Best improvements to make to a vacant unit?
Hello,
I just had my first vacancy in a 4 unit apartment building that I have owned for about two years. It is located in Los Angeles, fairly blue collar, strong rental area a few miles west of USC. The building is subject to rent control.
The unit that is vacant is my largest and highest priced unit. The prior tenant was paying $2,200 /month for the 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom unit.
It is in reasonable shape and was upgraded by the prior owner to some extent. The level of workmanship is of a handyman quality level so could certainly use further improving.
Below is a list of possible improvements/ upgrades I could make to the unit and I would love any advice as to what improvements have provided the best return on investment in terms of commanding higher rents. The list is in no particular order.
- Remove popcorn ceiling, paint walls and ceilings flat white
- Recessed lighting throughout
- Central air with a rooftop package unit and over-the-roof ducting
- New cabinet over the stove with a microwave vent hood
- Dishwasher
- Shower enclosures (currently just has shower curtains)
- New white vinyl windows (remove and dispose of the existing window covering),
- Bead-blast the front screen door and spray-paint white (or just replace)
- Replace the few remaining original painted cabinet doors
- Switch to new Decora outlets and switches
- Basic handyman work like recaulking the bathtubs
Thank you for the help and looking forward to hearing about your experiences.
Best,
Kevin