Common areas are an extension of tenants’ homes. Show them you care.
Dear San Francisco Landlords,
We hope this newsletter finds you well. As property owners and managers, we often focus on the inside of our apartments, ensuring they are updated and well-maintained for our tenants. However, it’s essential to remember that the common areas of our buildings are just as important. After all, they serve as an extension of our tenants’ homes and leave a lasting impression on both residents and their guests.
Imagine walking into your own home and being greeted by an unwelcoming entryway, a cluttered laundry room, or a neglected garage. It wouldn’t create a positive atmosphere, would it? The same applies to our tenants and their common areas. By investing a little time and effort into these shared spaces, we can enhance the overall living experience for our residents.
Here are some simple and cost-effective ideas to update and beautify the common areas:
- Art and Decor: Visit budget-friendly stores like Goodwill, Home Goods, or Ross to find inexpensive art pieces or faux flowers in vases. These small additions can add a touch of elegance and warmth to any space.
- Lighting: Consider updating the lighting fixtures in your common areas. It’s a relatively affordable way to transform an area that may lack decorative elements. Well-placed and attractive lighting can instantly uplift the ambiance and make the space more inviting.
- Bright Paint and Texture: Opt for easy-to-clean paint finishes like eggshell or semi-gloss to refresh walls. Additionally, consider adding texture through elements like wallpaper, chair moldings, or shiplap. These additions can instantly elevate the aesthetic appeal of the common areas.
- Make a Statement: Remember, a space doesn’t have to be large to make a statement. Consider adding a chess/checker table in the laundry room, for example. While tenants may not actually use it, they’ll appreciate the thoughtfulness and attention to detail that you’ve put into creating a comfortable and enjoyable environment for them.
- Pop of Color: Add a splash of color by painting an entry door or molding in an unexpected yet complementary color. It’s a simple yet effective way to add visual interest and make the common areas more vibrant.
- Balance Utility and Aesthetics: While it’s essential to ensure the common areas are functional, don’t forget about aesthetics. Just because an area serves a practical purpose doesn’t mean it can’t be visually pleasing. Find creative ways to strike a balance between utility and design.
- Safety First: Always prioritize the safety of your tenants. Avoid blocking any fire exits or egresses when making updates to the common areas. Safety should never be compromised for aesthetics.
- Sustainable Landscaping: If your building has outdoor common areas, consider incorporating native plants or succulents that require minimal water once established. This not only adds greenery but also promotes sustainability and reduces maintenance efforts.
To further inspire you, we invite you to check out our Pinterest page, where we curate a collection of ideas and inspiration for updating common areas. Visit to explore a wide range of creative concepts.
Remember, by enhancing the common areas, you show your tenants that you care about their overall living experience. These small details can go a long way in creating a sense of community and fostering a positive relationship with your residents.
Thank you for being a part of our community of landlords dedicated to providing exceptional living spaces. We hope these suggestions inspire you to update and revitalize your common areas.
Best regards,
Natalie M. Drees, Lingsch Realty