Renting out a room in today’s market isn’t a walk in the park. According to Logical Property Management, properties now sit on the market for an average of 36 days before being leased—up from just 25 days in 2022.
If you don’t want to test your luck and wait longer than average, try these quick tips to make your apartment more desirable to potential roommates.
1. Fully Loaded: Furnish to Attract
A furnished room can attract a wider range of renters—think students with minimal belongings, expats, young professionals with a bit more to spend, and anyone on a short-term lease. If you’re aiming for a 3 to 6-month rental, furnishing the room is almost essential. After all, who wants to lug their furniture around every few months?
The team at Schambs Property Management—who’ve been in the rental game for over 14 years—suggests that furnished rentals are a total game-changer. Why? Because they rent out faster and can pull in 15-50% more in rent compared to unfurnished ones. For long-term leases, the rent may be up to 20% higher, while short-term furnished rentals can bring in up to 50% more—pretty compelling numbers!
Furnished rentals also rent out faster since prospective tenants don’t need to worry about furniture costs or hiring movers. The only downside is some wear and tear, plus tenants might come and go a bit faster. So, we suggest furnishing if you’re planning to stay long-term yourself and are just looking for a roommate, or if your landlord is on board with a furnished setup.
2. Include Basic Apartment Amenities
Some of the top amenities renters want are surprisingly easy to offer, whether you’re the landlord or the tenant offering a room for rent. Essentials like in-unit washer and dryer access (if you already have one, just let them use it!), air conditioning, WiFi, and a dishwasher are big draws for renters and can make your apartment stand out.
Certain amenities—like on-site laundry, parking, or elevators—might be trickier for hosts to provide, as they’re typically reserved for landlords. But if you have access to these, it’s a major plus!
If you’re a renter without control over major amenities like a washer, dryer, or dishwasher, don’t worry! There are still plenty of smaller touches that can make your room rental more appealing. Think about adding a high-quality big-screen TV, surround sound system, the latest Keurig coffee machine, an air purifier, or even an essential oil diffuser. These little luxuries can go a long way in attracting potential roommates and making the space feel inviting. While amenities like these are staples in vacation rental listings, they’re often overlooked in room rental ads—so mentioning them can set your listing apart!
These apartment amenities add convenience, which is exactly what renters are searching for. You don’t need to go installing new appliances or amenities—just highlight the ones already available in your apartment. Showcasing them in your listing can give you a boost in attracting interested renters!
3. Welcome, Couples: Doubling Up on Benefits
Couples often struggle to find housing because many potential roommates feel that “three’s a crowd” or worry about how splitting rent might get complicated. But here’s the upside: living with a couple can actually make things simpler—and even save you money!
When you live with a couple, you’re likely to land a sweet 60/40 split on expenses, where you only pay 40%. Who wouldn’t love that? Couples tend to share a bedroom, which can free up more common space, and they often stay longer, providing more stability.
By broadening your reach and being open to couples, you could attract a wider pool of renters and might just land a great deal. Plus, couples can add an extra layer of security and reliability, as they’re often more invested in keeping a stable home environment.
So, don’t hesitate to consider living with couples as your roommates – you may be in for a pleasant surprise!
4. & Welcome Pets
Well, what did we just say about being flexible? It is key, and accepting pets can give your rental a huge advantage. According to NOLO, allowing pets often leads to lower turnover rates because pet owners have fewer housing options. Plus, pet-friendly rentals tend to fill up faster since they’re in such high demand.
Of course, you’ll want to make sure your landlord is on board—no one wants a surprise visit ending in a mad dash to hide a roommate’s cat! Many landlords allow only common domesticated pets, like dogs, cats, birds, fish, guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, and small reptiles. Just be sure the rental agreement clearly specifies any restrictions, such as the types and number of pets allowed.
To keep things manageable, consider setting a weight limit. This way, you can avoid situations where you’re suddenly living with an unexpected Great Dane in a small apartment. With the right precautions in place, accepting pets can make your rental more attractive while minimizing potential hassles.
5. Break the Lease Mold: Offer Flexible Terms
Most apartments require 12 to 15 months of leases, which can feel like a big commitment for some renters—especially students, young professionals, or anyone in transition. By offering a flexible lease, you can attract a wider range of potential tenants looking for shorter stays.
In fact, Diggz’s rental search data reveals that nearly 38% of searches are for shorter terms, such as month-to-month, three, or six-month leases. So, the demand is definitely there. Plus, if you’re open to flexible lease terms, extensions can always be an option down the road.
However, this option is typically only available if you’re the master tenant or landlord. If you have this flexibility, consider offering 3, 6, or even 9-month leases. Not only does this make your rental more appealing, but it also allows you to adjust to seasonal demand and potentially avoid vacancies.
6. Show, Don’t Tell: Host Virtual Tours
Renting out a room can mean fielding inquiries from a lot of interested folks, and let’s be real—not all of them will be the right fit. Having a video walkthrough or virtual tour uploaded can help tenants “pre-screen” your place, saving both of you time. Virtual tours can be especially attractive to out-of-town renters or busy professionals who may not have the time for in-person visits. Plus, a well-done video can make your listing pop, grabbing attention in a sea of online options.
When making a walkthrough video, highlight the layout, key features, and amenities, moving at a comfortable pace so potential renters can take it all in. A clear, inviting video can create a strong first impression—and might just be the nudge someone needs to hit “message.”
7. & Finally…Tell It All: Sell Your Rental with Details
Don’t hold back on details! All those unique touches and features in your rental—like that flexible lease option, charming balcony, or in-unit laundry—deserve a spotlight. Listing them out will help your place stand out, showing potential tenants exactly what makes it special.
When renting out a room in your house, start by highlighting the essential amenities within the room or apartment—this sets the foundation. But don’t stop there! Mention nearby perks that could make life more convenient and fun, like a park down the street, a nearby gym, or that popular coffee shop just around the corner. Are there bus stops or train stations within walking distance? Make sure to mention it—easy access to transportation is a huge draw.
And here’s the deal: everything we’ve discussed—furnishing the room, adding amenities, being flexible with lease terms and tenant options—is only as valuable as how well you communicate it in your listing. Don’t lose out on great potential renters just because your listing didn’t capture all the perks. A little extra effort with the words can go a long way.
And there you have it—some easy-peasy ways to make your room rental way more appealing! With a few tweaks like adding comfy amenities, considering flexible leases, and highlighting the best parts of your place, you’ll be ready to welcome the perfect roommate in no time.
Why wait? Jump on Diggz today to find someone who’s excited to call your place home.