What Tenants Actually Look for in a Rental Property

After conducting hundreds of viewings, you start to notice patterns. Tenants do not always say everything out loud, but their behaviour and the questions they ask tell you what they care about. Some of it is obvious; some of it is easy for landlords to overlook.

Cleanliness and presentation come up every time. It is the first thing people see. A property that smells fresh, looks cared for, and is free of clutter immediately feels like somewhere they could live. The opposite — dirty windows, grubby walls, old furniture that looks like it was left behind — makes people leave quickly. You do not need to spend a lot to get this right. A deep clean and a bit of decluttering go a long way.

Natural light matters more than people admit. Dark rooms feel smaller and less inviting. Tenants notice. So do storage: enough space for clothes, kitchen bits, and general life. Parking is a big one where it applies. If you have a driveway or allocated space, say so clearly. If not, be honest about where people will park.

What turns people off? Damp or mould, even in one room. Poor decor that feels neglected. And landlords or agents who are difficult to deal with. Tenants remember if viewings are disorganised, if questions are brushed off, or if the person showing them around does not seem to care. The relationship starts at the viewing.

Landlords who make their property stand out do the basics well: clean, light, functional. They fix the small things. And they present it as a place someone would want to call home. I am always happy to connect with fellow property professionals. If you would like to get in touch, you can reach me at jess@jhwood.homes or via LinkedIn.