17 features that make renting out a house easier

Successfully renting out a home often comes down to having the right features: features that make the space functional, attractive, and easy for current tenants to say yes to.

Renting out a home Successful entrepreneurship is not just about setting the right price. Today’s renters are looking for comfort, convenience and cost savings, and homes that meet these priorities tend to rent more quickly and experience lower vacancy rates.

In this Redfin article, we explain which features typically improve rentability and which upgrades are worth prioritizing based on real market insights, and how location plays a bigger role than you might think.

In this article:
Features that attract tenants and help reduce vacancy
Upgrades with a strong return on investment
How location and neighborhood matter
Common mistakes investors make – and what they should prioritize instead
How to choose features based on your target audience
Features that make renting out a home easier: latest insights

Features that attract tenants and help reduce vacancy

As energy costs rise, tenants are paying more attention to monthly expenses beyond rent. According to Mash visorenergy 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, but is becoming an expectation among tenants. “Rising energy costs continue to be a problem for the average American renter. Energy-efficient rental features that help reduce these costs, such as LED lighting, good insulation and smart thermostats, are becoming a baseline for renters.”

These features are not only attractive to price-conscious tenants, but also ensure that properties stand out in competitive rental markets. Mashvisor adds that these upgrades can “significantly improve appeal and reduce time to 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 twelve months, properties with swimming pools were almost 8% more likely to have an occupancy rate of more than 70% compared to the total market. Modern convenience features such as EV chargers and self-check-in also showed a positive correlation with stronger booking performance, indicating that both experiential amenities and ease of access play a role in rental demand.”

High-impact upgrades and features that often deliver strong returns:

1. LED lighting that reduces energy consumption and maintenance costs.

2. Quality insulation that improves comfort and reduces heating and cooling costs.

3. Smart thermostats allowing tenants to manage energy consumption more efficiently.

4. Modern, well-maintained systems which indicate a ready-to-move-in home.

5. Swimming pools, EV chargers and self-check-in systems to increase comfort and convenience for tenants.

Facilities	% of high occupancy listings	% of all mentions	Performance improvement	Average annual income (high occupancy listings)
Swimming 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 tenant profile.

Upgrades with a strong return on investment

When it comes to improving rentability, first impressions matter. Mashvisor emphasizes that external upgrades are often among the most effective investments landlords can make, as they directly impact whether potential tenants schedule a viewing.

“Never underestimate curb attraction upgrades. First impressions drive more showings, so upgrades such as fresh paint, new siding, or replacing an old front door with a steel door are very effective,” Shalhout explains. “Exterior improvements will reduce vacancy and add value, providing the best ROI on resale.”

Exterior upgrades that tend to pay off:

6. Fresh exterior paint to give the home a clean, updated look.

7. New or renewed siding that improves durability and appearance.

8. Steel front doors that increase safety and curb appeal.

9. Low-maintenance outdoor materials that reduce maintenance costs in the long term.

How location and neighborhood matter

Even the most modern home can struggle if it does not match what tenants want from the area. Accessibility, nearby amenities and convenience all influence whether tenants consider a home desirable. If you rent your house in Tucson, Arizona, Hawthorne, CAor anywhere, the location and neighborhood that make a home stand out can make all the difference.

Shalhout explains: “Even a beautiful, modern home will suffer from vacancy in a location that is difficult to reach. Walkability has become a non-negotiable among renters in many urban markets. In suburban markets, dedicated parking is a top priority. Landlords must tailor rental characteristics to the requirements of local tenants.”

Location factors that influence rentability:

10. Walkability: Easy access to shops, restaurants and public transport is becoming increasingly important in urban areas.

11. Availability of parking spaces: Essential in suburbs where renters rely on cars

12. Proximity to public transportation: Expand the pool of potential renters who commute.

13. Neighborhood safety and facilities: Parks, grocery stores, and other amenities improve overall desirability.

Before investing in upgrades, consider whether your home’s location is already meeting renters’ expectations, or where small improvements can help bridge the gap.

Common mistakes investors make – and what they should prioritize instead

Many real estate investors assume that larger renovations automatically lead to higher rents or faster rentals, but that is not always the case.

Shalhout warns that renovating too much can lead to unnecessary costs without significantly improving occupancy rates: “Real estate investors often renovate too much, leading to financial loss. For example, you probably don’t need to gut the entire kitchen. Simply upgrading outdated appliances or refinishing the countertops may be enough to fill a vacancy.”

Instead of expensive overhauls, investors should focus on upgrades and features that reduce friction between tenants and minimize turnover costs in the long run.

“Prioritize features that reduce friction and turnover costs between tenants, such as durable Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring.”

Smart upgrades to prioritize:

14. Sustainable floors: LVP or other durable materials that can withstand intensive use.

15. Minor kitchen and appliance updates: Replace outdated devices or refinishing counters instead of complete renovations.

16. Easy to maintain properties: 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 audience

Not every upgrade or amenity will appeal to every tenant, so it’s important to tailor features to your target audience. Understanding who is most likely to rent your home can help investors prioritize improvements that make a real difference.

Long-term tenants versus short-term rentals

• Long term tenants can prioritize sustainability, storage and energy efficiency.
• Short term tenants may place greater value on amenities such as swimming pools, smart locks and updated finishes.

Urban vs Suburban Properties

• Urban renters often value walkability and public transportation.
• Suburban renters can prioritize parking, yard space and extra bedrooms.

Understanding your target audience can help ensure your upgrades are strategic, not just cosmetic.

Features that make renting out a home easier: latest insights

The most successful rental properties are not necessarily the most expensive or heavily renovated properties. They are designed with the tenant’s needs in mind. By focusing on data-supported upgrades, housing market By tailoring your property to what current tenants value most, you can reduce vacancy rates, improve tenant satisfaction and strengthen your long-term rental income potential.