It is a common practice for some landlords to refuse renting out properties to families with children. They envision stuck-up cleaners with markers, cluttering up the steps, and sometimes even a miniature football match in the house. But here's the thing: families are becoming the predominant segment of renters, and if you turn a blind eye to them, you are potentially missing out on steady, accountable tenants. Also, it is essential to note that the Fair Housing Act prohibits the discrimination of applicants with children.
Because more Millennials are having children and the price of buying a house is on the rise, property management companies that offer family-friendly rental properties are in demand. So, how do you make your rental a top choice for parents? The good news is you don't need a total renovation, just a few strategic upgrades and a little marketing magic. For the landlords, here's how to make your rental the ultimate family-friendly spot in Southern California.
The Listing: the Most Important First Impression
There are many ways to make your listing help you get tenants. First of all, the first impression is the one that is made by the advertising, and this is the place to start. If your rental is excellent for families, say so! Point out some additional features, such as extra space, kid-proof flooring (no more white carpet), and close access to green belts. If your property has a play area outdoors or a community pool, do not hide it.
You should not only post your properties online but also try to distribute the information in other ways. Reach the target audience by advertising in schools, childcare centers, supermarkets, and grocery stores. A property manager can be a big help, especially in developing a marketing plan for families searching for a home rather than just a place to sleep.
The Neighborhood and Its Advantages
Families do not just rent a house; they rent a life. Parents are interested in the details of the local schools, parks, and other activities for children. If your property is in close proximity to a public school, make sure to brag about it. Describe the available play areas, libraries, sports facilities, and family-friendly restaurants.
Help the prospects to visualize living in your rental. A home description should include not only the property itself: "Just a five-minute walk to the park, where weekend picnics and soccer games are routine." That is the level of description that will make a post-lease.
Safety First (Because Toddlers Are Tiny Daredevils)
Parents are not only interested in the number of rooms, but they also check for safety features. The good news? You don't have to break the bank to make your rental child-friendly. Indeed, you can!
Begin with the basics: safety features such as plastic covers for the electrical outlets, safety gates to prevent access to cabinets, and anti-slip floors. Replace hazardous furniture pieces and bring fire and carbon monoxide detectors into the right places. Outdoor spaces are also important.
To this end, if you have balconies or patios, ensure they have strong railings. If there is a pool, put a gate on it. A property manager can monitor these changes and guarantee that the safety features conform with the state laws – a feature will reassure parents and narrow the competition for landlords.
Make Storage a Priority
Well, it means that families come with stuff – lots of it. Parents need storage, from strollers to toys to an endless quantity of tiny shoes. Built-in shelves, spacious closets, and under-the-stairs nooks can help a lot. If your property has an extra closet, advertise it as an "additional storage space for all things kid–oriented."
Outdoor storage for bikes, scooters, and sports equipment is a significant advantage, too. If space is limited, it is possible to install hooks, shelves, or furniture with multiple uses.
Building a community
The degree of order that families can maintain in your rental property is directly proportional to the level of satisfaction that they will derive from it. It is possible to create a sense of community among the residents of a rental property. Parents will appreciate it when a rental property feels like home if it has a sense of community.
Consider hosting seasonal events like pumpkin carving in the fall, movie nights in the summer, or just a meet and greet for new tenants. A property manager's job is to take the lead in planning these events and ensure that families are invited and encouraged to participate. When kids have friends to play with and parents have support, they will want to keep renting from you year after year.
Pet Friendly? That's Family Friendly!
To many families, pets are part of the family. If you allow pets, then announce it. A pet-friendly rental is convenient for parents who do not want to find other arrangements for their furry family members.
Some considerations for pets include providing a dog bathing area or stations for collecting pet waste within the property. Families expand, and sometimes, that consists of a four-legged family member. Informing the tenants that their future pet, whether a rescue or not, is welcome to live in the rental unit may be the only reason to make them choose your rental unit over the other.
Final Thoughts
There is no need to transform your property into a daycare to create a family-friendly rental property – just some thoughtful adjustments that will attract stable, long-term tenants. The best part is that many of these changes are relatively inexpensive.
Property managers are very important in making rentals feel like homes for families. At Concept 360 Property Management we handle the marketing, the safety improvements and encouraging community events, while enabling landlords to target a market of renters looking for something more than the house and the lot.
If you are prepared to make your rental the best choice for families, then there is no longer reason to delay it. Happy tenants, happy landlords, and no more unexpected soccer games in the living room – it's a win-win! If you need help to do it, reach out to the team of Concept 360 today!