First Person: 5 Upgrades Every Landlord Should Make

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One thing I've learned as a renter is that it pays to think like a landlord. I can talk about what benefits me until the cows come home, but ultimately a landlord is only going to spend money when it benefits him. Period. This is why, when I'm interested in upgrades for the home I rent, I approach the landlord from a direction that will benefit him.

Hardwood or Laminate Floors

I hate carpet, so whenever I move into a new rental property, I always ask the landlord to rip it up. I suggest he install hardwood planks or faux-wood laminate prior to my moving in (or, if nothing else, ceramic tile). Carpet retains dirt, stains, and allergens, which makes it unsanitary and potentially dangerous. Since my wife suffers from allergies, I want to reduce her discomfort wherever possible. Plus, in my opinion, carpet is much less visually appealing.

I suggest the landlord make this upgrade because wood and laminate are easier to maintain. He won't have to rip up the flooring every time one tenant moves out and another moves in. If a plank is damaged, he need only repair that one, rather than the whole floor. Plus, wood and laminate increase the value of the home and show better to prospective buyers and tenants.

Programmable Thermostat

A programmable digital thermostat is one of the least expensive upgrades a landlord can undertake. If a landlord doesn't want to install one, I'll do it myself, but I prefer to broach the subject prior to move-in so I don't have to incur the expense or installation time myself. It is much easier to keep utility bills under control with a programmable thermostat. You can decide in advance when you want to adjust temperatures in the rental unit, and you don't have to worry about forgetting and racking up a huge bill.

This is a big selling point, whether the landlord chooses to rent out the property again or sell it to someone else. And if utility bills are low, he can use that data to entice future renters or buyers. Next to rent itself, utility bills are the next largest expense.

Appliances

If appliances look old or outdated, I always ask the landlord to upgrade them. Sometimes it works and sometimes not, but it never hurts to ask. Upgraded appliances are easier and more fun to use, and they are much less likely to fail in the middle of cooking a meal or running a load of dishes.

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First Person: 5 Upgrades Every Landlord Should Make