Mini-Blinds In Rentals
It’s always great as a residential landlord to find ways to spice-up a property without a huge investment. What are those extra things that will set your rental property apart from the others a potential tenant is considering? Will the cost of those extra things be offset by the increased rent you can charge by adding them? Or will adding them at least making your vacancy rates go down (that is, potential residents choose your place over another one because of those extra things)?
One simple and affordable item to consider adding is window coverings. I have been a “renter” on many occasions, and the last thing I ever wanted to do was put up my own window coverings in a place I was renting. As a real estate investor, I want to attract customers (future tenants) with the EASE of choosing my housing. Offering clean, move-in-ready housing can set your properties apart from other housing options.
I think most people would agree that spaces with no window coverings tend to look very un-cozy, not a comfy place to call home. My window covering of choice is the mini-blind. They are practical for tenants, easy to install yourself, and cheap! (The blinds I buy are decent quality and less than $4 each!) You probably won’t be able to increase rents because you have blinds, but you WILL make your units more attractive or at the very least not lose out to competition by not having them. In any case, it’s not hard to justify $4 per window!
You should also be aware of housing laws in your area. Many places mandate that landlords provide window coverings in any room to be used for sleeping (a.k.a. bedrooms). Whether required or not, it is my opinion that the $4 mini blind is a landlord’s best friend for every window.
~Staff Writer
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