{"id":109228,"date":"2026-03-11T15:31:27","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T22:31:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=109228"},"modified":"2026-05-27T13:15:48","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T20:15:48","slug":"features-that-make-a-home-easier-to-rent-out","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/features-that-make-a-home-easier-to-rent-out\/","title":{"rendered":"17 Features That Make a Home Easier to Rent Out"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Successfully renting out a home often comes down to having the right features\u2014ones that make the space functional, appealing, and easy for today\u2019s renters to say yes to.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Renting out a home<\/span><\/a> successfully isn\u2019t just about setting the right price. Today\u2019s renters are looking for comfort, convenience and cost savings\u2014and homes that deliver on those priorities tend to lease faster and experience fewer vacancies.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In this Redfin article, we break down which features typically improve rentability and which upgrades are worth prioritizing based on real market insights, and how location tends to play a bigger role than you might think.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In this article:
<\/strong>Features that attract tenants and help reduce vacancy<\/a>
Upgrades with strong return on investment<\/a>
How location and neighborhood matter<\/a>
Common mistakes investors make\u2014and what to prioritize instead<\/a>
How to choose features based on your target renter<\/a>
Features that make a home easier to rent out: final takeaways<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Features that attract tenants and help reduce vacancy<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

As utility costs rise, renters are paying closer attention to monthly expenses beyond rent. According to <\/span>Mashvisor<\/span><\/a>, energy efficiency is quickly becoming an expectation rather than a bonus.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Sylvia Shalhout, Real Estate Insights and Content Lead at Mashvisor, explains that energy efficiency is no longer a bonus\u2014it\u2019s becoming an expectation among tenants. \u201cRising utility costs continue to be a pain for the average U.S. renter. Energy-efficient rental features that help lower these costs like LED lighting, good insulation, and smart thermostats are becoming a baseline for renters.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

These features not only appeal to cost-conscious tenants but also help properties stand out in competitive rental markets. Mashvisor adds that these upgrades can \u201csignificantly improve appeal and reduce time on market.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Other high-impact amenities can also improve occupancy and tenant satisfaction. Shalhout notes: \u201cBased on Mashvisor\u2019s analysis of active short-term rental listings over the past 12 months, properties with <\/span>pools<\/span><\/a> were nearly 8% more likely to reach 70%+ occupancy compared to the overall market. Modern convenience features such as EV chargers and self check-in also showed a positive correlation with stronger booking performance, suggesting that both experiential amenities and ease of access play a role in rental demand.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

High-impact upgrades and amenities that tend to deliver strong returns:<\/span><\/p>\r\n

1.LED lighting<\/b> that lowers energy usage and maintenance costs.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

2. Quality insulation<\/b> that improves comfort and reduces heating and cooling expenses.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

3. Smart thermostats<\/b> that allow renters to control energy use more efficiently.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

4. Modern, well-maintained systems<\/b> that signal a move-in-ready home.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

5. Pools, EV chargers, and self check-in systems<\/b> to enhance comfort and convenience for tenants.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
    \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
    Amenity<\/b><\/td>\r\n% of High-Occupancy Listings<\/b><\/td>\r\n% of All Listings<\/b><\/td>\r\nPerformance Lift<\/b><\/td>\r\nAvg Annual Income (High Occ Listings)<\/b><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
    Pool<\/span><\/td>\r\n42.11%<\/span><\/td>\r\n39.04%<\/span><\/td>\r\n+7.9%<\/span><\/td>\r\n$5,927<\/span><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
    EV Charger<\/span><\/td>\r\n90.5%<\/span><\/td>\r\n86.34%<\/span><\/td>\r\n+4.8%<\/span><\/td>\r\n$4,614<\/span><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
    Self check-in<\/span><\/td>\r\n88.17%<\/span><\/td>\r\n85.55%<\/span><\/td>\r\n+3.1%<\/span><\/td>\r\n$4,592<\/span><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    While not every market demands these features, they can make a measurable difference depending on your location and renter profile.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Upgrades with strong return on investment<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    When it comes to improving rentability, first impressions matter. Mashvisor emphasizes that exterior upgrades are often some of the most effective investments landlords can make because they directly influence whether potential tenants schedule a showing.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    \u201cNever underestimate <\/span>curb appeal<\/span><\/a> upgrades. First impressions drive showings, so upgrades like fresh paint, new siding, or replacing an old front door with a steel one are highly effective,\u201d Shalhout explains. \u201cExterior improvements are going to reduce vacancy and add value, offering the best ROI upon resale.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Exterior upgrades that tend to pay off:<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    6. Fresh exterior paint<\/b> to give the home a clean, updated look.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    7. New or updated siding<\/b> that improves durability and appearance.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    8. Steel front doors<\/b> that enhance security and curb appeal.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    9. Low-maintenance exterior materials<\/b> that reduce long-term upkeep costs.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    How location and neighborhood matter<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Even the most updated home can struggle if it\u2019s not aligned with what renters want from the surrounding area. Accessibility, nearby amenities, and convenience all influence whether renters view a property as desirable. <\/span>If you\u2019re renting out your <\/span>home in Tucson, AZ<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Hawthorne, CA<\/span><\/a>, or anywhere else, the location and neighborhood help a home stand out can make all the difference.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Shalhout explains: \u201cEven a beautiful, modern home will struggle with vacancy in an inaccessible location. <\/span>Walkability<\/span><\/a> has become a non-negotiable among renters in many urban markets. In suburban markets, dedicated parking is a top priority. Landlords have to align rental features with the demands of local renters.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Location factors that influence rentability:<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    10. Walkability<\/b>: Easy access to shops, restaurants, and transit is increasingly important in urban areas.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    11. Parking availability<\/b>: Essential in suburban neighborhoods where tenants rely on cars<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    12. Proximity to public transportation<\/b>: Expands the pool of potential renters who commute.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    13. Neighborhood safety and amenities<\/b>: Parks, grocery stores, and other conveniences improve overall desirability.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Before investing in upgrades, consider whether your property\u2019s location already meets renter expectations\u2014or where small improvements can help bridge the gap.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Common mistakes investors make\u2014and what to prioritize instead<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Many real estate investors assume that bigger renovations automatically lead to higher rent or faster leasing, but that\u2019s not always the case.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Shalhout warns that over-renovating can lead to unnecessary expenses without significantly improving occupancy: \u201cReal estate investors often over-renovate, leading to financial loss. You probably don\u2019t need to gut the entire kitchen, for example. Simply upgrading any outdated appliances or refinishing the countertops can be enough to fill a vacancy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Instead of costly overhauls, investors should focus on upgrades and features that reduce friction between tenants and minimize long-term turnover costs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    \u201cPrioritize features that reduce friction and turnover costs between tenants like durable Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Smart upgrades to prioritize:<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    14. Durable flooring<\/b>: LVP or other long-lasting materials that withstand heavy use.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    15. Minor kitchen and appliance updates<\/b>: Replacing <\/span>outdated appliances<\/span><\/a> or refinishing counters instead of full remodels.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    16. Maintenance-friendly features<\/b>: Fixtures and finishes that are easy to clean and repair<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    17. Cost-effective improvements that impact tenant comfort<\/b>: Efficient lighting, smart thermostats, or functional storage.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    How to choose features based on your target renter<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Not every upgrade or amenity will appeal to every renter, so it\u2019s important to tailor features to your target audience. Understanding who is most likely to rent your property helps investors prioritize improvements that truly make a difference.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

    “We look at renting for the long term, from a long-term management standpoint, the order of operations matters more than the upgrades themselves,” states Josh at West Hill Management<\/a>. “Paint and stainless appliances are what get a tenant to sign; drainage, HVAC, and plumbing are what get them to renew – and the worst thing you can do as a landlord is interrupt a tenant’s life with repairs you should have handled before they moved in. So systems come first, especially drainage that moves water away from the property.”\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Long-term renters vs. short-term rentals<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n