Landscaping on a Budget May Attract Tenants and Boost Property Value

May brings move-outs and lease turnovers, and also plenty of foot traffic from prospective tenants checking out your property. That makes now the perfect time to boost your multifamily rental’s curb appeal without draining your maintenance budget. A few smart, affordable updates can make a world of difference when it comes to attracting new tenants and keeping your current ones satisfied.

Read on for cost-conscious ways to refresh your property’s exterior, boosting both its beauty and safety.

Go Green the Low-Maintenance Way

You don’t need a professional landscaper to give your property a polished, welcoming look. Choose hardy perennials, native plants, or drought-resistant greenery like hostas, lavender, ornamental grasses, and creeping thyme. These all-star plants look great with minimal upkeep and thrive in a variety of climates. Native plants can also reduce your water usage and attract helpful pollinators like butterflies and bees, creating an environment that’s as eco-friendly as it is beautiful.

Integrate Inviting Details

Consider creating a small, shared outdoor space with simple seating or shaded picnic spots. A pair of bright Adirondack chairs, a modest bench, or even a café table near the leasing office or entrance can make a multifamily property feel more like home. A welcoming vibe doesn’t just attract new tenants; it also encourages existing renters to stay longer – through the summer and beyond.

Make Pathways Neater (and Safer)

A tidy path does more than lead the way; it helps prevent trips and falls. Replacing cracked pavers, pressure-washing mossy concrete, or lining walkways with solar-powered lights makes a strong first impression and checks off a safety essential. Trip hazards are a top source of liability claims, so keeping walkways level, well-lit, and clear of debris helps reduce risk and may even improve your insurability.

Power Wash for a Quick Win

Sometimes all it takes is a little elbow grease to make your property shine. Pressure wash siding, stair rails, porches, and signage to give them new life. A good deep clean can reveal your building’s best face and leave it looking freshly renovated, even if you didn’t lift a single paintbrush.

Light the Way

Not only does outdoor lighting improve your property’s aesthetics, it also enhances visibility, reduces the risk of injury, and deters theft or vandalism. Add inexpensive solar stake lights, motion-activated light bulbs near entrances, or dusk-to-dawn lighting in common areas.

Trim and Tidy Trees and Shrubs

Overgrown plants, shrubs, and trees can look unkempt and may block security cameras or windows. Trimming back hedges and removing dead branches can tidy up your landscape fast and help you avoid storm-related damage in the future.

Put Safety First, Always

Take the time to inspect your stair rails, fencing, and outdoor lighting. Small repairs now can prevent expensive claims later. Repairs and upgrades that prevent theft or injury can reflect positively on your insurance policy terms and premium over time.

Curb Appeal Is Your Summer Advantage

May marks the start of summer turnover season, so sprucing up your property now could mean fewer vacant units and happier tenants as you head into the warmer months. Want to learn more about how landscaping choices and outdoor upgrades can support your insurance strategy? Talk to your Millers Mutual agent for guidance tailored to your portfolio.