Aside from the obvious importance of presentation, functionality and cleanliness, there may be inconveniences to a tenant that can turn a happy tenancy into a troubled one. They may seem minor, but the below list contains common issues based on past experience that arise in residential tenancies that may quickly turn into disputes. If not provided to a tenant, you may very well lose what is a great tenant for the sake of providing these creature comforts that would have ultimately added significant value and appeal to your property:

1. TV points

2. TV aerial reliability

3. Phone line to the property

4. Internet accessability & speed

5. Airconditioning

6. Flyscreens/security screens

7. Location of electrical outlets around the property

8. Fenced yard

9. Ceiling fans

10. Dishwasher

11. Permission for pets

12. Carparking

While some of these may not have been an inconvenience to you or your previous tenants, it’s always wise to consider the long-term goal of attracting the best tenants who will be glad to look after your property and pay their rent on time for years to come.  You don’t need to go over the top and provide all of these features to your investment property, but you should be educated on what a great tenant might request as a means of them applying or staying. This happens more often then you would think.

Key Takeaways:

Provide as much value to the tenant experience in your property as possible, within your budget. Tenants these days are spoilt for choice and the attractiveness of your property may be the deciding factor in who you attract, how long they stay, how much rent you are likely to achieve and the experience you as the landlord have throughout the lifecycle of your investment.