If you are a landlord with a rental property, it’s important to make the backyard as appealing as possible. This is an often-overlooked space that can be used for both fun and functional purposes.
When a landlord provides a private enjoyable space to live, tenants are willing to pay more and stay longer, increasing the return on investment.
Creating visually interesting but low-maintenance landscaping can also lower the maintenance cost and stress in the long run especially if your rental property is located in a community with a very strict Home Owner Association.
In this blog post, we will discuss 10 backyard ideas for your rental property! These ideas will help you create a space that tenants will love spending time in.
Create Interest Through Low Maintenance Stone Garden
Less lawn means less work. One great backyard idea is to create an interesting and low-maintenance rock garden. This can be done by using large rocks to create a border around the garden area. Then, fill in the rest of the space with smaller rocks or gravel. This type of garden is easy to care for and adds visual interest to the space.
A well-designed and maintained rock garden can be a beautiful addition to any backyard!
Create Designs with Pebbles and Mulch
Rocks and mulch don’t have to be boring. Add interest to your backyard by creating designs with pebbles, rocks, and mulch. This can be done by using different colors and textures of materials to create patterns or images.
Order stones and mulch in bulk to save on your initial investment. Many landscape centers offer delivery. Use the heavy-duty weed barrier fabric under the pebbles and mulch. It’s really hard to weed a stone garden.
Plant Privacy Trees or Hedges
Another great backyard idea is to plant privacy trees. This will create a natural barrier between your rental property and the homes of your neighbors. Privacy trees can also help to reduce noise pollution from nearby traffic.
Choose trees and shrubs that are native and don’t require a lot of water to maintain. This will save you money in the long run!
Plant Perennial Grasses and Shrubs
Another great way to add interest to your backyard is to plant low-maintenance grasses and shrubs. These plants require little water and can withstand the hot summer sun. They are also easy to care for, making them a great option for busy tenants.
Create a Pathway
Creating a pathway is a great way to add functionality to your backyard. This will give tenants a place to walk or ride bikes without having to worry about getting muddy or wet. You can create a pathway using pavers, gravel, or even concrete.
Add Outdoor Lighting
Adding outdoor lighting is another great way to make your backyard more functional. This will allow tenants to use the space at night and in the evening hours. Outdoor lighting can also help to deter crime.
Install a Fence
If you have the budget, another great backyard idea is to install a fence. This will provide tenants with privacy and security. It will also help to keep pets and small children safe in the backyard. Fifty percent of all tenants have pets. A fence is one of the rental property improvements with the best ROI.
Fence not only provides privacy but also security. Most home robberies take place during the day when people are not home and most robbers enter through a back door or window.
The fence provides a physical and visual barrier between your property and potential robbers. Fences are available in a variety of materials, styles, and heights to fit any budget and are an easy DIY project.
Create a Patio
A patio is a great way to create an outdoor living space for tenants. This can be done by pouring concrete or laying pavers in the backyard. A covered patio or lanai is a great feature with areas with mosquito and other insects problems.
Install Irrigation
I know that irrigation is not cheap but replacing the lawn and plants every time a tenant moves out is a lot more expensive. I can guarantee that if the lawn doesn’t have irrigation it will die. From my experience, only 10% of tenants will water with a hose. Less expensive irrigation could be a hose with a timer.
Create an Area for Gardening
If your tenants are interested in gardening, create an area for them to do so. This can be done by setting up raised garden beds or planters. Then, provide tenants with the necessary supplies and instructions.
This doesn’t have to take the entire backyard but maybe two beds planted with herbs and whatever the tenants want. Remember, that tenants stay longer when they can make your rental property home. Creating a garden space for them is one way to do this.
Tenants will appreciate having a backyard that is both fun and functional. By following these tips, you can create a space that tenants will love spending time in.
If you liked this blog post, be sure to subscribe to our blog for more great content like this. You can also follow us on social media for more tips and tricks on how to make your rental property stand out from the rest! Thanks for reading! until next time
