Choosing the best amenities to attract quality tenants doesn't require a full renovation budget. Many of the upgrades that matter most to today's renters are relatively affordable and pay for themselves quickly through faster lettings, higher rent tolerance, and longer tenancies. Here's a practical breakdown of which amenities actually move the needle.
The Non-Negotiables Tenants Expect
Some amenities have shifted from "nice to have" to essentially expected, especially among working professionals and students who make up a large share of the room-rental market:
- Reliable high-speed Wi-Fi — often the very first question tenants ask
- Consistent water supply, both for regular use and drinking
- Power backup or inverter support, especially in areas with frequent outages
- Basic security — a gated entrance, CCTV, or a watchman/security guard
Listings missing these basics often get passed over quickly, regardless of how nice the room itself looks in photos, because tenants view them as baseline requirements rather than bonuses.
Why it matters: Tenants increasingly filter out listings that lack basic amenities like Wi-Fi and security before even considering the rent price, so these upgrades directly affect how many enquiries your listing receives.
Amenities That Justify a Rent Premium
Once the basics are covered, certain additional amenities let you reasonably charge a bit more, because they save tenants money or hassle elsewhere:
Convenience Upgrades
- Washing machine access, whether in-unit or shared
- A well-equipped kitchen with a refrigerator and basic cookware
- Dedicated parking for two-wheelers or cars
- Housekeeping or cleaning service, even if optional and billed separately
Comfort and Lifestyle Features
- Air conditioning, especially in warmer regions or higher floors
- A balcony or access to outdoor common space
- A dedicated study or work-from-home corner with good lighting
- Building amenities like a lift, gym, or common lounge area
Low-Cost, High-Impact Additions
Not every amenity requires major investment. A few small, affordable additions often have an outsized effect on how a listing is perceived:
- A study table and chair in the room, even a simple one
- Curtains or blinds for privacy and light control
- Storage solutions — a wardrobe or extra shelving
- Fresh paint, which instantly makes a room feel newer and better maintained
Pro tip: Before investing in a bigger amenity upgrade, check what similar listings in your area already offer. Matching or slightly exceeding the local standard is usually more cost-effective than adding a premium feature that most tenants in that price bracket won't specifically look for.
List Amenities Clearly to Get Credit for Them
Having good amenities only helps if tenants actually know about them. Make sure every amenity — big or small — is explicitly listed in your property description and, where relevant, visible in your photos. A property with genuinely useful amenities that aren't clearly communicated will still lose out to a well-marketed listing with fewer features. Photograph each amenity individually rather than lumping them into a single wide shot, since tenants often look for specific proof that a feature you've mentioned actually exists and works as described.
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