Internet connectivity is no longer an inessential luxury. In this modern day and age, many people depend on reliable access to the internet to fulfill their job responsibilities. Checking email after work is commonplace, to say nothing of the remote employees who work from the comfort of their home.
In short, connectivity can determine whether a potential tenant chooses to sign on the dotted line. If a renter has to make a choice between a unit with a stable internet connection and one with an outdated system, they'll almost always choose the former option. And who can rightly blame them?
Beyond its function as a tool for work, an enormous number of people use the internet as a source of recreation. For some, it's their only source of recreation. When a landlord neglects that importance, they're failing to meet the expectations of their tenants while significantly reducing the value of their property.
With the importance of connectivity in mind, we'll detail ways in which a landlord or investor can improve their building's appeal. Every landlord should educate themselves on the subject to ensure the profitability of their properties, and it starts with a basic understanding of what does and doesn't help.
The Cause of Slow Internet Connectivity
Apartment complexes are notorious for slow internet speeds. A density of users in an area causes congestion, and in a building where everyone is on the same frequency, it slows access to a halt. It's as though a dozen people are struggling to fit through a small doorway all at once, causing a jam.
Worsening the issue, modem services often have high over-subscription ratios. It's not uncommon for upwards of 100 people to share the same allocation of bandwidth, and considering the average number of devices that a tenant owns, this issue can result in a serious headache for everyone involved.
Some landlords might purchase more megabits per second in an attempt to solve the problem, but doing so isn't the correct solution. Or at least, it isn't the whole solution. Adding more Mbps buys capacity, but it doesn't necessarily improve the speed of individual connections — which is a latency issue.
It takes both bandwidth and latency to improve internet speeds, allowing for greater capacity and shorter delay before the transfer of data. So how can a landlord approach the complicated subject of connectivity to provide a better experience for their tenants? The solutions are simple to understand and integrate.
The Solutions to Slow Internet Connectivity
Landlords with an older property will likely benefit from scheduling a professional inspection. A technician is qualified to survey digital infrastructure, determine improvements in wiring and other systems and suggest updates. Implementing their advice is an enormous step in the right direction.
Regarding more immediate results, a landlord should consider contacting their service provider. They might offer superior packages that better serve the needs of a building's occupants. More than that, most companies are required to repair signal deficiencies at no additional expense to their customer.
If a landlord or investor wants to motivate their tenants to help themselves, they can brief individuals on router protocol. The placement of the router in relation to an appliance or other obstruction can cause disruption, so a simple relocation can improve connectivity. A Wi-Fi analysis tool can even find what location works best.
An investment in new technology is also a smart decision, and it's a major selling point for young renters searching for modern accommodations. But the upgrades shouldn't end there. Landlords should browse all the available service providers in their area, researching reviews to see if they'd benefit from a switch.
The Necessity of Internet Connectivity
What makes a tenant want to renew their lease at the end of a term? It often comes down to comfort — how a renter feels within their living space. They want a landlord to accommodate their needs and do everything possible to ensure they're happy and content. Alongside basic amenities like heating, cooling, water, and gas, connectivity is nothing short of crucial.
Ultimately, a tenant decides to renew when they see a future in their apartment complex. If their building is a remnant of the past, they'll likely search elsewhere for housing and no doubt find a better place to live. Landlords who want to retain their residents should respect that renters always have other options.
Fortunately, landlords have options as well.
About the Author: Holly Welles covers real estate topics for the up-and-coming renter or homeowner. She runs her own blog, The Estate Update, and can also be found dishing up advice over on Twitter @HollyAWelles.
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