I wrote here a couple weeks ago that Brighton, MA was seeing a huge build-up in apartment inventory. I want to touch on this subject again today because I don’t want the landlords in the area to be caught with their pants down. Compared to last year’s market it looks to be a “down” year for the rentals in Brighton.

Seems tenants are choosing neighborhoods like Davis & Porter Square in Cambridge/Somerville, and South Boston over Brighton, and I want to make sure my readers who own property in Brighton are aware.

Here are some tips to make sure your units rent this season:

1.) Start off by offering to pay half of the rental fee

a.) This will attract tenants right away.

2.) Lower the rent $50 from the last year’s rent.

a.) Don’t methodically raise your rent this year lest you price yourself out.

3.) Make improvements to your units.

a.) Paint, refinish the floors. Maybe a deep scrubbing of the whole unit.

b.) If your unit is a 3 Bed 1 Bath, think about adding a ½ bath.

d.) Units with more than 1 bath are still renting fast.

4.) Market your apartment heavily.

a.) Craigslist, The Boston Globe, and “For Rent” signs won’t cut it this year.

If you own multiple properties in Brighton, this is the year to sell one of them and put the appreciation you’ve seen over the past 5-10 years to work in another part of the city. This could be the beginning of a downward trend for the Brighton area. You may want to re-evaluate your investment property this year in case the rental market does turn out to be soft this spring.

On the flip side if you’re a tenant, don’t overlook Brighton. You may be leaving some great deals on the table by spending more on rent elsewhere.

Filed under: Boston Landlord Tips and Advice