Curb Appeal: Why Renters Say Yes

Curb Appeal: Why Renters Say Yes

Spring leasing season is one of the most competitive times of year for landlords—first impressions matter more than ever. We're talking about curb appeal: how attractive your property is from the outside or when viewed from the street. Enhancing your curb appeal is a strategic move that can directly impact your vacancy rates, rental pricing, and overall ROI.

Even small improvements like basic lawn care or trimming overgrown trees can elevate your property and have tenants picture themselves calling it home. Let's break down how to approach rental home curb appeal in a way that's practical, cost-effective, and impactful.

The Basics of Curb Appeal

At its core, rental home curb appeal is about how inviting and well-maintained your property looks from the outside. It signals to prospective tenants that the home is cared for, and by extension, that you're a responsive, detail-oriented landlord.

This is especially important during spring, when everything from grass growth to flower blooms can either work in your favor or highlight neglect. A tidy, refreshed exterior sets the tone for the entire showing experience.

The Numbers: How Curb Appeal Boosts Your Profits

If you're wondering whether curb appeal is really worth the investment, the data says yes.

According to an American Home Shield study:

• 89% of homeowners care about curb appeal
• 68% of homebuyers consider poor curb appeal a dealbreaker
• Buyers are willing to increase offers by an average of $9,195 when a property has strong curb appeal

While these stats focus on homebuyers, the same psychology applies to renters. A well-maintained exterior suggests fewer maintenance issues, better living conditions, and a landlord who takes pride in their property.

The study also highlights the top curb-appeal features people notice most:

• Well-maintained lawns
• Manicured landscaping
• Fencing and hardscaping
• Outdoor lighting

On the other hand, the biggest red flags for buyers identified in the study included:

• Dirty or stained exterior
• Peeling or worn paint
• Overgrown lawns and trees
• Cracked driveways

In a market where budgets are tighter due to rising costs and vacancies, smart, targeted upgrades can give you a competitive edge without breaking the bank.

5 Practical Curb Appeal Upgrades for Rental Properties

You don't need a full renovation to make a strong impression. These curb appeal ideas balance impact with affordability.

1. Diversify Your Curb Appeal Landscaping

One of the most simple methods to boost curb appeal is a well-mowed lawn. However, thoughtful curb appeal landscaping takes this further. Consider:

• Adding shrubs or small trees
• Planting seasonal flowers for color
• Installing flower beds along walkways or the front of buildings

For low-maintenance color, hydrangeas are a great option. They're hardy, visually appealing, and relatively easy to care for—ideal for rental properties. A row of flowers along the front of a multi-unit property, like an apartment complex, can dramatically brighten the space and create a more welcoming environment.

For younger renters, consider climate-conscious landscaping. The same American Home Shield study from above found that 44% of homeowners have rewilded lawns, with Gen Z leading the trend (64% embracing eco-friendly landscaping).

Also consider incorporating drought-resistant plants, gravel or rock gardens, and native plant species. If you don't know where to start, reach out to a local landscaping expert and see what they have to say.

These upgrades not only reduce long-term costs but also appeal to environmentally conscious tenants.

2. Keep Landscaping Clean with Consistent Upkeep

Consistency is key. Even the best landscaping can look neglected without regular upkeep.

Make sure to:

• Mow weekly during peak growing season
• Water and fertilize as needed
• Fill in patchy grass areas
• Control weeds early
• Mulch and prune garden beds
• Edge along sidewalks, driveways, and plant beds

This level of maintenance prevents bigger, more expensive issues down the line.

3. Invest in Outdoor Lighting

Lighting is one of the most underrated curb appeal upgrades. It enhances safety for your tenants and betters the overall ambience of the property.

Solar-powered pathway lights are a cost-effective option that requires no wiring and won't increase utility bills. Placing lights along walkways, entrances, and property borders can instantly elevate your property's look and feel.

4. Refresh the Exterior with Paint

Few upgrades have as much visual impact as a fresh coat of paint.

Look for indicators that it's time to repaint, such as:

• Peeling or bubbling
• Fading or discoloration
• Cracks or chips
• Mold or mildew buildup

Stick with neutral tones like gray, beige, or white to appeal to a wide range of tenants. A clean, modern exterior can make your property feel newer, even if it isn't.

5. Clean (or Replace) Your Windows

Windows play a bigger role in curb appeal than many landlords realize.

Dirty or damaged windows can:

• Make the property feel neglected
• Block natural light
• Reduce energy efficiency

At minimum, give windows a thorough cleaning before listing. If they're outdated or drafty, upgrading to energy-efficient models can be a strong selling point for tenants looking to save on utilities.

Setting Up Routine Property Maintenance and Upkeep with Software

Maintaining curb appeal across one or multiple properties takes immense time and effort. If you don't have a routine schedule, small exterior tasks like mowing, edging, pruning, lighting, and paint touch-ups can end up overlooked for multiple years at a time.

Innago's built-in maintenance tracking helps you log and assign those recurring curb-appeal work orders, add photos/notes, and track progress so nothing gets missed across multiple properties. And with Innago's partnership with Latchel, you can even connect with a local contractor to get the job done. Your landscaping and exterior fixes get dispatched and completed faster, keeping your property's curb appeal up year-round.

Moving Forward

Improving your property's curb appeal doesn't have to mean major renovations or overspending. With a few strategic updates and consistent maintenance, you can create a welcoming exterior that attracts quality tenants and reduces vacancy time.

As you prepare for spring leasing season, take a walk past your property as if you were seeing it for the first time. What stands out—for better or worse?

Chances are, a few small improvements could make a big difference in turning a casual showing into a signed lease.

FAQs

How to cheaply increase curb appeal?

Some cheap ways to increase curb appeal are painting the front door, lighting pathways, adding container plants, planting trees, and planting flower beds.

What adds the most curb appeal?

A surefire way to boost your curb appeal is adding plants and other greenery. Trees, shrubs, and flowers will brighten the space, making the environment feel more welcome to prospective buyers or tenants.

What house color has the best curb appeal?

Neutral colors are usually your best bet to increase curb appeal. A soft white, warm greige, or even a sage green are all great options.

How to elevate curb appeal?

Elevate your property's curb appeal with landscaping improvements, routine maintenance and upkeep, and a welcoming pathway to the entrance. Plants, flowers, clean windows, or a fresh coat of paint go a long way.

What devalues a house the most?

A home's value can quickly plummet due to poor maintenance, poor quality renovations, and neglecting the property's curb appeal.