With a housing market that is hotter than ever, investing in improving and leveling up your long-term rental has never been a better idea. As a professional interior designer with over 8 years of experience as a successful landlord, I’m dropping my favorite tips for changes you can make to take your long-term rental to the next level. So, whether you’re looking to attract solid tenants who will be there for a few years or want to update your rates to align with the market, these 8 tips will get you there.

Renovate the Kitchen

Any realtor will tell you that kitchens sell houses! It’s true we all love a freshly renovated kitchen. It’s a space where we cook, clean, and gather. With spending so much of our life in the kitchen, investing in making it healthy, safe, and inviting is a great way to attract your ideal tenant and set you apart from your area’s competition. If your kitchen is feeling dated, some simple cosmetic updates can go a long way. 

Give the cabinets a fresh coat of no-VOC paint. 

1. Install a durable and easy-to-clean countertop.  Silestone by Consentino is one of my favorites. 

2. Add a tile backsplash to elevate the entire vibe of the space. Red Rock Tile Works is one of my favorite vendors. 

Update the Bathroom

When you update a bathroom, you will always get a return on your investment, so it should always be at the top of your list when you want to uplevel your rental. While you may be tempted to DIY your bathroom refresh, I would highly advise against it. When it comes to spaces that have to tackle a lot of moisture and water, you want to ensure it’s done RIGHT! 

Secure a trusted contractor and work with a designer to curate an aesthetic and find the perfect materials that will stand up to consistent wear and tear. MOTIV’s VIP Day design solution is a perfect option if you’d like an experienced voice and assistance when it comes to your bath’s design.

Install New Flooring

Installing new flooring in your long-term rental packs a one-two punch. Not only do you instantly transform the look of the space, but there are some really durable and easy-to-maintain options out there that will serve your tenants. Here are my go-to favorite flooring options for rentals…

1. Invest in solid hardwood flooring. Nothing beats the beauty and growth energy that hardwood flooring will bring into your home. Make sure to look for FSC certified (Forestry Stewardship Council) products. When properly cared for and refinished, your hardwoods can have a lifespan of 100 years or more! If you need to invest in something more economical, check out engineered hardwood options. Be sure to always check for VOCs. 

2. A ceramic or porcelain tile. Not only is tile a beautiful way to bring grounding earth energy into your space, but it will hold up for years when installed properly with a timeless design. For ease of maintenance and durability, it’s especially worth placing it in bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, and laundry rooms.  When you invest more in interior finishes, your tenant will love it and want to stay longer. Please keep in mind that not all tiles are floor-rated, so you’ll want one with high slip resistance, usually noted on the box.  Also, check with a pro before adding substantial weight loads to your project.

3. Hemp wood is an amazing alternative option! 

A Fresh Coat of Paint

A fresh coat of paint is always one of the most economical options for reviving and leveling up a space. Make sure to select a no-VOC formula and consider selecting a finish that is best suited to the space. If you need assistance with selecting colors for your next project, we can make sure to cover that in a VIP Design Consultation.

• Kitchens: Satin or semi-gloss that is scrubbable, durable, and easy to wipe clean for minor spills and dirt.

• Living Areas: Satin or eggshell finish that can withstand the heavily trafficked areas and furniture scuffs.

• Bedrooms: Matte for the primary bedroom or office , and satin for the kids’ rooms.  

• Baths: Use a scrubbable satin or semi-gloss for areas where moisture is present. Some even come with additional anti-mildew properties that can extend the life of your paint job in wet areas.

• Throughout: To accent trimwork, doors, and cabinetry, use a high-gloss paint, which also adds extra protection to these high-touch surfaces.

High-Efficiency Appliances

Investing in high-efficiency appliances is not only a great move towards sustainability; your tenants will appreciate the lower utility costs if not included. Keep in mind that most cities have programs where you can responsibly recycle old appliances.  Fisher + Paykel and Jenn- Air are my favorite resources for high-efficiency appliances. 

Furnish Your Long Term Rental

Depending on the location of your rental, furnishing the space can be a great way to attract your ideal tenants. Many busy professionals often seek out furnished rentals on a month-to-month basis when moving to a new city. A furnished long-term rental makes a more appealing space for someone who does not want to deal with the stress of moving while also fully furnishing a new space that they may not want to live in forever. As a bonus, this will also make it much easier to use your space as a short-term rental if you want to take advantage of the market. 

Are you ready to level up your long-term rental? We’d love to bring our expertise to your rental property. Book your Connection Call, and let’s discover which of our design solutions is the best fit for you.