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The amenities in your rental property should always accommodate your renters. If you rent to young professionals, for instance, a fast internet connection is a must. It's just as important to understand your tenant pool. In Indianapolis, 13.5% of all the tenants are 65 or older, up from 8.9% in 2013.
With the significant shift in demographics, having the right amenities for senior housing makes your property a desirable option for older adults. These are the top amenities you can add to your rental to make it a bit easier for senior residents.
For Accessibility
The cornerstone of a senior-friendly property is its accessible facilities. It doesn't have to be as elaborate as assisted living facilities, but certain amenities make senior living much easier.
Non-Slip Floors
Shiny floors may provide a pleasing aesthetic for your interior, but they increase the risk of slips and falls. You can still use smooth-surface floors like tiles, but it would benefit seniors if you added carpets. For areas prone to liquids, such as bathrooms and kitchens, a completely slip-proof floor is recommended.
Grab Bars
This is a necessity in many senior living centers for a reason. Grab bars help older tenants keep their balance while walking or climbing. It should be added in bathrooms, stairs, and other areas where your residents may need to exert extra force to reach.
Wider Doorways
For young adults, a standard doorway would easily suffice, but senior housing needs to accommodate potential assistive equipment, like wheelchairs or walking aids. It can be 36 inches or more for comfortable entry, along with minimal obstacles near the entries and exits.
For Independent Living
Many seniors are still capable of living on their own with little to no assistance, even outside of a retirement community. You don't even have to fashion your rental into a senior apartment. Just make it convenient enough to qualify for senior housing.
Smart Technology
Smart features like voice control and smart locks can make senior living much more tolerable. A simple voice command or remote access can save them a trip to the other room to turn the lights off. Smart locks are also a great solution for seniors who may struggle with gripping or turning keys.
Transportation Services
Public transport is still a viable option even as seniors age, but walking all the way to a bus or train station will be harder as your tenant ages. You can offer transportation services to senior tenants, even if it's only to drive them to the nearest transit station.
Kitchen Appliances
Cooking meals becomes a chore for anyone with mobility issues, which is why senior rentals invest in kitchen appliances that make preparing meals easier, such as ovens, air fryers, food processors, and more. Some products are more senior-friendly than others, so be sure to research which appliances suit their living arrangement better.
Security Cameras
No matter how active or healthy a senior is, they are still more prone to accidents due to physical and cognitive decline. Many communities use security cameras to deter violations and theft, but for rentals with senior tenants, they serve as an extra set of eyes to watch over elders who might need assistance in the event of an incident.
Laundry Facilities
Multi-unit residential neighborhoods often have shared laundry facilities, since installing machines in each unit can cost significantly more. Either way, having facilities in-house keeps them from frequently leaving their home or doing manual washing, which is usually avoided in senior living communities.
For An Active Lifestyle
Senior living is often associated with cozier activities like gardening or reading, but a lot of older adults want to participate in more active endeavors.
Fitness Centers
Many rental properties already offer amenities for wellness activities, but senior housing options should include equipment that suits older adults. Yoga mats, aerobic dumbbells, or stationary bikes can be great for maintaining one's fitness and health.
Swimming Pools
Aqua aerobics is recommended for seniors since it improves strength and cardiovascular health, all while the water supports the body to reduce the impact on joints and muscles. Some senior apartments even offer programs that provide exercise plans to promote consistency, which can also foster socialization within the senior living community.
Outdoor Space
If you have a multi-unit rental property, a shared outdoor space can be a great idea, so seniors can further build a community with other residents. It can be used for recreational activities, and can also be a spacious location for visiting family members.
Senior Housing FAQs
What are the amenities that promote apartment communities for the elderly?
- Social activities are recommended, particularly those that cater to all ages. Amenities that only suit seniors may lead to the isolation of a certain age group. You can still add other amenities that are suited for younger tenants, but generally, accessible facilities and areas are always a must-have.
Can I set age restrictions for tenants?
- For younger tenants who are below 18 years old, yes. However, it's illegal to deny an applicant because they are "too old." The elderly who require around-the-clock assistance are often placed in nursing homes, so this is not something you really need to worry about.
Can I reject senior applicants with service animals?
- No, you may not. In fact, you are required to provide reasonable accommodations for tenants of all ages if they have a service animal with them. Not doing so can lead to legal issues, since Federal Housing laws have protections in place for emotional support animals and service animals.
Should I charge for the services offered to elderly tenants?
- You can charge monthly fees for senior-friendly or other services offered in your rental property, whether it's for easy access facilities or other apartment amenities. This is a practice that many properties follow since it keeps the services from being discontinued.
Is senior-friendly housing harder to manage?
- In some ways, yes. You need to be more vigilant around the elderly since they are prone to accidents. If you cannot commit to being present in your rental property more than half of the time, hiring a property manager for 24/7 emergency lines is advised.
Hiring Professional Property Management
Being present in a rental business is one of the most important things a landlord must do. It shows them the progress of their investment and the well-being of their tenants. It's also understandable that not all property owners have the time to do that, which is where CRM Properties comes in.
Our company has the manpower and resources to ensure that your operations run like clockwork and that your tenants are satisfied. You can expect maximized profits and increased property value through vigilant property management.
It all starts with contacting us, and we can discuss how we can help you make the most of your investment.