Accessible rentals are more sought-after now than ever before. Though it may appear like a huge nuisance to bring about changes to your property to accommodate people with limited mobility, what is certain is that you can widen your potential tenant pool and give your rental home a competitive edge. By making your property more accessible, you are opening it to the elderly and tenants who use wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and more.
Liberty Lake property managers understand that federal law states you can’t discriminate against people based on their accessibility requirements. So, you could wait around until your tenant approaches you with an accommodation request. Or, the right (and more profitable) option would be to keep accessibility in mind when you update your property. Decide on choices that will interest disabled or elderly renters. Here are various no-sweat ideas to make your property more accessible to those with mobility challenges.
1. Floors
Carpeting can be tough for people who use wheelchairs, canes, or walkers, but so can slippery hard flooring. Consequently, when the time is right to replace the flooring in your rental home, it would be better to install a sturdy, low-pile carpet. A low-pile carpet contributes good traction and won’t snag on the ends of canes and walkers. The right flooring can definitely make your rental a lot more appealing to a wider range of tenants.
2. Entryway
One of the greatest obstacles that people with mobility challenges face is a doorway that is too narrow. As you set up your next set of property improvements, consider replacing your entry door and possibly the interior doors with wider, more wheelchair-friendly versions. Likewise, lever door knobs are really better for people with limited mobility than round knobs. It’s an easy project, but definitely, one that will make a big difference to a disabled tenant.
3. Bathroom
The bathroom holds lots of impediments for disabled tenants. The fixtures you usually see there were not created with them in mind. But certainly, you can very easily 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 are getting ready to renovate, do consider picking a walk-in tub or a shower with a lower threshold. Plus, toilets tend to be too low to the ground for many disabled people. When it’s time to replace your toilet, pick one that is somewhat taller. Both of these quick changes can help make your rental much more accessible to all.
4. Kitchen
The kitchen is another setting where challenges abound for people with limited mobility. There are a lot of things there that would make it harder for them. For example, most standard appliances and countertops are too tall for people in wheelchairs to reach easily. If you’re remodeling your rental kitchen anyway, then think about installing ADA-height appliances and counter space. With some innovation and planning, you can set up and make your rental property’s kitchen one of the most accessible parts of the house.
5. Bedroom
There are other things you can do for your home design that is really no-sweat. You can change your closet rods and light switches. Both are mostly too high for people in wheelchairs or with limited mobility to reach well. By simply installing closet rods closer to the floor and lowering the light switches, you can improve the quality of life of your tenants.
Would you like to have more recommendations as to how to make your rental appeal to quality tenants? Real Property Management Spokane County can absolutely 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.
