighting upgrades to improve your rental property include:

• Adding task lighting in bathrooms and kitchens
• Replacing outdated fixtures with modern, energy-efficient options (to enhance function and form)
• Improving exterior lighting (to increase usability and space).

Well-lit units appear more professionally in listing photographs, boosting the overall effectiveness of your marketing campaigns.

7. Curb Appeal and Exterior Improvements

To attract potential tenants and create a good first impression, investing in curb appeal is a must. The exterior appearance is the first aspect of the rental property that potential tenants will notice during showings, and signs of neglect will be discouraging.

Some cost-effective exterior upgrades to enhance your rental property include:

• Repairing walkways and driveways
• Maintaining landscaping
• Updating house numbers and the mailbox
• Applying fresh exterior paint

Well-lit entrances and clean common areas also enhance the overall perception of multi-unit properties. Exterior renovations have the added bonus of protecting your property from weather-related deterioration.

8. Storage Solutions to Maximize Space

Although some property owners overlook adequate storage spaces, it is highly valued by tenants. This can be the major deciding factor, especially for long-term renters. 

Some practical storage upgrades to consider include:

• Built-in storage units that increase functionality without reducing living space
• Closet organizers
• Shelving

You can make the rental property feel more livable and efficient through the help of creative storage solutions, especially in smaller units. Storage upgrades support daily usability and long-term satisfaction.

9. Smart Home Features

Most tenants (especially tech-savvy, young professionals) now expect smart home features in their living spaces.

Simple smart upgrades that appeal to renters include keyless entry systems, app-compatible smart thermostats, and leak detection sensors. You may be surprised to hear that integrating smart technology won’t necessarily break the bank, but WILL make your property more appealing to reliable renters.

10. Appliance Replacement

Tenants often feel dissatisfied with outdated and unreliable appliances. As a result, they make more maintenance requests. These frequent repairs will increase expenses for the landlord and strain landlord-tenant relationships. We recommend that you invest in mid-range and energy-efficient appliances as a long-term investment in your rental property.

Final Thoughts

Renovations that enhance efficiency, durability, and livability are usually the best choices for rental properties. Performing these upgrades will help you attract quality tenants and enhance your property’s value. 

Partnering with a property management company that can suggest suitable upgrades specific to your rental property is a strong step toward maximizing your time, bottom dollar, and return on investment. Our experienced property managers at Mabry Management want to help your rental property reach its greatest potential.