First impressions are everything—especially in real estate. When it comes to rental properties, the exterior of your home is often the very first thing a prospective tenant sees, whether in listing photos or when driving by. A property with clean lines, trimmed bushes, and fresh mulch signals care and professionalism before anyone even steps inside. On the flip side, overgrown grass, weeds, or chipped paint on the front door can instantly lower the perceived value of the home and send a message that the landlord isn’t attentive. In a competitive rental market, strong curb appeal can be the deciding factor in whether a great tenant applies—or keeps scrolling.
Well-maintained landscaping does more than look nice. It communicates that the property is well cared for, which in turn makes tenants feel more confident in the owner or property manager. Tenants often assume—rightfully so—that how the outside of a property is maintained is a reflection of how issues will be handled after move-in. A rental that looks polished and tidy sets the tone for a respectful landlord-tenant relationship. It’s also a signal that the home is being treated as an investment, not just a cash cow, which matters to tenants who are looking for long-term housing.
Another benefit of great curb appeal is that it helps the rental stand out in listing photos, where potential tenants are often making decisions in seconds. A nicely landscaped front yard with green grass, flowering plants, and a clean walkway adds instant warmth and approachability to your property. Online, where first impressions matter most, this can make your listing pop compared to others in the same price range. It’s especially important when marketing higher-end or Class A and B homes, where prospective tenants have greater expectations and are willing to pay more for a home that feels welcoming from the start.
We typically recommend a minimalist landscape design because it's not only attractive but also much more durable over the long run. While lush landscaping with bushes, mulch beds, and ornamental plants may look beautiful at first, tenants often neglect routine upkeep like trimming, weeding, or refreshing mulch. Over time, this can lead to an overgrown, unkempt appearance that hurts the property's curb appeal and makes it harder to rent again when the lease ends. A simple, clean design—think low-maintenance plants, gravel or pine straw, and open space—holds up better over time, is easier for tenants to manage, and still presents well. When it’s time to turn the home over, this type of landscape can be freshened up quickly and affordably, helping your rental stay sharp and market-ready with minimal effort.
These low-cost, high-impact touches not only improve curb appeal but also tend to pay off quickly by reducing vacancy time, increasing rental rates, and attracting tenants who value a well-kept home. Ultimately, landscaping and curb appeal aren’t just cosmetic—they’re strategic. They help establish the tone for the rental experience and can significantly influence the quality of applicants you attract. At Atlanta Marietta, we encourage our owners to see curb appeal as an essential part of marketing their property, not an afterthought. A little effort outside the home often leads to big rewards inside it: better tenants, faster leasing, and stronger returns on your investment.
For more information on this or any property management topic or issue, please call Kathy at 770-906-3622.
