Demand for short-term rentals has increased significantly over the past four years, but the market has become so saturated that finding ways to make your property stand out is now more important than ever.
Whether your goal is to wow vacationers or to make an apartment complex more functional, these four rental and Airbnb ideas can help you create a space they’ll want to return to over and over.
1. Invest in the Necessities
Just like in traditional hotels, many rental property owners provide basic necessities so their guests don’t have to pack as much.
While you’ll spend more upfront, ensuring you provide these Airbnb essentials can help you delight your guests and increase the chances they will leave positive feedback for you:
- Linens, such as sheets and towels
- Toiletries, including shampoo, soap and conditioner
- Blow-dryers and other bathroom appliances
Of course, the basic rental must-haves go beyond just consumables. Some other basic ideas for Airbnbs include:
- Enough pillows for all guests
- A washer and dryer
- Energy-efficient air conditioning and heating
- Wi-Fi access
- Storage closets complete with hangers
- An iron and ironing board
- Extra blankets for indoor and outdoor use
- Hot water
Take inventory of everything you already have available in your home to determine what you need, then make a list of everything you’ll want to add. This approach can help you save money by avoiding purchasing duplicate items.
2. Install Accessibility Features
Although not every short-term rental needs to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all guests should have a relaxing and convenient experience during their stay. That’s why accessibility features such as the following are apartment and Airbnb must-haves:
- Residential elevators: People with limited mobility often have difficulty going up and down the stairs, so a residential elevator is an excellent addition to a multi-story rental property. It’s a good rule of thumb to ensure your elevator has an entrance at least 32 inches wide to accommodate most wheelchairs and mobility devices. You can also customize your elevator to match the rest of your decor for a more cohesive feel.
- Dumbwaiters: A residential dumbwaiter is like a small elevator that transports items between floors, which makes it easier and safer for people to move heavy items such as groceries and luggage throughout their stay.
- Accessible-height fixtures: All fixtures and appliances should be positioned at a height where anyone can use them. For example, a toilet bowl that complies with ADA standards should stand between 17 inches to 19 inches above the ground.
- Step-free entrances: Level, step-free entrances enable people using mobility devices to safely enter buildings, rooms and amenities like showers and pools. If your property lacks a ramp, for example, you might want to install one leading up to the front door.
- Lighting: Making sure your entrance is well-lit makes it easier for all guests to enter your property while minimizing the risk of falling.
- Signage: You might also want to consider adding braille signage to guest spaces to help people with visual impairments navigate the property safely.
It can also help to consider implementing elements of universal design into your property. Universal design is a building concept that involves designing spaces for people of all abilities without creating distinct boundaries between different guests.
For example, a universally designed building entrance might offer a staircase and a ramp, or it could do away with steps altogether in favor of a ramp up to the door.
3. Create a Backyard Getaway
If your property has a sizable yard, you can use that space to create an outdoor oasis your guests will love. You can choose from many different outdoor Airbnb amenity ideas to tailor your space to specific groups of renters, including young families, adult groups and couples.
Some of your options include:
- Lawn games: Backyard games like corn hole, bocce ball and can jam can keep summer guests entertained for hours. Make sure to include all the pieces so guests can play uninterrupted.
- Swimming pool: Whether you manage a vacation rental or a permanent residence, a swimming pool is a popular amenity for renters of all ages.
- Hot tub or Jacuzzi: A whirlpool bath provides a luxurious escape for guests who enjoy a hot soak under the stars. Make sure you choose one with an accessible entrance so all guests feel included.
- Outdoor furniture: Durable outdoor furniture with weather-resistant cushions provides a comfortable place for guests to relax on nice days, especially for properties with a deck, patio or shaded space.
- Lighting: Provide some cozy ambiance with cohesive outdoor lighting setups, like string lights, sconces and false candles.
- Fire pit: A fully stocked fire pit is a great amenity your guests can use for cooking hot dogs, making s’mores or just warming their hands.
If your property is on a small lot and you don’t have much room to build this kind of outdoor hangout, a sunroom can help you create a similar atmosphere without taking up too much outdoor space.
4. Upgrade the Kitchen
One of the biggest reasons people choose short-term rentals over traditional hotels and motels is the access to a kitchen. Cooking your own meals helps you save on food while you’re vacationing, and sometimes cooking your own meals can help you feel less homesick if you’re taking a long trip.
High-quality cookware, ingredients and appliances are great rental property upgrades for making your property feel like home, even if your renters will only be staying for a few days. Some kitchen essentials for your rental kitchen include:
- A stove or cooktop
- Cooking utensils
- Dishes and flatware
- An oven
- A microwave
- Glasses and mugs
- High-quality pots and pans
- Aesthetically pleasing dishes and flatware
- Basic spices, such as salt, pepper, oregano and paprika
You can also make accessibility upgrades to your kitchen to make it easier for guests with limited mobility to navigate the space. Wide aisles and counters at accessible heights are great places to start because they provide sufficient space for people with mobility devices to use the kitchen.
Elevate Your Rental Property With Inclinator
If you’re considering installing a residential elevator or dumbwaiter for your renters, Inclinator can help you find the perfect model for your budget and property. We design and sell safe and reliable residential elevators for homes and rental properties alike. When you choose one of our products, we’ll work closely with you to ensure it meets your aesthetic and functional vision.
You can count on our decades of experience in the home mobility industry to help you build the residential elevator or dumbwaiter you need. Learn more about how a residential elevator or fully functional dumbwaiter from Inclinator can help you delight your tenants. Contact your nearest dealer today to get started.
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