With the increase of renters, the real estate market has become more competitive. To give your rental an edge, you should consider upgrading your features. A great way to give your rental an edge in the market is to offer unique amenities, rather than the standards that everyone offers. Here are some ideas for unusual amenities to consider that will attract new residents and increase retention.

  • Dog Park:  If your rental allows pets, you should consider adding a communal area where residents can bring their dogs. Dog parks have many benefits. First, it makes residents feel their pets are truly welcome at your rental. Secondly, it gives residents a place to meet one another and have fun together. Most of all, it keeps the pet mess to one area, so you don’t have to worry about pets damaging your landscape.
  • Community Garden: Installing a community garden is incredibly cost effective and is very attractive to residents, especially millennials who love to garden. You can include a community garden plot as part of the rent or allow residents to rent space as they would like. In any case, you’ll be surprised by how many people will love this amenity.
  • Happy Hour: A great way to utilize your existing communal space is to offer a weekly happy hour. You can offer craft beer or wine tastings for your residents to purchase or just enjoy. Happy hour will give people a place to go where they can mingle with their neighbors and feel comfortable in the communal space.
  • Children’s Area: Whether you add an outdoor playground or an indoor play room, potential renters will love to see child-friendly amenities. Most apartment dwellers do not have enough chances to get their kids out to play and meet neighborhood kids, but adding these amenities gives them a strong sense of community.
  • Fitness Classes: If you have a gym area, a large common room, or even a pool, you should consider adding fitness classes. Whether you do yoga, pilates, or water aerobics, your residents will love that they can get fit on site without having to buy an expensive gym membership. Plus, fitness classes are another great way to build a sense of community and help your residents meet their neighbors.

All of these amenities are inexpensive and easy to implement no matter what type of rental you have. They will attract new residents and help foster a sense of community among your existing residents, so they are definitely worth the investment. For more tips on great amenities to add to your common spaces, check out our expert recommendations at Occupancy Solutions.