Bathroom Upgrades That Attract Tenants: A Landlord’s Guide

In today’s competitive rental market, standing out is no longer optional—it’s essential. Landlords across the country are finding it harder to fill vacancies, justify rent increases, or secure long-term tenants without offering something more than just a place to live. One of the most overlooked yet impactful areas to invest in? The bathroom.

A dated, dull, or dysfunctional bathroom can be a major red flag for prospective tenants. On the flip side, even modest upgrades can create an inviting, functional, and low-maintenance space that enhances your property’s value and appeal. In this guide, we’ll explore the smartest bathroom upgrades to attract tenants, from budget-friendly fixes to high-ROI renovations that can help your rental property stand out.

Why Bathroom Upgrades to Attract Tenants Matter

Bathrooms are a critical selling point for any rental. Prospective tenants often make snap judgments about a home’s cleanliness, modernity, and upkeep based on this one room alone. An updated bathroom signals that the landlord cares about the property and is committed to providing a quality living space.

Additionally, modern bathroom upgrades can help reduce maintenance requests, cut utility costs, and extend the lifespan of your fixtures and finishes—all while increasing tenant satisfaction and retention.

Top Bathroom Upgrades to Attract Tenants

Here are the most effective upgrades landlords can make to boost appeal and minimize vacancy periods.

Modern Fixtures and Faucets
Replacing outdated faucets and fixtures with sleek, water-saving alternatives is one of the quickest ways to modernize a bathroom. Choose finishes like brushed nickel or matte black for wide appeal and durability. Tenants appreciate details like single-handle faucets, rainfall showerheads, and low-flow technology that helps keep utility bills in check.

Durable, Easy-to-Clean Surfaces
Rental bathrooms need to look good—and stay that way—with minimal effort. Durable flooring like porcelain tile or waterproof vinyl planks can handle high traffic and moisture. Consider solid-surface countertops that resist staining and are easy to maintain.

Updated Shower and Tub Options
A clean, functional, and modern bathing area is a must. Consider replacing old, chipped tubs with acrylic or fiberglass models. If space allows, prefabricated shower stalls with built-in shelving offer practical storage while giving the space a polished look.

Improved Lighting and Ventilation
Dim, dingy bathrooms are a turnoff. Add LED vanity lights for energy efficiency and brightness. An upgraded exhaust fan is another smart move—it improves indoor air quality, prevents mold, and protects your finishes from excess moisture.

Fresh Paint and a Neutral Palette
A fresh coat of paint in neutral tones can make a bathroom feel larger, cleaner, and more inviting. Stick to whites, light grays, or warm beige tones for a modern and universally appealing look. Semi-gloss finishes are ideal for easy cleaning and moisture resistance.

Functional Storage Solutions
Tenants love extra storage. Swap out pedestal sinks for vanities with drawers. Add floating shelves or install a recessed medicine cabinet for added space without clutter. These simple additions can significantly improve everyday usability.

Energy- and Water-Efficient Upgrades
Installing low-flow toilets and showerheads not only helps the environment but also saves tenants money—making your property more attractive. Tankless water heaters, especially in smaller units, provide on-demand hot water while saving space and energy.

Budget-Friendly Bathroom Upgrades

Not every landlord has the budget for a full remodel. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable upgrades that still pack a punch.

Cosmetic Enhancements
New cabinet hardware, towel bars, and toilet paper holders can refresh the room for a low cost. Reglazing or refinishing an old bathtub or tile surround is another cost-effective way to bring the space back to life without a full replacement.

DIY Touches That Make a Difference
Paint walls, touch up grout, and recaulk around tubs and sinks. These small efforts can drastically improve cleanliness and appearance, especially when dealing with hard water stains or mildew.

Affordable Flooring Options
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is a favorite among landlords for its water resistance, style, and affordability. It’s also quick to install—saving time during tenant turnover.

Repurposed Decor and Accessories
Simple changes like adding a new mirror, stylish shower curtain, or matching bath mat can elevate the look instantly. Use neutral tones to ensure broad appeal.

How to Prioritize Your Upgrades

Knowing where to begin can be overwhelming. Here’s how to approach it strategically.

Evaluate the Current Condition
Start with a walk-through and note any damage, outdated elements, or tenant complaints from past leases. Focus first on fixing anything broken or unsafe.

Tackle High-Impact, Low-Cost Improvements
Quick wins—like replacing a dated light fixture or painting over stained walls—should be top priority. They create a strong first impression and set the tone for the entire unit.

Understand Local Expectations
If other rentals in your area feature updated bathrooms, you may need to match that level just to stay competitive. Research similar listings to gauge what renters in your market expect.

Working with Contractors vs. DIY

Depending on your skill set, timeline, and budget, you’ll need to decide what you can handle yourself and what’s better left to the pros.

When to Hire a Professional
Plumbing and electrical work should always be handled by licensed contractors. So should major installations like new tubs or tile work, which require proper tools and techniques for lasting results.

DIY-Friendly Projects
Landlords who are handy can often paint, replace fixtures, or install peel-and-stick backsplashes themselves. These types of updates are low risk but still provide visible improvements.

Choosing the Right Contractor
If you do hire out, be sure to vet your contractor thoroughly. Ask for references, check insurance coverage, and get a clear breakdown of costs and timeline before any work begins.

Estimating Costs and Calculating ROI

Understanding what to expect financially can help you plan smarter and avoid overspending.

Common Upgrade Costs

New vanity: $300–$800
Tub or shower replacement: $900–$3,000
Flooring installation: $300–$1,200
Reglazing bathtub: $300–$500
Light fixture upgrade: $75–$300

Projected Rent Increase
Depending on your market, even basic updates can justify a $50–$100 increase in monthly rent. Over the course of a year or more, that easily offsets the initial investment.

Other ROI Benefits
Beyond rent increases, upgrades can reduce vacancy time, cut down on maintenance requests, and increase tenant retention—saving you time and stress in the long run.

Marketing Your Upgraded Bathroom

Once the work is done, it’s time to showcase your improvements.

Use High-Quality Photography
A newly upgraded bathroom deserves to be shown off. Take bright, high-resolution photos that highlight your new fixtures, surfaces, and finishes.

Highlight Key Features in Listings
Be specific. Mention “brand new vanity,” “low-maintenance tile flooring,” or “energy-efficient lighting” in your rental listing to appeal to practical-minded tenants.

Leverage Digital Platforms
List on all major rental sites and use social media platforms to spread the word. Before-and-after shots can be especially powerful on platforms like Instagram or Facebook.

Long-Term Maintenance Tips

Keep your upgraded bathroom in top shape with a few smart practices.

Choose Resilient Materials
Select finishes that can withstand tenant wear-and-tear and are easy to clean. Mold-resistant grout, sealed surfaces, and durable fixtures can save you money over time.

Set a Maintenance Schedule
Schedule regular cleanings and inspections during tenant turnovers. Provide tenants with care instructions to help them maintain the space properly.

Plan for the Future
Budget a small percentage of rent each month toward a reserve fund for ongoing repairs or future upgrades. This helps prevent surprise expenses and keeps your rental in top shape.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading your rental property’s bathroom doesn’t have to break the bank, but it can significantly boost your property’s appeal and profitability. Whether you’re swapping out fixtures or going all-in on a full remodel, strategic bathroom upgrades to attract tenants can reduce vacancy time, increase rental income, and keep good tenants happy.

If you’re ready to refresh your rental’s bathroom but don’t know where to start, the team at Bathtub Made New is here to help. From affordable refinishing services to full upgrades, we’ll help you transform your bathroom into a clean, modern space that renters will love.