
rmorris@starkcreate.com
October 11, 2025
No Comments on Top Rental Upgrades That Attract Tenants in Toledo
As a Toledo property owner, your goal isn't just to fill a vacancy, it's to attract the best tenant:
the one with a strong credit history, a reliable job, and a commitment to staying long-term.
The secret to landing this top-tier applicant isn’t cutting corners; it’s making strategic upgrades that offer undeniable value, convenience, and peace of mind. Today’s renters view their home as an extension of their lifestyle, and they are overwhelmingly willing to pay a premium for features that meet their modern needs.
At Buckeye Northwest Realty, we identify the top rental upgrades that minimize maintenance headaches for you while maximizing the appeal to high-quality applicants. Here is our guide to the essential features that set your Toledo rental apart in 2025.
1. Tier 1: The Non-Negotiable Core – Convenience and Control
These upgrades have moved from being “nice-to-have” to being non-negotiable for today’s most desirable applicants.
- Dedicated Parking: Especially in denser Toledo neighborhoods, dedicated parking (a garage, carport, or reserved spot) is a major perk that reduces tenant stress and is a highly valued amenity.
- Safety and Security: Security features are non-negotiable, with 62% of renters prioritizing safety. Smart locks and security cameras are now a baseline expectation. These features also benefit you by eliminating the cost of re-keying locks between tenants.
2. The Ultimate ROI Upgrade: In-Unit Laundry
In-unit laundry is the single most powerful amenity upgrade you can make to boost both tenant retention and rental income.
- Maximize Rent: Studies show that adding in-unit laundry can increase your annual rent by $500 to $1,200 per unit. This translates to a sustainable increase of $50–$100 per month in rental income, immediately boosting your ROI.
- Reduce Turnover: Renters view in-unit laundry as a top priority and a quality-of-life amenity. Tenants who appreciate this convenience are more likely to renew their leases, which is crucial for reducing your turnover costs (which average over $3,800 per incident).
- Cost-Effective Solutions: You don’t always need major plumbing work. Stackable, ventless washer/dryer combos are compact and minimize the need for high-capacity plumbing or external vents, making the installation more cost-effective.
3. Durability Upgrades: Reduce Your Maintenance Calls
Invest in durability to cut down on service calls and costly turnover repairs. These upgrades satisfy the tenant today while reducing your maintenance costs tomorrow.
- Durable, Modern Flooring: Replace old, stained carpet with luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or laminate flooring. This material is highly preferred by tenants and is far more durable and easier to clean than carpet, making maintenance easier and reducing long-term costs.
- Kitchen Refresh (Hardware & Countertops): A full kitchen remodel is expensive. Instead, update cabinet hardware (brushed nickel or matte black) and consider high-quality laminate or solid surface countertops, which offer a clean, modern look without the high maintenance and cost of natural stone.
- Energy-Efficient Systems (HVAC/Water): A modern, energy-efficient water heater and furnace are crucial. They save tenants money on their utilities and reduce the chance of a midnight maintenance emergency for you, providing both you and the tenant with peace of mind.
4. The Low ROI Traps: Upgrades to Avoid
As an expert, you need to know which seemingly valuable upgrades offer minimal return for a rental property:
- Elaborate Landscaping: While simple, neat curb appeal is good, complex landscaping with intricate flowerbeds and high-maintenance plants often deters tenants who don’t want the burden of upkeep. Simple is better.
- Natural Hardwood Flooring: While beautiful, natural hardwood requires careful maintenance, is prone to damage from water and scratches, and is one of the most expensive upgrades with a low return in the rental market. Durable LVP is the smarter choice.
- Overly Complex Smart Technology: Limit smart tech to practical items like smart thermostats and keyless entry. Extensive, complex smart home systems often come with high setup costs, ongoing maintenance headaches, and technical issues that require specialized expertise, eroding your profit margins.
The Buckeye Northwest Realty Advantage: Strategic Upgrade Planning
Investing in your rental is a strategy, not a guess. At Buckeye Northwest Realty, we don’t just manage the repairs, we advise on them. We leverage current market data to recommend the Top Rental Upgrades that will bring the highest returns in the Toledo area.
We coordinate vetted, trusted vendors to ensure quality execution, turning your dated property into a desirable rental that attracts better tenants, commands higher rent, and reduces your long-term operational costs.
Ready to maximize your tenant attraction and minimize maintenance stress?
Let’s discuss which strategic upgrades are right for your Toledo property.
🔗 Contact us today at buckeyenw.com/contact or call us at (419) 385-5555 to discuss your Toledo rentals!
Disclaimer: The following content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or professional advice. Property owners should always consult with a qualified contractor and financial advisor regarding renovations and investments.