Are steps a deterrent for prospective renters?

Question

Hi Fellow BP Landlords,

We are looking at a nice multifamily as a rental investment. Our only concern right now are that there are over 20 steps to the front door and then another ten or so in to the second unit.

For me it's not an issue but being new to the rental market I'm wondering if this will be an issue for prospective renters.

Any thoughts or experience with this?

Ruth

Account Closed · Answer

Depends on what is normal for the area. If all houses or apartments have steps, renters expect that. All you get in places like Seattle and San Francisco are steps.

Ruth Buckley · Answer

Thanks folks! @Brian Hughes impressive tenants!. Thanks for the pointers on the handrails and liability insurance.

Brian Hughes · Answer

I have a 4-plex in the greater seattle area built on a hillside.   Its 3 1/2 stories high from the street.   I haven't counted the steps lately but its probably ~30ish from the parking area to the top floor.     I have a 85+yo tenant on the top floor ; been there since he retired,   and another 70+yo retiree on the 2nd floor.     Right now all the tenants are single males,   though when I bought it one unit was occupied by a family.

A lot of steps will certainly deter some people,  but I haven't had any trouble renting these units  (decent units in a working class area renting at working class prices in a region that is overall pretty expensive).     One thing to consider though is safety regulations WRT the stairs and hand rails.   Some juristictions like Seattle are requiring updates to handrails to current code standards as part of rental inspection and registration ordinances,   and it could be a liability thing if a baby or dachsund climbs through the 8" or larger gaps in the handrails in an older building nonetheless.    Depending on where you are starting the updates could be pretty cheap/easy or more expensive.

Amy Beth · Answer

@Ruth Buckley. 20 steps sounds like a lot to the front door.  Is this the norm for properties in your area?