Accessible rentals are more desirable now than ever before. Even supposing it may definitely be difficult to do restorations to your property to accommodate people with limited mobility, the reality is you can widen your potential tenant pool and give your rental home a competitive edge. By making your property more accessible, you gain the interest of the elderly and tenants who use wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and more.
Leland property managers grasp well that federal law states you can’t discriminate against people based on their accessibility requirements. You could wait around until your tenant approaches you with an accommodation request. Or, the perfect (and more profitable) option may perhaps be to keep accessibility in mind as you update your property and apply choices that will invite disabled or elderly renters. Here are a few uncomplicated ideas to turn your property into being more accessible to those with mobility challenges.
1. Floors
Carpeting can be a complication for people who use wheelchairs, canes, or walkers, but so can slippery hard flooring. This is why, when the right moment comes to replace the flooring in your rental home, decide on a sturdy, low-pile carpet. A low-pile carpet provides better traction and won’t snag on the ends of canes and walkers. The right flooring can promptly make your rental more appealing to a wider range of tenants.
2. Entryway
One of the most crucial obstacles that people with mobility challenges face is a doorway that is too narrow. As you prepare for your next set of property improvements, consider replacing your entry door and possibly the interior doors with wider, more wheelchair-friendly versions. In addition, lever doorknobs are more appropriate for people with limited mobility than round knobs. It’s a hassle-free project, however, it’s one that will make a big difference to a disabled tenant.
3. Bathroom
The bathroom holds quite a lot of hassles for disabled tenants. But know that you can completely make your bathrooms more accessible by upgrading your shower or tub and your toilet. For illustration, the standard tub is too high for people with limited mobility to step over. If you are already prepared to renovate, assess selecting a walk-in tub or a shower with a lower threshold. On the flip side, toilets tend to be too low to the ground for many disabled people. When the appropriate moment comes to replace your toilet, pick out one that is a bit taller. Both of these alterations can help make your rental significantly more accessible to all.
4. Kitchen
The kitchen is another area where challenges abound for people with limited mobility. As an instance, most standard appliances, and countertops are too tall for people in wheelchairs to reach easily. If you’re remodeling your rental kitchen anyway, select ADA-height appliances and counter space. With a bit of creative skill and planning, you can easily make your rental property’s kitchen one of the most accessible parts of the house.
5. Bedroom
Some complicated aspects of the home design that are simple to adjust and change are closet rods and light switches. Both are commonly too high for people in wheelchairs or with limited mobility to reach conveniently. By installing closet rods closer to the floor and lowering the light switches, you can significantly improve the quality of life for your tenants.
Would you be interested in more practical guidance referring to how to make your rental appeal to quality tenants? Real Property Management Champion can certainly be of help! Contact us online today to learn more about all the great services we offer property owners and landlords.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
