6 Renovation Ideas That Property Owners Should Focus On
By ExactEstate7 min read
Last reviewed: July 2026
Property Management
Every landlord or property owner knows that a successful rental business depends on having quality tenants.
After all, regular and dependable rent payments help to pay the mortgage, taxes, and other related expenses. Investing in rental property is a great way to generate income, but landlords must stay current with tenant demands to attract more renters and increase their profits.
Renovating your rental property is one of the best ways to keep it attractive and desirable for potential tenants.
In this article, we’ll explore six renovation ideas that could help you attract more qualified tenants and boost your rental income at the same time.
Why You Must Renovate Your Property
Renovations may seem like a costly endeavor at first, but higher rent payments and more tenant applications can offset that cost. Quality tenants are looking for a safe, habitable place and don't mind paying top dollar for it!
Makes Your Property Safer and More Accessible
Upgrading the safety and accessibility of your rental property is essential for a successful business.
Making repairs to ensure all aspects of the property are up to code and adding features such as wheelchair ramps or grab bars can help make it more accessible and will give current and potential tenants peace of mind knowing their living space is safe.
Continue reading
More property management guidance from ExactEstate.
See ExactEstate on your own portfolio
Take a focused 20-minute walkthrough built around the properties and programs you manage.
Renovations for rental properties can save you money in the long run by making repairs that could lead to costly maintenance down the line.
Upgrading appliances, replacing old fixtures, or repairing broken items can help reduce the amount of maintenance needed over time, saving you money on upkeep costs.
Improves Tenant Retention
Making renovations that improve your rental's appearance and livability can be attractive to potential tenants, helping you generate more business.
Further, upgrades such as new paint or appliances can also help keep your current tenants happy and make them want to stay longer — reducing vacancy rates for your rental property.
6 Renovation Ideas for Apartments/Condos/Houses/Homes
Now that you understand the importance of making property upgrades, let's explore six renovation ideas that can help increase your rental income.
1. Update the Light Fixtures
Updating the light fixtures in your rental property is an excellent renovation option with many benefits. There are several advantages of making upgrades to lighting, including improved energy efficiency, increased safety, and updated style. When choosing what type of lighting to install, consider the practical needs of your tenants and evaluate whether certain features would be beneficial.
Whether you opt for LED or fluorescent options, selecting lights with adjustable brightness or dimming capabilities can make it easier for tenants to customize their living environment.
You should also take advantage of natural sources like windows and skylights to filter light into your rental space without needing additional fixtures. Not only will this save on energy costs, but it will also provide a brighter atmosphere that makes the space more inviting for potential tenants.
2. Replace Handles and Knobs
Another great way to make an impression on potential tenants is by replacing outdated handles and knobs with modern, stylish hardware throughout the rental space. These small changes can give your rental property a refreshed look that could make all the difference for prospective renters trying to decide between multiple properties.
You can easily find various options online that fit within most budgets and provide an updated, stylish feel to any room in your rental property. Plus, replacing your handles and knobs requires minimal effort and cost — making it an excellent option for landlords who want to maximize their return on investment.
Faucets are often the main features tenants check when they enter a rental property. If your faucets are old, outdated, or need repair, this is a great opportunity to invest in an upgrade that could potentially impress new renters.
Look for modern designs with sleek finishes — such as brushed nickel or brass — to add style and sophistication to any space instantly. Installing low-flow aerators on faucets can help reduce water consumption while providing ample water pressure — which is something many tenants appreciate.
4. Paint Walls and Ceilings
But it's not just the small features that make a difference — painting is also an essential part of improving the overall appearance of your rental property. A fresh coat of paint can quickly bring new life to a space and help create a more inviting atmosphere for potential tenants.
When selecting colors, choose neutral tones such as whites, beiges, and grays that won't overpower or clash with other elements in the room. If you want to add some contrast, consider adding an accent wall in a bolder hue.
Make sure to use quality paint products with good coverage that will resist fading over time. A newly-painted space can be a great selling point and help you attract the most desirable tenants. After all, who doesn't want to move into a freshly-painted home?
5. Clean Windows and Add Exterior Lighting
We've touched on lighting, and we already said that it's essential to take advantage of natural light sources, but don't forget about the windows! Clean windows can add brightness and a modern look. Plus, adding exterior lighting will make your property safer at night for tenants and guests. This can be easily achieved with security lights or motion-activated spotlights installed around the perimeter.
A clean window also has the added benefit of reducing your energy bills. With properly sealed windows and well-insulated frames, you can save significantly on heating and cooling costs over time.
Investing in clean windows and outdoor lighting will attract more tenants and help you reduce operational costs.
6. Upgrade Your Appliances
Finally, consider upgrading your rental property's appliances. Investing in up-to-date appliances can be a significant plus, with more people looking for modern, energy-efficient options when choosing a rental property.
Kitchen appliances tend to be among the most important for tenants, so they should be a priority when upgrading. Installing modern appliances such as stoves or refrigerators will make the kitchen more inviting and efficient for cooking meals.
Though many people overlook them, smaller items like microwaves, dishwashers, or even garbage disposals can add value to a rental property. Upgrading smaller items such as these can help keep up with trends that tenants may be looking for in a new home.
Manage Your Rental Property With ExactEstate
So there you have six ideas for renovations for rental properties to attract more tenants and increase your rental income.
From replacing your faucets and painting the walls to adding exterior lighting and upgrading appliances, each project can make a significant difference in your rental property's overall look and feel.
For additional help managing your rental property, you can use ExactEstate — a comprehensive property management software at an affordable price.
Book a free demo today and see how it can help streamline your processes and enhance the value of your rental properties.
