Making a home out of a house is in human nature; we need to create an aesthetically pleasing, clean, personalized, and comfortable space for ourselves to feel happy, and happiness is directly connected to mental health. Property managers need insights on how a living space affects mental health so they can attract more tenants and generate more leads.
Colours affect our psychology in surprising ways. A study conducted on a college campus showed that different colours evoked different emotions in students, and the majority of students felt the same way about the paint choices.
Property managers can use the psychology of colour, design, and living environments to their advantage.
The connection between environment and mental health
People use their living spaces to express their emotions, feelings, interests, and personal preferences. It can be said that a home is one’s mind palace materialized. Although it’s not a rule, most people choose to live in a safe space that allows them to relax and enjoy their evenings. Messy and cluttered spaces often stress people out as opposed to clean and orderly rooms.
Additionally, cleanliness isn’t the only thing that keeps people comfortable in their own homes. If a place feels unfamiliar, it’s more difficult to relax and settle.
It would be difficult for a property manager to create a space on a rental property that feels personal to every individual and attracts a wide range of tenants. However, it is possible to create a space that will allow people to personalize, and there are some ways you can make changes to a rental space that will optimize mental well-being.
Use colour psychology strategically
It is well known that colours have an effect on our emotions. Managers of properties should consider what colours work best for the walls, communal areas, and the buildings’ facades. Most people find calm and safe feelings in warm beige, soft greys, and calming blues.
People often link green to balance and new beginnings because it reminds them of plants and nature. Having a pale yellow colour can make an object seem bright and uplifting. Using colours like red or extremely bright white all over the place can make the environment feel too strong or uncomfortable.
If you choose colours that help relax people, tenants are more likely to stay.
Prioritise natural light and air flow
It has been found that being exposed to natural light helps regulate when you sleep, provides vitamin D, and lifts your mood. When an apartment is very dimly lit, it can make the space seem oppressive and sad. Be sure to open up as many windows as possible and experiment with items like sheer curtains or mirrors to make rooms look brighter.
Keeping the air moving and well-ventilated has equal significance. The bad air in an old, neglected building can affect how well a person feels and functions. Ensure good air circulation in any space using operable windows, ceiling fans, or air purifiers, especially in aging buildings. Making these upgrades can improve a tenant’s mood and comfort in their place.
Invest in noise reduction
Many tenants in shared living situations complain about the problem of noise. Noises from all sorts of sources, such as walls, traffic, or loud neighbours, can greatly affect your stress and sleep. Investing in noise reduction is especially important in cities with high noise levels.
Investigating soundproofing options can help address noise complaints and improve the well-being of those living in the property. The use of carpets in hallways, protective flooring, double-glazed windows, or sound-absorbing panels in common spaces helps make a building more comfortable to be in, sound-wise.
Offer functional, adaptable spaces
It’s just as important to consider the functioning and performance of the software. In order to feel at peace, people must have a place where they belong. It holds true today more than ever, given the trend of remote work. Roommates should be able to find areas for work, dining, and unwinding in the studio apartment.
When a space has flexible shelving or collapsible furniture, it becomes much easier for a tenant to customize it. It would be good to let tenants furnish or decorate the home using their own items to make it feel like their own.
Shared spaces at multi-unit properties, whether they serve for work or relaxation, can boost residents’ mental health and give them extra ways to use their surroundings.
Incorporate biophilic design
Elements from nature play a part in biophilic design. Having plants indoors, along hallways, or in patios can quickly boost the atmosphere and has been shown to help lower stress and increase productivity. Using fake plants or artwork featuring nature can also make a difference.
Should you have the budget and required space, including small green patches, rooftop gardens, or wall plants can turn any community area into an oasis, making your property more desirable to tenants.
Keep common places clean and tidy
While cleaning their unit is the tenant’s job, property managers can ensure that the common areas are always up to standard. If hallways are clean, the stairs are well-kept, lobbies look organised, and trash is often collected, people notice and feel good about the environment around them.
When an area is well-maintained, it looks more professional, safe, and inviting. This style can cause a factor of structure for both the landlord and the tenant, thus helping both of them feel more in charge and relaxed.
Share a feeling of safety and community
The feeling of security is equally as important as the appearance of where we live. Having a secure and well-managed building gives tenants a sense of relief. Place enough lighting at entry points and in the hallways, put up cameras when necessary, and let tenants know about any upcoming repairs or changes.
Taking actions to promote a sense of community can be good for mental health. Consider hosting a building-wide event every now and then, putting up a community message board, or starting a group chat for residents on the internet. People do well when they have a sense of belonging, regardless of how much they talk to those around them.
Final thoughts
Our mental health is shaped by the places we spend our days, not just by what happens within us. As an owner of properties, taking care of people’s well-being is both kind and good for business. Tenants who are delighted with their properties usually stick around for longer, give your property a positive review, and encourage others to rent your places.
You can maintain good mental health without a big budget for your rentals. Adjusting lighting, reducing noise, or simply creating a better layout can make a difference between a space being lived in and a space that people enjoy. The extra monthly rent nowadays is what makes a difference in the rental world.
Samantha Green, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
