In today’s rental market, it is vital to stay competitive to attract the best tenants. One way to make your rental property more appealing is to optimize the space for tenants who work from home. Our Henderson and Las Vegas property management professionals share what landlords should consider when renting to work-from-home tenants and tips to adapt their rental properties for the remote and hybrid workforce.

How Many People Work from Home?

While many people have returned to a physical workplace or office after the pandemic, many roles have allowed for remote work from home. In 2023, nearly 13% of full-time employees in the United States worked from home, and about 28% used a hybrid work model that involved partially working from home. That number of people working from home is expected to rise to 22% by 2025.

What does that mean for your rental property? The remote workforce presents an opportunity to find employed tenants who prioritize their environment. Making small upgrades and changes to your property can make a big difference to people who need to work from home.

Changes To Make for Work-From-Home Tenants

There are some things to consider when renting to tenants who work from home, including how to attract the right applicants and getting them to stay longer. Here are some ways to reap the benefits of renting to remote workforce tenants.

1. Utilities

With tenants being home most of the day for work, the first thing to think about is the cost of utilities. Water, electricity, gas, and other utilities tend to be higher with work-from-home renters, which can be a substantial expense for landlords. When screening potential tenants, make sure to ask if their job involves working from home some or all of the time.

If they are working from home, think about making the tenant responsible for their own utilities — if that was not already established. Alternatively, you can cover some utilities while the tenant pays for the others.

2. Changes to the Lease Agreement

Landlords will also want to make changes to the lease agreement to address particular issues that may arise with tenants who work from home. For example, you should outline what types of jobs are allowed and if there are restrictions when working in your rental property.

It is typical for landlords to allow remote office or electronic work. However, you may want to include explicit restrictions on jobs that involve storing inventory, inviting clients on the property, or conducting commercial activity. Also, review local and state laws for zoning ordinances that provide more details on these limitations.

RELATED: What Makes a Good Lease Agreement?

3. Install New Appliances

New appliances offer several benefits for both landlords and work-from-home tenants, including:

• Newer appliances are generally more eco-friendly and provide savings on utilities in the long run.
• Tenants who spend a lot of time at home are looking for new appliances to make their lives easier.
• Because new appliances are a big selling point, landlords could potentially ask for more in rent because their property is in demand.

4. Create a Designated Workspace

If you are looking for renters who are part of the remote workforce, having a ready-to-go workspace could be a game-changer. Henderson and Las Vegas property owners and landlords who have several rooms in their rental property should consider designating one as a home office space that can accommodate:

• A desk and office chair
• Shelves and cabinets
• Other workspace necessities, like a printer
• High-speed internet connection

Providing a built-in desk or shelves in the at-home workspace can also give you a competitive edge over other rental properties in the area.

5. Allow Pets in Your Rental Property

Many remote workforce renters have pets because they are able to care for them while working from home. Furthermore, studies have shown that pets may have a positive effect on remote workers, including increased physical activity and socializing with others. Having a pet-friendly rental property can widen the applicant pool and help you get more qualified tenants who happen to have remote jobs.

If you are concerned about additional wear and tear to the property, make sure you include specific rules in your lease agreement regarding pets. You can also collect a pet deposit along with the standard security deposit to help cover any damage caused by the pet. Overall, allowing pets can help you fill rental vacancies more quickly and appeal to remote workers.

6. Upgrade Your Outdoor Space

Another area to focus on if you want to appeal to remote workers is your outdoor space. Because these tenants spend so much time at home, it is essential to have a comfortable and peaceful space to take breaks and get some fresh air. They may also want to work outside on their laptops and want a small seating area to accommodate that.

When upgrading your outdoor space, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Use permeable pavers or similar materials that are easy to clean.
• Take privacy into account and use plants to create a more intimate outdoor living space.
• Create shaded spaces with covered patios.
• Provide access to power and good quality lighting.

7. Update your Rental Description

Last but not least is to update your rental description to highlight the perks your property offers to remote workers. Be sure to point out high-speed internet connectivity, home office space, new appliances, quiet neighborhoods, and other beneficial features. It will also help to list nearby restaurants, stores, gyms, parks, libraries, and other amenities that may appeal to people who work from home.

Attracting the Right Tenants with a Professional Property Manager

Find the right tenants and fill rental vacancies quickly with the help of an experienced property management company. At Black & Cherry Real Estate, we focus on smart advertising, digital marketing, and connecting you with your ideal tenant who wants exactly what you offer. We also provide comprehensive property management services to help you streamline your operations, including:

• Tenant screening
• Lease agreements
• Collecting security deposits and rent
• Accounting services
• Property maintenance

If you need help promoting and managing your rental property in Las Vegas or Henderson, contact our property management team to learn more about our services and how we can help you maximize your rental income.