Highlighting amenities in your rental listings can attract tenants, justify higher rents, and reduce vacancy periods. Renters prioritize features like high-speed internet, in-unit laundry, and air conditioning, while premium perks like smart home tech or outdoor spaces can set your property apart. Here’s how to make your listing stand out:
- Identify Key Amenities: Research local trends and ask tenants what matters most. Essentials include air conditioning, reliable Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities.
- Write Clear Descriptions: Be specific. Instead of "nice balcony", say, "a private balcony with ocean views, perfect for morning coffee."
- Show Benefits: Explain how amenities improve tenants’ lives – like saving time with in-unit laundry or enjoying summer barbecues in a spacious backyard.
- Add Photos and Videos: Use bright, clutter-free images and virtual tours to give renters a clear view of your property.
- Be Transparent: Clearly outline seasonal amenities, accessibility features, and pet policies to build trust.
Must-Have Amenities: What Renters Prioritize When Choosing a Property | How to Get Higher Rents
Finding and Ranking Your Property’s Key Amenities
To effectively showcase your property’s amenities, you first need to identify which features matter most to your target tenants. This requires going beyond personal assumptions and relying on market data and tenant feedback.
Researching Local Rental Listings
Start by examining similar properties in your area to understand what sets your rental apart and where it could improve. Platforms like Zillow, Apartments.com, and Facebook Marketplace are great for spotting trends in local listings. Pay attention to how competing properties highlight their amenities and note which features are most common.
Focus on properties that are in the same price range and appeal to the same demographic as yours. For example, if you’re renting a two-bedroom unit for $1,800 per month, it’s more relevant to compare your property to others in that range rather than luxury high-rises priced at $4,000.
Don’t overlook hidden advantages. Use satellite maps to identify unique selling points like corner units, scenic views, or proximity to public transit that photos might not capture. Market research helps pinpoint opportunities, while tenant feedback confirms what resonates most.
Learning What Tenants Want
Understanding what tenants value starts with asking them directly. Use surveys to gather insights from current renters about which features they appreciate and what they’d like to see improved. If you already manage properties, this feedback is invaluable for tailoring your offerings.
Recent data highlights shifting expectations. A 2024 survey revealed that 93% of renters consider air conditioning and in-unit laundry essential. Meanwhile, 90% prioritize high-speed internet, and 86% value reliable cell reception. These features are no longer perks – they’re baseline requirements.
Tools like Renting Well‘s amenity tracking system provide real-time data on what tenants use and value most. This technology can guide your decisions on which amenities to emphasize.
As Emily McDonald, a rental trends expert at Zillow, explains:
"Renters are spending more money and more time in the rental market than ever before, making them more intentional about the spaces they choose. They are prioritizing practical amenities while also seeking community-focused perks like coworking spaces and social events".
With this combination of market research and tenant feedback, you can create a clear strategy for ranking your property’s amenities.
Grouping Amenities by Importance
Once you’ve gathered your data, sort your amenities into three categories: essential, desirable, and premium. This approach helps prioritize marketing efforts and guides investment decisions.
- Essential amenities include basics like air conditioning, in-unit laundry, high-speed internet, and reliable cell service. These are non-negotiables for most renters.
- Desirable amenities might involve modern kitchen appliances, updated bathrooms, or enhanced outdoor spaces. For instance, 76% of renters look for secure, self-service 24/7 package access, while 48% consider off-street parking critical.
- Premium amenities – features like walk-in closets, granite countertops, or smart home technology – can elevate your property’s appeal. In some markets, 45% of renters prioritize outdoor spaces like balconies or patios.
Tailor your amenity rankings to your target audience. As Carol Enoch, CEO of Enoch & Co, explains:
"Something that has value to an executive living in a 4,500-square-foot, four-bedroom, 3.5-bath house in Marin County, California, might not have value to your resident in an 800 square foot urban core loft in Fishtown, Philadelphia".
Balance your investments between quick upgrades and larger projects that align with tenant needs. Quick wins might include installing smart thermostats or improving Wi-Fi, while bigger projects could involve renovating shared spaces or adding pet-friendly features like washing stations.
When chosen carefully, high-impact amenities can boost a property’s net operating income by up to 15%. Benchmarking units with and without specific features can help you identify which upgrades will justify higher rents and reduce vacancies.
Writing Clear Amenity Descriptions
Once you’ve identified the key amenities your property offers, the next step is to describe them in a way that grabs attention and helps fill vacancies faster.
Using Specific and Clear Language
Vague descriptions don’t do much to spark interest. Instead of saying "large living room", try something more vivid like, "a sunlit living room with bay windows offering views of a tree-lined street." Specificity makes your listing stand out and gives potential tenants a better sense of what they’ll experience.
For example, instead of writing, "The rental has a balcony with an ocean view", you could say:
"Start your mornings with the soothing sound of waves and enjoy a cup of coffee on your private balcony as the sun rises over the ocean."
Details matter. If your unit has upgraded features like farmhouse sinks or quartz countertops, mention them. Highlight how these upgrades enhance the space: "a spacious backyard perfect for hosting summer barbecues" paints a picture of how tenants can use and enjoy the space.
The next step is to connect these features to the benefits they bring to tenants.
Focusing on Tenant Benefits
Don’t just list features – explain why they matter. For instance, instead of simply stating that the unit has central air conditioning, describe how it ensures a cool and comfortable home during sweltering summer days. If there’s in-unit laundry, emphasize the convenience of not needing to visit a laundromat. Highlight how high-speed internet can support remote work or seamless streaming.
Tailor your descriptions to the audience you’re targeting. For families, you might focus on features like a fenced yard for safe play or proximity to highly rated schools that make morning routines easier. If utilities are included, explain how this helps tenants avoid unexpected bills and simplifies their budgeting. The goal is to show how each feature translates into real, everyday advantages – whether it’s saving time, lowering costs, or improving quality of life.
Once you’ve outlined the benefits, tie them to the lifestyle your property offers.
Adding Local Context
Adding local context helps potential tenants imagine the lifestyle they could enjoy. Highlight location-specific perks, especially if you’re marketing to renters unfamiliar with the area. For example, mention a balcony that overlooks a bustling farmers market or a backyard with direct access to a nearby park’s walking trails. Features like nearby beaches, dog parks, or top-rated schools can make a property feel even more appealing.
Regional details matter, too. In warmer areas, air conditioning might be expected, but in cooler climates, it could be viewed as a bonus. Similarly, practical amenities like covered parking near a Metro station or secure bike storage for easy access to city trails can make your listing more attractive.
As James Barrett, Co-Founder of Tenant Turner, puts it:
"You don’t need to have the most expensive digital camera and the greatest lenses. With modern phones, you can get the right quality. And if you’re in a market where you’re getting a lot of people from out of town, virtual tours [recorded with your smartphone] can be effective".
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Adding Photos and Technology to Your Listings
Visual content plays a huge role in grabbing attention. With 80% of home seekers starting their search online, the quality of your photos and videos often decides whether someone schedules a tour or skips to the next option.
Taking Quality Photos and Videos
These days, even modern smartphones can produce sharp, professional-looking photos. To make the most of your visuals, aim for natural lighting. Schedule your photo sessions during the day, open the curtains, and turn on lights to brighten the space and eliminate shadows.
Staging is key. Highlight each room’s best features by removing personal items and clutter, then add simple decorative touches to help potential tenants imagine themselves living there. For instance, in an updated kitchen, clear the counters and add a few tasteful accents to draw attention to modern upgrades. If you have a backyard, set up outdoor furniture or a grill to showcase its potential for entertaining.
Make sure to capture every room, including practical spaces like in-unit laundry or storage areas. Take photos from multiple angles, using both horizontal and vertical shots to give a complete view of the property.
High-quality visuals make a big difference. Listings with great photos can see up to 40% more inquiries, while videos can increase inquiries by an impressive 403%. Plus, pages with embedded videos often see 157% more organic search traffic. A simple walkthrough video can go a long way in showing how rooms connect and giving viewers a better feel for the layout. Pairing these visuals with detailed descriptions of amenities creates a seamless virtual experience for potential renters.
Setting Up Virtual Tours
Virtual tours are no longer just a nice extra – they’re essential, especially for renters who live out of town or have busy schedules. According to Zumper, more than 70% of renters would be willing to lease a property without visiting in person if they could view it through a 3D virtual tour.
Start by planning your tour. Begin with a quick introduction that highlights the property’s standout features, then guide viewers through the space in a logical order. For example, start with shared spaces like the living room and kitchen, move to bedrooms and bathrooms, and finish with extras like balconies, storage, or parking areas.
Here are some options for virtual tours:
| Tour Type | Monthly Cost | Best For | Equipment Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matterport | $9.99–$69 | High-quality 3D tours | Matterport camera |
| Klapty | $9.99–$39.99 | Easy sharing and creation | Smartphone or standard camera |
| Kuula | $0–$36 | 360-degree tours | 360 camera (preferred) or smartphone |
If a full 3D tour isn’t in your budget, a basic video walkthrough can still be effective. All you need is a smartphone with good stabilization – use a tripod or gimbal to avoid shaky footage. As you film, talk through the property’s features and amenities, guiding viewers as if they were there in person. For an even more interactive experience, 3D tours let renters explore the property at their own pace.
While professional 3D tours can cost anywhere from $100 to several thousand dollars depending on the size of the property, many landlords find success with more affordable, smartphone-based options. These tours provide transparency and convenience, giving renters a clear sense of the space before an in-person visit.
Using Listing Management Tools
Once your visuals are ready, streamline your process with listing management tools. Platforms like Renting Well make it easy to organize and update your listings across multiple rental sites.
With Renting Well, you can centralize updates to ensure your amenity details stay consistent everywhere. The platform also lets you store high-resolution photos, virtual tour links, and videos in one place, so you can quickly access and reuse them for future listings.
This approach saves time and helps you track which amenities resonate most with renters. By analyzing performance data, you can focus your photography and virtual tours on the features that generate the most interest.
Don’t forget about mobile optimization. Many renters browse listings on their phones or tablets, so make sure your photos, videos, and virtual tours display correctly on all screen sizes. Testing your content across devices ensures a smooth viewing experience, helping your property stand out to potential tenants.
Meeting Accessibility and Legal Requirements
Expanding your market reach means making your property accessible. With 26% of adults in the U.S. living with some form of disability and this group accounting for an estimated $645 billion in annual disposable income, ensuring accessibility isn’t just ethical – it’s smart business.
Providing clear, detailed descriptions of accessibility features, much like listing amenities, helps build trust and boosts your property’s appeal.
Showing Accessibility Features
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) outlines specific accessibility standards, and it’s important to reflect these in your property descriptions. Avoid vague terms like "wheelchair accessible." Instead, include precise measurements and details to ensure compatibility with mobility devices.
| Feature | ADA Requirement | What to Include in Listings |
|---|---|---|
| Parking Spaces | Accessible spaces with proper signage | Number of spaces, distance to entrance |
| Entrances & Pathways | Ramps with correct slopes, doors at least 32 inches wide | Door measurements, ramp slope percentage |
| Hallways | Minimum width of 36 inches | Actual hallway width, turning radius space |
| Drinking Fountains | Spouts no higher than 36 inches, 27 inches of knee space | Height measurements, wheelchair clearance |
Photos are just as important as descriptions. Include images of features like grab bars in showers, bench seating, roll-in access, accessible parking spaces, ramps, and wide doorways. Make sure the angles clearly show their usability.
Also, consider sensory accessibility. Mention aspects like quiet spaces, reduced exposure to bright lights or loud noises, and whether sign language support is available.
The stakes for compliance are high. ADA violations can lead to fines of up to $75,000 for a first offense and $150,000 for repeat offenses. Beyond avoiding penalties, accessible features show social awareness and widen your tenant base.
"You or I can’t identify what makes a property accessible for someone else. I can identify what my needs are, and they may be different from your needs."
– Lorraine Woodward, founder of Becoming rentABLE
Finally, clarify who is responsible for modifications. Generally, landlords handle common areas, while tenants handle changes within their own units. Including this information in your listing sets the right expectations.
Explaining Seasonal or Limited Amenities
Being upfront about seasonal or limited amenities helps you avoid legal issues and builds trust with potential tenants. Sellers are required to disclose material facts about their property, including amenities. For example, if a pool is only open during summer, specify the operating hours. If heating or cooling systems have seasonal limitations, explain what’s in place and how it might affect tenants.
You could even create a seasonal amenity calendar to outline availability throughout the year. For shared spaces like fitness centers or community rooms, provide details on reservation requirements, capacity limits, and any changes to the schedule. Transparency about additional fees – like a summer pool fee or snow removal costs – is equally important.
Clear disclosures about seasonal amenities allow tenants to plan better and reinforce your listing’s credibility.
Listing Pet-Friendly Features
If your property welcomes pets, make it easy for pet owners to understand what’s available. Instead of just saying "pet-friendly", include specific details like fenced yards (with measurements), pet washing stations, designated pet relief areas, or nearby dog parks. Photos of these features can help pet owners visualize the space.
Be transparent about restrictions. Mention size or breed limits (if legally allowed), the number of pets permitted, and any deposits, monthly fees, or cleaning charges.
Also, highlight local pet services like veterinary clinics, pet stores, and groomers in your neighborhood description. Keep in mind that the Fair Housing Act (FHA) prohibits charging fees for service or emotional support animals.
To make your listing easier to navigate, create a separate section for pet policies and amenities. This ensures pet owners can quickly find relevant information without cluttering the main listing.
Lastly, ensure all amenities, including pet-friendly features, remain functional and safe by conducting regular inspections and addressing tenant concerns proactively. This ongoing attention helps maintain your property’s appeal and compliance over time.
Conclusion: Getting More Tenant Interest Through Amenities
Showcasing amenities effectively in rental listings has become a key strategy in today’s competitive rental market. As Amy Gallogly, vice president of residential and lifestyle amenities at Arch Amenities Group, explains:
"Amenities are a critical asset in marketing a property to prospective residents. Amenities that align with your target demographic can make a property truly stand out from its competition".
The numbers back this up – listings that highlight amenities using promoted tools see a 65% increase in lease signings within just 30 days. With 145 million housing units in the U.S. as of 2023, standing out requires more than just listing square footage and basic features. The right amenities can transform a property from ordinary to irresistible.
Today’s renters aren’t just looking for a place to live – they’re looking for a lifestyle. To meet this demand, start by understanding what your target audience values most. Use this insight to craft descriptions that emphasize the benefits your amenities provide. Pair these descriptions with high-quality photos and virtual tours, as the majority of renters begin their search online.
Technology can take your strategy even further. Transparency about seasonal offerings, accessibility features, or pet policies not only builds trust but also attracts tenants with significant disposable income – $645 billion annually, to be exact. Platforms like Renting Well help streamline this process by centralizing updates, allowing you to highlight key amenities while managing listings, documents, and tenant preferences.
When done thoughtfully, showcasing amenities can increase your property’s value and draw in tenants who are a perfect fit. Combining a smart marketing strategy with the right tools and clear communication ensures your listings stand out and appeal to renters who will truly appreciate what your property offers.
"The difference between a long vacancy and a signed lease is your marketing strategy for vacant units".
FAQs
What amenities should I emphasize in my rental listing to attract tenants?
When deciding which amenities to emphasize, think about what renters in your area are most likely to find appealing. Features like in-unit laundry, air conditioning, and high-speed internet often top the list since many tenants see these as must-haves. Beyond that, outdoor spaces such as patios or balconies and smart home features like keyless entry or smart thermostats are becoming increasingly popular.
Take the time to research local preferences and trends to get a clear idea of what renters in your market value. By showcasing these highly desired amenities in your listing, you can help your property stand out and draw more attention from potential tenants.
How can I use photos and videos to highlight amenities in my rental property?
To make your rental property stand out, focus on showcasing its amenities with high-quality visuals that highlight its best features. Start with professional photography to capture bright, clear images that draw attention. Listings with great photos tend to get more inquiries, so it’s worth the effort. Shoot during the day when natural light is abundant – it makes spaces feel warm and inviting.
Consider adding videos or virtual tours to give potential tenants a more immersive experience. A video walkthrough or 360-degree tour can help renters get a real feel for the layout and atmosphere of the property. Prioritize key areas like the kitchen, living room, or outdoor spaces to grab attention quickly. Use multiple angles for each room to provide a complete and accurate view.
By presenting your property in its best light, you can create a more appealing listing and gain an edge in the competitive rental market.
How can I clearly communicate seasonal or limited amenities in my rental listing to potential tenants?
To maintain transparency and build trust, make sure to clearly state which amenities are available year-round and which are seasonal or have restricted availability. For instance, if the pool is only open during the summer months, be upfront about it in your listing. Being honest in your descriptions helps avoid confusion and fosters trust with potential tenants.
Pair your descriptions with high-quality photos and detailed explanations of the amenities, including their availability timeframes. This approach not only makes your listing more attractive but also ensures renters have a clear understanding of what to expect, enhancing their overall experience and satisfaction.