Does Landscaping Rental Properties Produce A Good ROI?

lawncare for landlords

When it comes to prioritizing repairs and upgrades, landscaping rental properties doesn’t likely hit the top of the list. Time and money are both at a premium.

Obviously, you are going to replace that torn, outdated linoleum flooring…right? I mean yea it is an expense. But it will get a decent ROI in increased value.  So what about that cracked sidewalk?

Replacing broken windows is a must but you can probably get by without the new lawn, pretty flowers, and walkways.  

New mulch in the flower beds, lush ground cover and a canopy of shade trees seem like far more effort and expense and time than what it’s worth.

Does landscaping rental properties matter?

When you must start seeing some cash flow from rent or a sale before the next mortgage payment comes due; does it matter that the hedges need to be trimmed and weeds pulled?

It certainly affects the curb appeal. That alone may be a good reason to consider landscaping rental properties.  So what if the ROI is more than you think?

In fact, there are several benefits to upgrading the outside as well as the inside.

1: Enhanced Marketability 

A house with a beautiful yard will likely rent or sell faster than a property with a poorly maintained yard. Upgraded yards advertise that you are an owner who cares. The assumption will been that the interior has been well maintained as well.

2: Better Tenants

A well-manicured yard will attract better renters. The kind who care about the place like it’s their own. The kind who pay their bills and plan to stay put for a while. High quality, long term tenants means more money on your bottom line. Not to mention, fewer headaches.

3: Lower Utility Costs

Shade trees will cut heating or cooling costs. Xeriscaping will cut down on water use. That’s a cost saving many owners miss out on.

4: Increased Property Value

According to some sources, the value could be increased by as much as %15-20%.

5: Tax Deductions

Landscaping costs are part of maintenance and are deductible on taxes.