These 8 Amenities Don’t Add as Much Value as You Think
When it comes to differentiating your mid-term rental, some features might seem valuable but often don’t have the impact you expect. As I’ve mentioned before, the needs of mid-term renters differ significantly from those of short-term renters.
Amenities That Don’t Add Significant Value
Saunas
Smart TVs as the featured benefit
Ring Cameras
Non-Functional Fireplaces
Complete, Brand-New Renovations
Multiple TVs
Hot Tubs
Full-Size Beds
Why These Amenities Might Not Be Worth It
Saunas and Hot Tubs
While saunas and hot tubs may seem like luxurious additions that could justify a higher rate, they’re often underutilized by mid-term renters. In our experience, we barely used these amenities, and if a listing required extra costs or separate deposits for them, we’d likely skip it altogether.
Smart TVs in the Multiple
Don’t make Smart TVs a central selling point. In today’s world, almost all TVs are “smart.” We also found that having multiple TVs in a rental wasn’t necessary—often, only the one in the main living area got any use. In many places we stayed, extra TVs remained untouched for months.
Non-Functional Fireplaces & Full-Sized Beds
If your property has a fireplace that doesn’t work, don’t highlight it as a feature. It’s similar to offering full-size beds—neither add value. Full-size beds are more suitable for teenagers or smaller spaces, not for adults or guests who expect a comfortable sleeping arrangement. If we saw a full-sized bed in a guest room (or worse in the master), we often skipped the listing altogether.
Ring Cameras
While security is important, Ring cameras can feel like an invasion of privacy, even if they’re just outside the house. We’ve stayed in properties where we disconnected outdoor Ring cameras because we felt uncomfortable. In one instance, a landlord had an indoor camera, and although the lease stated it wouldn’t be accessed, we insisted on unplugging it for the duration of our stay. Tenants deserve privacy, and how they spend their time in your rental is none of your business.
“Brand New” Renovations
Renovations are costly, but a fully renovated home simply allows you to charge market rates—it doesn’t necessarily give you an edge. In our experience, many homes in the cities where we stayed were updated or well maintained. When a listing boasted “newly renovated,” it didn’t mean much because we had no frame of reference for its previous condition or price, and it was often comparable to other properties on the market.
In summary, when trying to enhance your mid-term rental, it's important to focus on features that truly add value for tenants. While amenities like saunas and hot tubs might seem appealing, they often go unused by mid-term renters and can even deter them if they come with extra costs. Non-functional fireplaces, full-size beds, and invasive security measures like Ring cameras can also diminish a property's appeal. Even full renovations don’t always provide a competitive edge, as they simply align your property with market standards. Prioritize amenities that genuinely improve the living experience to attract and retain quality tenants.
