If you’re looking to redecorate in order to attract new tenants, you need to find some middle ground. Rented properties ordinarily have a higher level of wear and tear than a private home. This means anything massively luxurious may prove to be a waste of resources.

However, the cheapest alternatives may not be the best way to go, either. You want to attract good tenants who will be comfortable whilst renting from you. This means it’s likely they’ll stay longer, which is good news for any landlord. Here’s a handy guide if you’re looking to redecorate your rental property.

1. Keep it neutral
If you’re redecorating walls, you can’t really go wrong by keeping the colours neutral. It helps to keep a consistent theme throughout the home, and essentially gives your tenants a blank canvas to work with. When you’re painting, it’s better to over-purchase so you’ve got some left over. This way, when the tenants leave, you can touch up any nicks with relative ease.

2. Re-finish old features
If there are built-in units that are past their best, consider re-finishing them. As long as there’s no structural damage, a kitchen units can be sanded and re-finished or painted to look good as new. You can also replace handles to make them look even newer. If you don’t feel comfortable in your DIY skills, find a handyman who’ll do the job for you.

3. Invest in basic appliances
A home with basic appliances included is more likely to be rented. It can be a significant investment, however, so ensure you consider the rent you’ll be receiving and the tenant you want to let to. Going this extra mile can make a huge difference in a potential tenant’s decision on whether to rent the property.

4. Clean the property thoroughly
This factor seems so obvious, but it’s continuously overlooked by many landlords. When people come to view the property, they’ll want to imagine themselves living there. For obvious reasons, this is much easier when the home is spotless. Pay attention to details such as sinks and windowsills, and open all of the windows a couple of hours before a viewing to allow fresh air to circulate.

5. Make it light
A bright and airy home is much more attractive than a dark one. Fit extra light fixtures if necessary, or use lamps to brighten up the place for viewings. Make the most of any natural light by leaving windows as unobscured as possible. This is where the lighter, more neutral colours help in making rooms feel even lighter.

6. Choose durable
Where possible, go for more durable alternatives when redecorating. Rather than painting bathrooms, use tiles to make it more durable. They’re also easier to maintain and are more resistant to mould and infestations than paint. Tiles can be expensive, however, so use paints that’s mould-resistant as a more cost-effective (albeit lesser) alternative.

7. Lay appropriate flooring
When choosing your flooring, try to find a happy medium between comfort and durability; especially in key areas. Areas which see high traffic, such as hallways, living rooms and kitchens, may be better with laminate or wood flooring rather than carpets. Carpets can become dirty very easily and may need replacing due to wear and tear, however wood and laminate is much more durable. Carpets are usually best used in bedrooms, but be aware than lighter colours are more likely to show dirt and need replacing sooner!

If you’re a landlord who’s looking to redecorate, keep your ideal tenant in mind. What would be the deal-breaker in their decision? Decorating to cater for a wide demographic is the best way to go, but a student will have different needs to a family. The subtle details are what will close the deal for you.

This is a guest post, written by Direct Wood Flooring.