The most common complaint of tenants is storage, especially in the kitchen, and if you are a property owner, you probably know this.
There never seems to be enough kitchen space, from pots and pans to groceries and small appliances.
When tenants run out of it, they either get frustrated, clutter their countertops, or look for bigger places.
The good thing here is that aside from the fact that adding extra kitchen storage makes your renters’ lives easier, it also makes your property more attractive, helps justify higher rent, and can even reduce tenant turnover.
Continue reading below since providing extra storage can go a long way in keeping tenants happy and your rental income flowing in.
Common Complaints About Inadequate Storage in Kitchen
- Lack of Pantry Space
Nothing is more frustrating for renters than limited space to store their groceries. The lack of pantry space forces dry items to the countertops, random cabinets, and other rooms. Finding a can of beans or a bag of rice out of an untidy shelf is something no one wants to do.
It is even harder for renters who live and breathe cooking. It requires space for a number of bulk ingredients, baking supplies, and spices; the lack hereof means utter chaos. Small kitchens can feel very cramped with insufficient cabinets; mealtimes become distressing instead of enjoyable.
Clutter and chaos can compel your tenants to look for more user-friendly space, generating high turnover on your property. This is why a simple pantry creates happy tenants and gives your property high turnover.
Howard County property management professionals can showcase kitchen transformations by leveraging social media to reach potential tenants.
- Limited Cabinet and Drawer Space
Cabinet and drawer space is something that no tenant would want to live without in a kitchen. Pots and pans, dishes, and pantry essentials soon fill every nook and cranny.
Even if the kitchen is not tiny, the clutter collected on the counters over time makes the tenants feel they have outgrown the space, and searching for something has become nothing short of a scavenger hunt.
It is quite common within the older rental properties with down-to-date designs.
Most of this architecture was there even before the acceptance of kitchen appliances that are commonplace today, like espresso machines and air fryers, so tenants would hear no end of complaints about not having a place to put them in.
A landlord who does not recognize this issue will face shorter leases and tenant turnover, but here is the good news: freestanding pantry, extra shelving, or even pull-out organizers can make a world of difference. Additional storage can make a small kitchen much more usable and appealing.
- Not Enough Counter Space
One of the main complaints about a poorly organized kitchen is a lack of counter space. A lack of counter space reduces cooking efficiency and can further extend its hand to cleaning and serving meals.
Your tenant is more likely to have a difficult time if they want to keep the workspace clean because a messy kitchen makes cooking feel chaotic and stressful.
You can try to add creative solutions like wall-mounted shelves, hanging racks, or a foldable cutting board that fits over a sink or stovetop.
A DIY kitchen organizer also helps save money, quick fixes hardly provide relief, especially if your renter is someone who enjoys cooking.
Benefits of Providing Extra Kitchen Storage for Renters
Upgrading your kitchen storage area is a game-changer, especially if you want to attract tenants. A tidy kitchen can make a small space an efficient working zone, making cooking becomes easier, and clutter becomes less.
Adding extra storage space in the kitchen benefits both landlords and tenants as it is a wise decision. When tenants have more storage space, they will not feel cramped in their living situation.
This also translates to lower turnover and happy tenants tend to stay longer, saving you the hassle of dealing with frequent vacancies.
This extra space can command a bit higher rent. Always try to make your property more attractive by installing built-in shelving, extra cabinets, or even a small pantry.
Renters love a customized kitchen that works for them, and many of them are even willing to pay extra for such convenience.
How to Market Improved Kitchen Storage to Potential Tenants
When promoting your rental property, try to use words such as “Make life comfortable by optimal space usage of your kitchen!” You could also use a phrase like, “This spacious kitchen storage can accommodate ten boxes of wheaties” as it can subtly showcase the ample shelf and storage options.
Other options to consider is to mention features such as “built-in pantry space”, “create a clutter-free kitchen”.
Position yourself as a go-to resource for home chefs and organized renters alike. Use compelling images that showcase kitchen storage with clear, striking photos of cabinets, drawers, and pantry areas that will help potential tenants envision themselves utilizing the space.
During a showing, you might say: “You’ll never run out of space here” or “This shelving can hold every spice you own.” A landlord who markets storage to enhance lifestyle may attract tenants who value convenience.
Conclusion
As a landlord, outfitting a rental property with plentiful storage could be a smart investment. Such features could attract quality tenants willing to pay extra rent for comfort and convenience.
It could also go a long way toward locking in your present tenants on their leases.
Ample storage space could distinguish your rental offer in tenant search, making them more encumbered to the view of the home before them.