The tenant wishlist: What renters value more than rent price

Rent matters. Of course it does.

But ask renters what tipped their decision, and you’ll hear a different list.

It’s the livability stuff that wins.

Below is a practical hit list your lettings team can bake into listings, viewings and approval so good tenants say yes faster.

1. Safe, tidy, compliant homes win first

In most states, minimum standards now apply to all tenancies, and cover basics like weatherproofing, working locks and being free from damp and mould.

Make these visible in your listing copy and at the open.

Add a simple line like, “Meets state minimum standards, locks and smoke alarms checked,” then show evidence if asked.

It sounds small, but it calms people who’ve had a rough rental before.

2. Climate comfort beats fancy extras

Aircon, heating that actually heats, ceiling fans that do more than wobble.

These score well in search behaviour, right alongside parking.

If you have them, lead with them. If you don’t, be honest and set expectations on portable options or timeframes for upgrades.

Buyers love pools, sure, but most renters just want to sleep through a January night without melting.

3. Internet that just works

People will forgive a few dated tiles. They will not forgive buffering in an important work call.

Add a quick line in the ad with the NBN technology type at the address and the speed tier the previous tenant used.

Australia is lifting access to faster NBN tiers as fibre upgrades roll through, so it’s worth signalling when a property is FTTP or HFC ready.

If it’s not available, say it plainly so expectations are set.

4. Energy efficiency that lowers the bill shock

Renters care about their bills but have limited control over upgrades.

Insulation, efficient heating and cooling, LED lighting and good seals on windows can be the difference between a hard yes and a hard pass.

If the owner has improved the home, show the receipts.

Even a short line on recent draft sealing or a newer split system helps.

Recent reporting shows many renters feel powerless on energy efficiency, so any movement there stands out.

5. Welcome pets, set the rules

Pet approvals are on the rise, and vague policies create disputes later.

Add plain English terms to your listing and your lease, like cleaning on exit, garden care and notification if a new pet joins the household.

If your state allows a pet bond or specific pet conditions, link the rule.

Tenants do not expect free rein, they expect clarity.

6. Storage and parking that fit real life

People own bikes, boards, prams and boxes of cables from 2013.

If you have secure storage or a decent garage, show photos. Mark the bay on the floor plan.

If parking is on-street permit only, say how many permits and the council timing.

Lack of clarity here is a silent deal killer.

Search data shows parking features rank high, so don’t bury it.

7. Responsive communication beats glossy brochures

Fast replies feel like respect.

Use SMS for short updates, email for steps and documents.

After a viewing, send a tight follow up with next steps and links to apply.

Tools like 2Apply make it easier for renter to finish an application in one sitting, and your team gets a cleaner file to access.

The same logic applies post-approval. Share a short move-in checklist and a friendly timeline.

Bundling bond, rent and utilities in a single message works a treat and no one is guessing what happens first.

Want to learn how to make rent and bond simpler? Read this Rent and bond in one step blog we wrote the other week.

8. Location practicality, not just postcode

Renters will weigh a 5-minute walk to a train station over a shinier kitchen.

Add walking times to key spots, like the nearest supermarket, bus stop, childcare, campus or hospital.

If you’re listing near a uni, callout the semester rhythms.

If the home suits shift workers, highlight blackout blinds or quieter street aspects.

This is human stuff, and it lands.

9. Flexible dates and small cosmetic wins

Start dates, minor paint touch-ups, adding a clothesline or swapping one tired appliance.

These are cheap ways to signal flexibility.

You won’t always say yes, and that’s fine, but being clear about what’s possible keeps the conversation open.

Share the state guidance when questions drift into rules territory, like lease break fees or adding a co-tenant, so no one gets surprised later.

10. A simple move-in flow

Moving is stressful, so cut the noise.

Provide utility connection info, key handover times, meter reading instructions, bin days and building access notes in one short email.

If your agency uses Move Me In, link it so tenants can sort utilities and connections in a few clicks (it can even help offset your PM software costs).

You’ll get fewer calls on day one, and tenants will feel looked after rather than left to figure it out.

Why this matters right now?

Affordability is tight across Australia and has been the worst in many years.

Even with rent growth slowing in pockets, the pressure on household budget remains.

Which means price sets the shortlist, but experience seals the deal.

If you can show comfort, certainty and lower stress, you’ll lift applications from the renters you actually want.

TL;DR

Rent is the ticket to entry. But the wishlist gets the tenants ‘yes’.

If your listing, viewing and approval flow quietly proves safety, comfort, connection and fairness, you’ll feel it in the enquiry quality. And in how often the good tenants renew.

If you want a hand tightening your lettings workflow, our team works across Reapit Lettings, 2Apply and Move Me In every day.

We can help you show the right signals at the right moments, then keep the admin light for everyone.