6 Tips for Appealing to Millennial Renters in Orlando
By Meredith Hale
Millennials in Orlando have a lot of buying power these days. They’re willing to spend more money on what they want — and that includes living space. So how do you appeal to millennials who are looking to rent?
Here are six tips to get you started.
1. Amenities
This generation wants convenience at their fingertips — literally. They find products and services with a few clicks on their smartphones. Make amenities such as exercise rooms, swimming pools, security services, and laundry amenities as easy to access as their phones. If you offer high-end services including laundry pickup and delivery or grocery delivery, be sure to make that clear. Property management groups can help you market these conveniences.
2. Curb Appeal
Gorgeous lawns and landscaping make your property more upscale. A well-manicured lawn and flowerbeds featuring native Orlando flowers make an inviting first impression. An energy-efficient, eco-friendly landscape is just as important. Consider providing lawn maintenance, so your renters know they won't have to worry about maintaining the yard. According to Wikilawn, lawn mowing in Orlando costs $36 per service, which you can easily roll up into the rent.
3. Dog-Friendly
Most millennials won't even consider moving anywhere their pet isn't welcome. Dogs are family members to this age group. The yard must be dog-friendly with enough room for Fido to run and play. Consider adding a doggie fountain. Highlight the number of shade trees in the yard as well as nearby parks where dogs would like walking. It's also important to provide dog-friendly flooring inside the rental unit. Keep in mind, hardwood floors scratch easily whereas carpet is cheaper to replace.
4. Outdoor Leisure Space
Whether your rental units include private outdoor areas or shared space, highlight the benefits of the yard. Forget about the myth of "lazy millennials"! A recent study found this group works harder and longer than any other generation. They need a place to de-stress when they come home. You can separate the yard into space for the dog and outdoor space for entertaining. Use shrubs to divide the yard and place comfortable seating around a fire pit and cooking area. Stick a few cheap solar lights into the ground to light up the area at nighttime.
5. Location
Once again, convenience is key for the millennial. Since many don't have cars, they rely on ride-sharing services and bus routes. When marketing your property, highlight the access to bus routes, restaurants, bars, and grocery stores. Create a website that lists the benefits of renting from you and includes maps to local places. Social media also helps display the value of your location.
6. Optional Furnishings
Young professionals like things clean and simple. They tend to spend time on necessary tasks and appreciate anything that leaves them with more leisure time. Worrying about furnishing an apartment may be a big stressor for renters in this group. Offering furnished apartments, or at least partially furnished, is a huge selling point. If you can’t offer furniture, try to show apartments that are clean and furnished. This helps renters imagine how space can be used.
Using these tips can help you attract responsible long-term tenants. Another plus to renting to millennials? If they like where they are, they may recommend it to friends, co-workers, or family members who are of the same high-quality group of clients.
Meredith Hale is a gardening and landscape writer, and design addict. She has coordinated the design on many house flipping projects, admitting that her favorite part is creating inspired outdoor spaces.
