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Make Small Rentals Look Larger – Easy Tips to Get Your Property Rented!

Make Small Rentals Look Larger

Is your rental property on the small side? It can be a challenge to attract renters to a property that is lacking in square footage. Many landlords view this obstacle as something they can’t do much about, especially if the property in question is an apartment or condo. You may not be able to actually make it bigger, but you can make changes to give potential renters the impression of a larger space, which can be the key to getting a signed lease. Read on for some ideas to help make small rentals look larger!

Paint walls a light color

Choosing a light, neutral color to paint the walls of your rental will help give the impression of more space. Darker colors tend to make rooms feel smaller. Also, dark or bold colors are more likely to clash with a potential tenant’s decor. It is best to use the same color throughout the rental, rather than to use different colors in different rooms. Painting different colors in each room makes the rental feel as though it is divided into pieces – you want to go for a uniform color throughout to help renters view your rental as a whole space.

Be sure to also pay attention to the color of the ceilings, doors, windowsills and trim. You can achieve the largest look by painting the ceilings, doors, windowsills and trim a color that is lighter than your main wall color. If you have chosen light beige or off-white for your walls, consider white trim. The lighter colored trim makes the walls recede back visually, which will make small rentals look larger.

Update Kitchen Cabinets and Counters

Open shelving and cabinets with glass doors are very popular for a reason – they give the illusion of a larger kitchen. Consider replacing cabinet doors with glass. If the cabinets in your rental are a darker color, painting them lighter to reduce the contrast between the cabinets and the walls will enlarge the appearance of the whole kitchen. You can also install molding at the tops of cabinets to draw the eye upwards.

Take a look at your counters and flooring as well. Lighter colored ceramic tile, marble and other light materials will help to enlarge a small space.

If your rental’s kitchen is particularly small, removing a wall to create an open floor plan can help to create more space. Replacing older, bulkier appliances with newer, sleeker versions will not only make small rentals look larger, but will also go a long way towards attracting good tenants.

Make the Bathrooms Appear Larger

Adding extra lighting is one of the best ways to enlarge a small bathroom, along with installing larger mirrors at the sink. Avoid installing bulky sink cabinets and vanities – consider replacing those with a pedestal sink.

If the bathtub is enclosed with a shower door, consider removing it in favor of a shower curtain which can be opened and closed to open up the room. Especially if made of frosted glass, a shower door can make a small bathroom feel cramped.

Also, as with the other rooms, keeping the color scheme light in the bathroom gives the appearance of more space. Avoid bright or dark colors in the bathroom.

Take advantage of natural light

Photograph your rental for your listing on a sunny day with all the blinds open. Skip taking pictures on a rainy or overcast day, or at night, if at all possible – they will make your small rental seem dark and unappealing. If your rental has small windows or few windows, consider the possibility of installing larger windows.

If this is not possible, and for many landlords it is not, you can use lighting to illuminate your small space as much as possible. Use lamps in dark corners. Brighter is larger! Also, you should consider installing larger mirrors in bathrooms, or full length mirrors on doors. Avoid installing decorative mirrors permanently on walls, as these can clash with a prospective tenant’s taste in decor. You want the space to be as neutral as possible, to allow prospective renters to picture themselves living in the space.

Looking for a professional Chicago property management company to assist you with your rental properties? At Real Property Management Chicago Group, we can help you make small rentals look larger, and so much more to help you with your property management needs! Real Property Management Chicago Group has the expertise to ensure that you get the best return on your rental property investments. We specialize in rental property management in the greater Chicago area. Contact us today to find out more!

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