2024 Rental Refresh: Minimize Vacancy to Maximize ROI

Continuing the multi-step, budget-friendly updates (made in 2019) with a 2024 refresh focused on adding greater functionality and aesthetic appeal to this long term rental. 

In 2024, after several years of occupancy, my long term renter-guest gave notice to vacate....

For Context:

• Location: Southern Nevada; Adjacent to University and in close proximity to Las Vegas Strip Employment

• Property Type: Condo Apartment

• Rental Type: Long Term (Unfurnished)

• Size: 800 Sq Ft

• Bedrooms/Baths: 2 Beds/1.1/3 Baths

• Demographic: Singles, University Students and Teachers, Small Families

An extensive cleanup revealed the 2019 update needed mostly touch-up painting. While the unit was being re-marketed for rental, I decided to input some design ideas I’d formulated while the apartment was occupied.  

Kitchen

Over the years, I’d observed renters often blocked the longer kitchen countertop with their dining sets. Oversized tables and chairs protruded into the living area and made the kitchen counter less accessible, resulting in a cluttered look to the open floor plan.

This time, I was prepared to resolve this issue with a solution that would encourage kitchen counter use & space, offer an alternative to a dining table & make the living area more usable.

While the unit is rented, I’ll leisurely collect design ideas for “issues” I want to solve (see this post explaining my design planning process). When the unit becomes vacant, I’m ready with materials, supplies and labor to get the job done as soon as possible.

And here is the dining countertop design that ultimately materialized.  Butcher block countertop from Ikea was cut to size (to avoid the window) and secured to counter with decorative metal legs from Amazon.

I did not provide dining chairs for this long-term rental to give renters leeway for their own style and comfort preferences. The height of the added "counter" is at standard dining level so standard dining chairs can be used.

Simple changes can increase functionality and aesthetic appeal!

I’d observed that the single-wall mounted cabinet (arrow) was barely used - leaning over the counter to get heavy dishes or appliances proved awkward. Simply removing the cabinet door (which would need Landlord approval if done by tenants) creates handy accessibility to small appliances, cookbooks, electronic devices and decor.

The cabinet’s white interior softens the darkness of the painted cabinets and hardscape of the stainless-steel appliances.

LIVING AREA

Remember the space in back of the couch that needed storage? In the 2019 update, the pantry cabinet was cleaned, recycled to the living room corner, painted and secured to the wall. But footwear continued to pile up in the front door entryway - it was time to tackle a budget friendly solution...

With a bit of staging - the bar of coat hooks, the picture on the side of the pantry, an Ikea Kallax cubby and a pillow - the suggestion of a mudroom was made. Since students who rent in this area may have bikes, the area to the right of the cubby was left open.

All items (except for pillow) were left for tenant’s use. One day, I’d like to get some cool feet on that Kallax cubby to slightly lift it off the tile floor...

If it bothers you - you can bet it will bother your tenant-guests.

In the 2019 makeover, leftover particle board was used to create a desk/vanity area in the primary bedroom that I imagined tenant/guests could use as a vanity/desk. We used the existing 1 x 2 wood frame in the closet to support the shelf and although an odd height for a desk - I figured renter/guests could use an adjustable desk chair for the height.

During the 2024 vacancy, we (licensed handyman & me) cleaned up this area with an Ikea Formica kitchen countertop cut to size, installed new wood shelf supports @ standard desk height, got rid of the nail, caulked and repainted the shelf and supports.

The smooth counter surface, clean finished look @ standard height creates an inviting space for studying, as a vanity or merely storage space for precious personal items.

Bonus: the electrical outlet was already there for a desk lamp, lighted mirrors, charging devices - woohoo!

Bathroom Refresh:

During the 2019 renovation, I wondered what unique shelving system might work best for the wall above the commode. Previous renters bought their own temporary shelving for the space but I wanted something more cohesive to the update we made.

In 2024, the opportunity to tackle that valuable space in the cozy bathroom arose. I had previously considered an Ikea solution that matched the “soft industrial” theme the apartment had evolved into.

Fortunately, the “set-size” shelf fit perfectly! The bar at the bottom allows hanging containers to be filled with liquid products, S-hooks for hand-towels, etc, while larger, folded towels can be stored higher up & accessible from the tub. Renter guests can customize and purchase add-ons at their expense.

If you missed the budget friendly overhaul made in 2019 without a major renovation, see it here with tips from the 2019 project.

Please share insights and tips from your own long term rental property(s) updates in the Comments.