While all rental amenities have a big impact on tenant appeal, outdoor amenities are key to enhancing curb appeal, fostering community, and putting your best foot forward when applicants view the property. From lounge areas to dog parks, the best outdoor amenity ideas for your multifamily rental property will facilitate outdoor events, provide a mental health outlet for residents, and serve to attract more tenants.

Rental amenities can significantly impact your property’s ability to attract new tenants, retain existing ones, and even increase the value of your property. When potential tenants browse their options, amenities — especially outdoor multifamily ones — can help your property stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

Simply having in-unit amenities isn’t enough anymore. Today’s renters across the nation expect more than just a place to lay their heads down at night. They’re looking for rentals that offer places to enjoy beyond their apartment, like outdoor “extras” that are now becoming the norm.

If you’re interested in marketing your property accordingly, it may be time to consider joining the amenities race to keep up with tenant expectations. Thankfully, there are a lot of different amenity ideas that will help your rental property stay up to speed, all you have to do is pick the best one for your renters.

The Value of Creating Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor spaces are very desirable and can have a huge appeal. Here are the top reasons why.

1. A Sense Of Community And Belonging

When you provide outdoor areas such as gardens, dining spots, or pools, tenant engagement levels increase. These spaces give residents an opportunity to meet other people, join community events, host their own events, and make connections they wouldn’t otherwise do if there were no outdoor spaces at all. Outdoor spaces allow renters to plan:

  • Birthday and holiday parties
  • Other socials
  • Potlucks
  • Informational meetings
  • Opportunities for shared experiences
  • And, much more.

Rental properties with a strong community will also make other potential tenants feel more secure and safe about the complex.

Pro tip: To make sure your outdoor spaces are designed effectively, conduct a survey to get a better idea of which events your tenants would be most interested in leading or attending.

2. Provides A Mental Health Outlet For Your Tenants

A typical response to feelings of overwhelm or stress is to go outside and get some fresh air. Ever wonder why? Because outdoor spaces have an almost instantaneous effect on an individual’s mental health and overall well-being. Whether it’s for a short walk, some exercise, or spending time in nature, giving your tenants access to outdoor spaces can provide a welcoming place for them to take a break when it’s very much needed.

3. Attract More Tenants

Apartment complexes that have desirable on-site amenities are more appealing to prospective renters. While indoor amenities are typically mentioned on listings, having outdoor spaces is an attractive way to get the attention of prospective tenants. When they drive by the rental, your outdoor spaces will act as their own advertisement and show interested observers that your property values outdoor multifamily amenities.

4. Higher Lease Renewal Rates

Renters with the amenities they want are more likely to renew their leases. If you’re a landlord or property manager, you probably already know that tenant turnover or unplanned vacancies can significantly impact your bottom line. However, outdoor spaces can help curb turnover rates, encouraging existing tenants to stay put. After all, rentals that have outdoor amenities are hard to turn down — especially when your competition can’t or doesn’t offer any of the same benefits.

Recommended Outdoor Multifamily Amenities

The following outdoor amenity suggestions are sure to strengthen your rental’s curb appeal.

Lounge Areas

Outdoor lounge areas are a great way to create a relaxing environment for tenants. Comfortable seating, tables, umbrellas for shade, and outdoor lighting can create a cozy ambiance for gatherings. Your tenants will appreciate a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Fitness Stations

Fitness stations are a popular amenity among tenants who are health-conscious or like working out. These stations can include outdoor gym equipment such as pull-up bars, balance beams, and yoga mats. By adding fitness centers outdoors, residents can:

  • Save on gym memberships
  • Establish friendships with other tenants
  • Avoid commuting

Bike Storage and Rental Programs

For those who prefer cycling instead of using fitness stations, storage and rental programs are a valuable addition. Providing secure bike storage can encourage tenants to use bikes as a mode of transportation. Property managers can also offer bike rental programs to tenants who do not own bikes but want to use them for recreational activities or commuting.

Kitchens and BBQ Areas

Dining spaces are a great way to encourage social interaction among tenants. To create an inviting atmosphere for your tenants, include grills, refrigerators, sinks, and countertops for food preparation. Adding seating areas, tables, and lighting are also a nice addition and are convenient for tenants who wish to eat outdoors.

Dog Parks And Pet-Friendly Amenities

If your property allows pets, incorporate pet-friendly amenities. Adding a dog park with obstacles and toys can provide a safe and fun place for tenants to take their animals to exercise. Property managers can also consider adding pet-washing stations, dog runs, pet spas, and designated areas for pet waste. Offering pet-friendly amenities is also a great way to get your tenants to be more friendly and know their neighbors.

Community Gardens

Community gardens are suitable for tenants who are interested in growing their own fresh produce and want a healthy lifestyle. Beyond giving residents the option to bond with other tenants in the complex, community gardens:

  • Are a solution for reducing grocery costs
  • Encourage community involvement
  • Improve overall health
  • Give tenants a way to meet new neighbors

Pro tip: If your property has access to a rooftop, consider that space for the community garden to prevent critters from destroying produce.

Coworking Space

Even though the pandemic is now behind us, some people are joyfully continuing to work remotely. With this new reality, potential tenants expect properties to offer coworking spaces with many of the same if not more, conveniences than their office.

By creating a coworking space for tenants outside, not only are you giving residents a pleasant place to do business, but you’re also showing them that you prioritize their needs. And by designing coworking areas outside, tenants can benefit from better critical thinking skills and more creativity.

Pro tip: To make sure your tenants can work efficiently, don’t forget to provide electrical outlets and a strong Wi-Fi connection.
Wi-Fi And Charging Stations

In addition to ensuring a strong Wi-Fi connection for tenants who want to work in your outdoor space, make it your prerogative to guarantee internet access for all outside recreational areas.

In today’s digital age, tenants expect to have Wi-Fi no matter where they are. Charging stations are also useful when tenants need some extra battery life while enjoying the outdoors.

Outdoor Game Areas

If your tenants want to switch off from the digital world, outdoor game areas can be a fun and interactive way to spend time outside. Create a dedicated area where renters can play games such as cornhole, giant Jenga, bocce ball, or even board games.

Movie Screens

Outdoor movie screens are a fun way to create a community atmosphere and encourage social interaction. You can set up screens for watching movies, sporting events, or educational videos. Create a seating area, provide blankets and pillows, or use the opportunity to offer refreshments to tenants. This entertaining amenity is easy to create and will surely be well-loved by tenants who enjoy movie nights.

Playgrounds

For families with children, playgrounds are a much-welcomed amenity. From swings, slides, climbing structures, and sandboxes, play areas show that your property is family-friendly. While adding playgrounds to your complex can become costly — depending on which equipment you choose — it is an investment that will pay off in time because more families with small children will likely continue to express interest in renewing leases.

Pool and Water Features

Pools and water features are another popular amenity among tenants who enjoy swimming and water activities. Adding a pool, splash pad, or fountain can create a relaxing and fun atmosphere for tenants.

Having both a lap pool and a lounge pool can be a great way to set yourself apart from competitors. For athletes, a lap pool is a big win, and for those who just want to sit back or get a tan, a lounge pool is a nice perk. Property managers can also consider adding poolside cabanas and lounge chairs to create a luxurious setting.

Pro-tip: In-ground pools can be pricey to install and maintain. However, it may warrant increased rent prices, making it a worthwhile investment.

Cozy Fireplaces

Depending on where your property is located, fire pits and fireplaces offer a warm space for tenants to relax, eat, or socialize. When the sun goes down, a cozy fireplace common area might just be what your tenant was looking forward to all day. With comfortable chairs, you can’t go wrong.

Rooftop Decks

Rooftop decks can provide a unique outdoor space with a view. In particular, adding plants and landscaping can create a rooftop oasis for tenants to enjoy. Utilizing rooftops is also a good way to maximize your rental property’s extra space. You might consider using the space for additional amenities such as kitchens, grills, or a spare lounging spot. A rooftop deck can also be a great event space for tenants to use.

Reading Nook

Outdoor libraries can provide tenants with access to books and a quiet space to read. You can set up the libraries in a shaded area that’s equipped with seating and tables. Property managers can also provide books or work with local libraries to offer a rotating selection of books for tenants who are avid readers.

Meditation and Yoga Spaces

Having a dedicated tranquil space to practice mindfulness and relaxation is a wonderful addition to your property. You can offer tenants yoga mats, meditation cushions, and even a small water feature. Designing the space with plants and a luscious grass area can make it a calming environment for tenants to practice yoga and meditation.

Sports Fields/Courts

Indoor fitness centers are not for everyone. For those that like to get their exercise outdoors, a treadmill or weights won’t do the trick. To meet your tenants’ demands, consider amenities such as basketball or tennis courts, or a soccer field. With sports courts on the premises and full access to regular exercise, tenants have the ability to keep their health in check. Your residents will surely be grateful.

Car-charging Stations

If your property has several tenants with electric vehicles, you may want to consider adding EV (electric vehicle) chargers as an outdoor amenity. While this may come at a high cost, it may be worth it if your renters depend on it or will end up taking advantage of the charging stations. In addition, when you install them, you may become eligible to collect tax credits.

Improving Tenant Living And Enhancing The Value Of Your Rental Property

One thing is clear: Outdoor amenities are in high demand. By investing in outside spaces to retain tenants and attract new ones, you can improve the quality of life for tenants and in turn, increase the profitability of your business.

With so many options of different outdoor amenities to choose from, evaluate all amenities carefully so you choose the ones that will have the highest ROI for your property.

This article was originally published in April 2023 and has since been updated.

Related Reading for You: