Successfully renting out a home often comes down to having the right features—ones that make the space functional, appealing, and easy for today’s renters to say yes to.
Renting out a home successfully isn’t just about setting the right price. Today’s renters are looking for comfort, convenience and cost savings—and homes that deliver on those priorities tend to lease faster and experience fewer vacancies.
In this Redfin article, we break down which features typically improve rentability and which upgrades are worth prioritizing based on real market insights, and how location tends to play a bigger role than you might think.
In this article:
Features that attract tenants and help reduce vacancy
Upgrades with strong return on investment
How location and neighborhood matter
Common mistakes investors make—and what to prioritize instead
How to choose features based on your target renter
Features that make a home easier to rent out: final takeaways
Features that attract tenants and help reduce vacancy
As utility costs rise, renters are paying closer attention to monthly expenses beyond rent. According to Mashvisor, energy efficiency is quickly becoming an expectation rather than a bonus.
Sylvia Shalhout, Real Estate Insights and Content Lead at Mashvisor, explains that energy efficiency is no longer a bonus—it’s becoming an expectation among tenants. “Rising utility costs continue to be a pain for the average U.S. renter. Energy-efficient rental features that help lower these costs like LED lighting, good insulation, and smart thermostats are becoming a baseline for renters.”
These features not only appeal to cost-conscious tenants but also help properties stand out in competitive rental markets. Mashvisor adds that these upgrades can “significantly improve appeal and reduce time on market.”
Other high-impact amenities can also improve occupancy and tenant satisfaction. Shalhout notes: “Based on Mashvisor’s analysis of active short-term rental listings over the past 12 months, properties with pools were nearly 8% more likely to reach 70%+ occupancy compared to the overall market. Modern convenience features such as EV chargers and self check-in also showed a positive correlation with stronger booking performance, suggesting that both experiential amenities and ease of access play a role in rental demand.”
High-impact upgrades and amenities that tend to deliver strong returns:
1.LED lighting that lowers energy usage and maintenance costs.
2. Quality insulation that improves comfort and reduces heating and cooling expenses.
3. Smart thermostats that allow renters to control energy use more efficiently.
4. Modern, well-maintained systems that signal a move-in-ready home.
5. Pools, EV chargers, and self check-in systems to enhance comfort and convenience for tenants.
| Amenity | % of High-Occupancy Listings | % of All Listings | Performance Lift | Avg Annual Income (High Occ Listings) |
| Pool | 42.11% | 39.04% | +7.9% | $5,927 |
| EV Charger | 90.5% | 86.34% | +4.8% | $4,614 |
| Self check-in | 88.17% | 85.55% | +3.1% | $4,592 |
While not every market demands these features, they can make a measurable difference depending on your location and renter profile.
Upgrades with strong return on investment
When it comes to improving rentability, first impressions matter. Mashvisor emphasizes that exterior upgrades are often some of the most effective investments landlords can make because they directly influence whether potential tenants schedule a showing.
“Never underestimate curb appeal upgrades. First impressions drive showings, so upgrades like fresh paint, new siding, or replacing an old front door with a steel one are highly effective,” Shalhout explains. “Exterior improvements are going to reduce vacancy and add value, offering the best ROI upon resale.”
Exterior upgrades that tend to pay off:
6. Fresh exterior paint to give the home a clean, updated look.
7. New or updated siding that improves durability and appearance.
8. Steel front doors that enhance security and curb appeal.
9. Low-maintenance exterior materials that reduce long-term upkeep costs.
How location and neighborhood matter
Even the most updated home can struggle if it’s not aligned with what renters want from the surrounding area. Accessibility, nearby amenities, and convenience all influence whether renters view a property as desirable. If you’re renting out your home in Tucson, AZ, Hawthorne, CA, or anywhere else, the location and neighborhood help a home stand out can make all the difference.
Shalhout explains: “Even a beautiful, modern home will struggle with vacancy in an inaccessible location. Walkability has become a non-negotiable among renters in many urban markets. In suburban markets, dedicated parking is a top priority. Landlords have to align rental features with the demands of local renters.”
Location factors that influence rentability:
10. Walkability: Easy access to shops, restaurants, and transit is increasingly important in urban areas.
11. Parking availability: Essential in suburban neighborhoods where tenants rely on cars
12. Proximity to public transportation: Expands the pool of potential renters who commute.
13. Neighborhood safety and amenities: Parks, grocery stores, and other conveniences improve overall desirability.
Before investing in upgrades, consider whether your property’s location already meets renter expectations—or where small improvements can help bridge the gap.
Common mistakes investors make—and what to prioritize instead
Many real estate investors assume that bigger renovations automatically lead to higher rent or faster leasing, but that’s not always the case.
Shalhout warns that over-renovating can lead to unnecessary expenses without significantly improving occupancy: “Real estate investors often over-renovate, leading to financial loss. You probably don’t need to gut the entire kitchen, for example. Simply upgrading any outdated appliances or refinishing the countertops can be enough to fill a vacancy.”
Instead of costly overhauls, investors should focus on upgrades and features that reduce friction between tenants and minimize long-term turnover costs.
“Prioritize features that reduce friction and turnover costs between tenants like durable Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring.”
Smart upgrades to prioritize:
14. Durable flooring: LVP or other long-lasting materials that withstand heavy use.
15. Minor kitchen and appliance updates: Replacing outdated appliances or refinishing counters instead of full remodels.
16. Maintenance-friendly features: Fixtures and finishes that are easy to clean and repair
17. Cost-effective improvements that impact tenant comfort: Efficient lighting, smart thermostats, or functional storage.
How to choose features based on your target renter
Not every upgrade or amenity will appeal to every renter, so it’s important to tailor features to your target audience. Understanding who is most likely to rent your property helps investors prioritize improvements that truly make a difference.
Long-term renters vs. short-term rentals
- Long-term renters may prioritize durability, storage and energy efficiency.
- Short-term renters may care more about amenities like pools, smart locks and updated finishes.
Urban vs. suburban properties
- Urban renters often value walkability and transit access.
- Suburban renters may prioritize parking, yard space and additional bedrooms.
Understanding your target renter helps ensure your upgrades are strategic—not just cosmetic.
Features that make a home easier to rent out: final takeaways
The most successful rental properties aren’t necessarily the most expensive or heavily renovated. They’re the ones designed with renter demand in mind. By focusing on data-backed upgrades, housing market data, and aligning your property with what today’s renters value most, you can reduce vacancy, improve tenant satisfaction and strengthen your long-term rental income potential.
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