Accessible rentals are more and more popular now than ever before. Although it may look like a bother and a huge hassle to create modifications to your property to accommodate people with limited mobility, the truth is you can widen your potential tenant pool and give your rental home a competitive edge. By making your property more accessible, you easily attract both the elderly and/or tenants who use wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and more.
Apollo Beach property managers are aware 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 best (and more profitable) option would be to keep accessibility in mind as you update your property and opt for those choices that will clearly cater to disabled or elderly renters. Here are some pretty simple ideas to make your property more accessible to those with mobility challenges.
1. Floors
Carpeting can be a concern for people who use wheelchairs, canes, or walkers, but so can slippery hard flooring. Exactly why, when it’s time to replace the flooring in your rental home, you should select a sturdy, low-pile carpet. A low-pile carpet gives superb traction and won’t snag on the ends of canes and walkers. The right flooring can make your rental more appealing to a wider range of tenants.
2. Entryway
One of the serious obstacles that people with mobility challenges face is a doorway that is too narrow. As you plan your next set of property improvements, consider replacing your entry door (and possibly the interior doors) with a wider, more wheelchair-friendly version. Likewise, indeed, lever doorknobs are more suited for people with limited mobility than round knobs. It’s a no-sweat project, but really one that will make a big difference to a disabled tenant.
3. Bathroom
The bathroom holds countless problems for disabled tenants. The usual fixtures you find there are not designed with them in mind. Although, be aware that you can effortlessly make your bathrooms more accessible by upgrading your shower or tub and your toilet. For instance, the standard tub is too high for people with limited mobility to step over. If you have already decided to renovate, then look into using a walk-in tub or a shower with a lower threshold. In addition, toilets tend to be too low to the ground for many disabled people. When the time is right to replace your toilet, opt for one that is at least a little taller. Both of these upgrades can help make your rental more and more accessible to all.
4. Kitchen
The kitchen is another location where challenges abound for people with limited mobility. There are some things there that would make it harder for them. As an example, most standard appliances, and countertops are too tall for people in wheelchairs to reach well. If you’re remodeling your rental kitchen anyway, think of using ADA-height appliances and counter space. With a bit of creativity and planning, you can effectively make your rental property’s kitchen one of the most accessible parts of the house.
5. Bedroom
Various aspects of the home design can be changed easily. In the bedroom, it would easily be the closet rods and light switches. Both are, in most cases, too high for people in wheelchairs or with limited mobility to reach with ease. By installing closet rods closer to the floor and lowering the light switches, you can seriously improve the quality of life for your tenants.
Would you want more suggestions in connection with how to make your rental appeal to quality tenants? Real Property Management Freedom can totally help! Contact us online today to learn more about all the great services we offer property owners and landlords.
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