Over a third of US households are now living in rented accommodation. With an increasing number of rental properties on the market, landlords are always looking for ways in which to make their properties more desirable to potential tenants. Paying attention to details such as window coverings can help a rental property to stand out from the rest. Apart from ensuring the safety of the actual windows, landlords need to consider the quality and design of blinds, shades and curtains. Finding treatments that will be attractive to a wide range of tenants is important, and durable fittings are a practical choice for a landlord.
Meeting Basic Safety Standard
There are several obligations to consider as a landlord to ensure a stable and regular rental income as well as the safety of tenants. These include ensuring that a property meets safety standards, and that the fixtures and fittings don’t present a hazard to renters. Although landlords are not obliged to hang decorative window treatments in a rented property, they do make the accommodation more attractive to tenants. By arranging the fitting themselves, landlords can also ensure that suitable treatments are used, and that they are securely attached without causing damage to window frames. Window coverings should be regularly checked for damage along with other fixtures and fittings. Some wear and tear is unavoidable, and it is the landlord’s responsibility to replace broken blinds, secure or avoid potentially hazardous pull cords, and ensure that curtains close smoothly to avoid them being pulled down by accident.
Choosing Designs for the Target Market
Good quality, attractive window treatments will make a home more comfortable and inviting for tenants. Neutral colors will appeal to a greater number of renters but the final choice of design may vary depending on the target market. For example, in a short-term student let, simple, practical treatments will be adequate. However, families or young professionals might be looking for bolder, modern designs. If a long-term tenant is lined up, a landlord might choose to involve them in the decision-making process to ensure they are happy with the final selection.
Hard-wearing and Practical Treatments
Good quality, hard-wearing products generally mean less maintenance is required, and the risk of damage or breakage is reduced. Rental properties will see some wear and tear, so window treatments that are strong and easy to clean in between tenants will be more appealing to landlords. For this reason, heavy layered drapes may not be practical as they will need cleaning more often. As an alternative, metal blinds are resistant to damp and mold. Wooden fittings are durable and stylish but may cost more than a landlord is prepared to invest in a rental property. Faux wood blinds and shutters engineered to resemble wood are more affordable, and offer the same durability and better moisture resistance for use in kitchens and bathrooms.
Well chosen window treatments can make a rented property more appealing to tenants, and, at the same time, easier to maintain for a landlord. With such a wide choice of treatments, finding attractive yet durable window treatments is easy.
