5 Easy Upgrades for Your Rentals This Summer

By Kenneth Gordon

Here are 5 easy upgrades for your rentals this summer as the weather is getting nicer, the sun is shining brighter, and the days are longer, so time for upgrades to attract tenants during the moving season.

For many rental property owners, this means it’s time to get started on summer projects, which can range from very small updates to the interior to major renovation projects, such as remodeling a bathroom or replacing siding all to help attract tenants.

Here are 5 easy upgrades for your rentals this summer

You can still make a huge impact by making minor changes that are simple and don’t cost a ton of money

No. 1 – Replace Your Windows

One of the most popular trends—especially in preparation for the summer—is replacing old, out-of-date, or damaged windows with new ones. Most people don’t realize this, but we lose 25 to 30 percent of the heated and cooled air our HVAC systems produce through our windows and doors.

In other words, that’s 30 percent of the energy we pay for that ends up completely wasted. You can prevent this from happening by installing windows that provide better insulation, helping keep cool air in during the warm summer months, preventing heat loss during the winter, and reducing the frequency at which your A/C unit runs. The less you have to depend on your HVAC system, the less you’ll have to pay in energy costs.

When shopping for new windows, look for high-quality, durable materials that are insulating and will help reduce heat transfer, such as vinyl and fiberglass. When selecting glass for your new windows, choose dual-pane Low-E (low-emissivity) glass with gas fills between the panes. The more glass panes, the better—two or more will provide greater energy efficiency, improved impact-resistance and sound insulation. Low-E coatings on the glass reflect infrared light, which keeps heat out and helps protect your home’s interior furnishings from damage from UV light.

No. 2 – Add New Shades or Blinds

This is one of the 5 easy upgrades for your rentals that will really make a difference. With summer comes lots of sunshine and rising temperatures that can make your home feel uncomfortable – while increasing your energy costs. Not only that, but sunlight streaming through your windows can be annoying. And with more evening hours for neighbors and curious eyes to peer in, tenants will want to find a way to cover windows.

Whether you need to add window treatments to your home or replace your existing window coverings, installing new blinds or shades is a great way to help keep your home cool during the summer, improve your privacy, and update your home’s style.

When it comes to shopping for new blinds or shades, there are a variety of styles available on the market. Gone are the days when homeowners had only a few options to choose from. These days, homeowners can select from a range of styles, such as room-darkening shades, wood or faux wood blinds, and Roman shades, as well as bamboo blinds and woven shades for those who are looking for more unique and environmentally friendly coverings.

There are also a range of colors and control mechanisms to choose from, including cordless operation, which is recommended for apartments and rental homes with small children and pets.

No. 3 – Install New Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans have a reputation for being noisy, outdated, and terrible for design—and perhaps this may have been true at one point in time. However, much like window treatments, ceiling fans now come in more modern options that are quiet, sleek, and elegant. There are many benefits to incorporating ceiling fans into your rental unit that go beyond simply moving air and keeping rooms cool.

For example, ceiling fans can help dramatically lower energy costs by up to 40 percent by making rooms feel cooler, allowing you to raise the thermostat and be just as comfortable. Ceiling fans are also extremely versatile and come in a variety of styles, sizes, and finishes to complement your home’s style. Many come with lights for greater illumination.

To get the biggest energy savings out of your ceiling fans, make sure you have them set to rotate in the correct direction. In the summertime, ceiling fans should rotate counter-clockwise, allowing the blades to push cooler air down; in the winter, reverse the direction so that the blades rotate clockwise, pulling cool air up toward the ceiling.

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No. 4 – Add Covers to Furniture

Another simple upgrade you can make is to provide tenants with slipcovers for their furniture or your furniture in a furnished unit, to protect them from becoming damaged in the sun. You can prevent sunlight from shining in by keeping your blinds or shades closed, but for added protection—and for beautiful days when tenants want to keep the windows open—consider adding slipcovers to furnishings.

No. 5 – Update Bedding and Pillows

One easy upgrade that makes a huge impact is swapping out your bedding. Our needs for our homes can change greatly depending on the time of year it is. In the winter, we need thick blankets with cozy layers and plushness to combat the cold; in the summer, we need bedding that’s airier and light.

Choose breathable fabrics, such as cottons and linens that won’t suffocate you in the heat and humidity, and store your down comforter until the temperatures start to cool down again. Another simple and quick update you can make to your space is to place a few new pillows around the house to give your rooms a crisp, summery feel.

After hibernating in your home during the cold winter months, the summertime allows us the opportunity to open our windows and invite sunshine and warm weather in. Whether you have the budget to take on larger updates or you simply want to make a few small changes, these five simple updates will improve your home and invite you to enjoy it this summer in style.

These 5 easy upgrades for your rental homes will impress your tenants and keep them happy.

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