9 Rental Friendly Upgrades That Benefit You and Your Tenants

TLDR: Check out Renovated’s Summary Chart explaining the benefits of each upgrade for the landlord and the tenants.

Property maintenance can get expensive and time-consuming as a landlord. Plus, you don’t want to inconvenience your residents with renovations that take weeks or months to complete. You need to focus on small and simple adjustments. Here are 9 rental-friendly upgrades that benefit both landlords and their tenants.

1. Energy-Efficient Appliances

The best rental-friendly upgrades are energy-efficient appliances. They help landlords save money on utility costs and make the tenants’ lives easier. Start by looking for these specific appliances with Energy-Star certifications so you know you’re getting quality products:

• Thermostats
• Low-flow water fixtures
• Refrigerators
• Dishwashers
• Dehumidifiers

It’s hard to keep an apartment building comfortable and affordable at the same time, but these appliances make it much more feasible. You can stock all of your living units with them in just a few days and drastically improve your property’s appeal.

2. Washers and Dryers in Every Unit

Instead of making tenants use a communal laundry room, put washers and dryers in every unit to give them more independence. The installation costs might be expensive, but if you choose Energy-Star certified washers and dryers, they will save you hundreds of dollars in the long run and make laundry much more convenient for your residents.

3. Fresh Coat of Paint

A new paint job has one of the highest returns on investment of all rental-friendly upgrades. Applying a coat of white, gray, beige or another neutral color is the best approach. It fits with just about everyone’s personal style, gives your apartment units continuity and makes the rooms look much newer. The younger an apartment looks, the better. 

4. Seasonal Landscaping

Instead of keeping the same landscaping set-up all year, try making seasonal adjustments to improve your property’s curb appeal. There are plenty of cold-weather plants for the winter season that will keep your landscaping colorful and vibrant. This upgrade will also keep your tenants in high spirits and make them feel proud to live in such a beautiful apartment.

5. Exterior Pressure Wash

Another way to improve your property’s curb appeal is by pressure washing the exterior siding. It will annihilate stains and debris, making the building look much younger. It’s also safe for any surface, including wood and vinyl. Just make sure the water pressure isn’t too high, or else it will remove the paint and give you another project to do.

6. Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting is a simple upgrade that will make your apartment more hospitable. It adds just the right amount of brightness and warmth to the room without spiking your electricity costs or overwhelming your tenants. Look for mood lights, recessed lighting and other subtle fixtures that don’t take up much space to keep your expenses low.

7. New Deadbolt Locks

This rental-friendly upgrade covers another important aspect of property management: security. Putting new deadbolt locks on each unit’s door will reduce the chances of a break-in and give your tenants peace of mind. Deadbolts are the best locks available because intruders can’t force the bolts back into the door, hence the name.

8. Double-Pane Windows

Double-pane windows will also improve your property’s security, but that’s not the only benefit of this upgrade. They will increase each room’s privacy — which is crucial for apartments and multi-family properties — and reduce drafts and water leaks. Ditch your flimsy old windows and get some sturdy double-paned upgrades.

9. Weatherstrips

Weatherstripping each room’s doors and windows is another simple, cost-effective upgrade. They will help the double-pane windows in reducing drafts, which will improve your property’s air quality and living conditions. You don’t even have to buy weatherstrips if you don’t want to. You can make alternative DIY weatherstrips and encourage your tenants to do the same.

Summary Chart For Rental Friendly Upgrades

Here’s a chart that summarizes the benefits of these rental-friendly upgrades for both the landlord and the tenant:

Upgrade	Primary Benefit for Landlord	Primary Benefit for Tenant
Energy-Efficient Appliances	Saves money on utility costs (if included), improves property appeal, attracts responsible tenants.	Easier living, more comfortable and affordable living, potential savings on utility bills.
Washers and Dryers in Every Unit	Increases rental rates, reduces tenant turnover, attracts higher-quality, long-term tenants, long-term cost savings.	Increased independence, significant convenience for laundry.
Fresh Coat of Paint	High return on investment, creates continuity, makes units look newer and more appealing.	Fits personal style, makes rooms feel fresher and newer.
Seasonal Landscaping	Improves curb appeal, enhances property value.	Boosts morale, fosters pride in living in a beautiful environment.
Exterior Pressure Wash	Enhances curb appeal, makes the building look much younger, protects exterior surfaces.	Improved living environment, sense of pride in a well-maintained building.
Ambient Lighting	Makes apartments more hospitable, can keep electricity expenses low.	Adds warmth and brightness, creates a more welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.
New Deadbolt Locks	Reduces chances of break-ins, enhances overall property security.	Provides peace of mind, increases personal security.
Double-Pane Windows	Improves property security, reduces drafts/leaks (less maintenance), enhances property value.	Increases privacy, reduces drafts and water leaks, improves comfort and quietness.
Weatherstrips	Cost-effective way to reduce drafts, improves air quality, potential energy savings.	Reduces drafts, improves air quality and living conditions, enhances comfort.

FAQs

How Can Adding In-Unit Washers and Dryers Save Landlords Money?

In-unit washers and dryers can save landlords money because they can increase rental rates, reduce tenant turnover and attract higher-quality, long-term tenants. Many tenants would be willing to pay slightly higher rent prices for the convenience of in-unit amenities, especially longer-term tenants who are trying to put down roots. While this may have a high upfront cost, these installations will be worth it in the long-run for both you and your tenants.

What Are Some Plants You Can Grow in Winter?

Some plants you can grow in winter include Boxwood, Blue Spruce, and Winterberry. These would be great choices to brighten your tenants’ moods during the colder months, not to mention their opinions on your property.

Find Simple Ways to Improve Your Property

Huge renovations are nice to have, but they’re expensive and might interfere with your tenants’ everyday lives. Instead, you can find simple ways to improve your property. All of your small efforts will add up to huge improvements. These 9 rental-friendly upgrades are just the tip of the iceberg.

Original Publish Date 3/24/2023 – Updated 1/28/2026.