Landlords of small rental units can often feel at a disadvantage when competing for tenants against landlords of larger units. However, there are many things you can do to make your smaller rental unit more attractive and appealing to prospective tenants.
Stage the Living Room to Make Great Use of Space
When you walk into a home, the living room is often the first space you see. This makes it all the more important to stage this room effectively. A well-staged living room can help to create a lasting first impression and make your home feel more welcoming. There are all sorts of tricks you can employ to , so you should endeavor to use as many as possible to give the first impression of spaciousness.
First, declutter the room and remove any unnecessary furniture and decorations. If your rental comes furnished, see if you can use multifunctional furniture to pare down the number of items as far as is practical. This will help create more space for foot traffic and help the space feel more open. If your rental won't come furnished, it's still a good idea to stage the room, as most people looking at homes like to have some idea of what the space will look like rather than having to fill in the blanks of an empty room.
Choose light-colored furnishings, paint colors, and décor. Light colors tend to reflect light, making the room appear brighter and giving the impression of airiness.
When you arrange the furniture, focus on creating a focal point. This could be a fireplace, a piece of art, or a large window. Then, arrange your furniture in an inviting way that encourages conversation.
Use mirrors to add depth and create the illusion of more space. Place mirrors on walls opposite windows to maximize the amount of natural light coming into the room. You can also hang a mirror above a fireplace or in another strategic location to give the room an added sense of depth.
Make Sure the Rooms Look Great in the Listing Photos
When it comes to rental listings, photos are everything. Good photos can mean the difference between a rental that gets plenty of attention on the and one that languishes with little interest. And in today's competitive market, rental owners need all the help they can get to make their listing stand out.
When potential tenants are scrolling through rental listings, the photos are often what capture their attention and convince them to click for more information. Good photos give a prospective renter a clear idea of what the property looks like and . Listings with bad photos, on the other hand, can be confusing and make it difficult to get a sense of the space. In addition, bad photos can give the impression that the property is not well-maintained.
So what makes a good rental photo? First and foremost, it should be clear and well-lit. Blurry or dark photos are a turn-off for potential renters, so it's worth investing in some quality lighting for your rental property—and if your renters want to take a look in person, a brightly lit space looks far more inviting than an apartment that looks dark or has shadowed corners.
Second, the photos should show off the best features of the rental. If you have a beautiful upgraded kitchen or a gorgeous view out the window, make sure to include at least one photo that highlights this area. And third, try to avoid including people in the photos. Renters are looking for a place to call their own for a period of time, and photos with people in them can make it feel like they're intruding on someone else's property.
When choosing which rooms to focus your photography efforts on, think about your market. A vacation rental listing might focus on the bedrooms over the kitchen, for example, because vacationers are likely to be out and about during the day and have less need of a place to cook than a long-term tenant.
Lean on the Unique Aspects of the Rental
When you're trying to rent out a unit, it's important to highlight the unique aspects that make it stand out from other rentals in the area. When marketing a small apartment , focus on unique aspects that don't have anything to do with the size of the unit. Location is often the most important factor for people when they're looking for a place to live, and if your rental is in a prime location, be sure to mention that in your listing.
If there are any unique features of the unit, such as a loft or a private balcony, make sure to mention those as well. Other selling points could include views and amenities like a fitness center or swimming pool.
Even if your rental doesn't have any particularly unique physical features, there are still things you can do to make it stand out from the crowd. One option is to offer flexible lease terms—such as a shorter lease for an additional fee or the ability to add a roommate after the first six months. Another option is to be more flexible with move-in dates or offer a rent discount for tenants who are willing to sign a longer lease.
By taking the time to highlight what makes your rental special—and drawing their attention away from the size of the unit—you'll be more likely to find tenants who are willing to pay top dollar for it.
Make Sure the Rental Has Enough Storage
A small rental unit can often feel like a cramped and cluttered space, which can cause potential tenants to be hesitant. This is especially true if there aren't enough dedicated storage areas like closets or if cabinet space is at a premium in the kitchen. However, by taking advantage of some simple storage solutions, it is possible to keep your rental unit from feeling like everything has to be out in the open.
Maximize potential storage in a small rental unit by installing ways to make use of vertical space. Wall-mounted shelves are an ideal way to stash items such as books or baskets. Hooks can also be used to hang coats, towels, or other items. By utilizing vertical space, you can free up valuable floor space in your rental unit.
Storage is also an important consideration for any vacation rental unit, especially a small one. Renters will likely have suitcases, clothes, and other personal belongings that they need to store somewhere. Including adequate storage in the unit will help keep vacationers from stressing about cluttered surroundings and keep the unit tidy.
Since vacation rentals come furnished, the landlord has more options for space-saving solutions. A dresser or chest of drawers can be placed in the bedroom in place of a nightstand, for example, and a coffee table with storage can serve as a place to store magazines, local attraction brochures, and other small items. Including adequate storage in a vacation rental unit will help to make the renter's stay more comfortable and enjoyable.
Small Rentals Can Compete With the Big Leagues
Managing a small rental comes with unique challenges, but that doesn't mean you can't successfully market a smaller unit. You have to focus on making the rooms appear as spacious as possible, ensuring there’s enough storage for the unit to be functional, and highlighting unique features that don’t depend on the space available. Above all else, make sure your listing photos are stunning! With careful planning and execution, you can manage any size rental and find success in this competitive market.