There’s something oddly powerful about building a wobbly bookshelf at 2 a.m. and then defending it like your life depends on it. That’s the IKEA Effect in action, the idea that people value things more when they’ve put effort into creating or customizing them. Even if the final product is… well, a bit off.
And oddly enough, this same effect might be why some tenants stick around in rental properties longer than expected.
Turns out, personalization pays. Literally.
Now, I’m not saying tenants need to start laying hardwood floors or tiling the kitchen to feel attached. But when they hang their own photos, plant herbs on the balcony, or even paint a wall (with permission, this is where property managers come in), something shifts. It starts to feel like theirs.
And when a place starts feeling like “yours,” you’re far less likely to leave it behind, even if the closet doors stick a little or the fridge hums like it’s practicing opera.
Personalization creates emotional stickiness
We’re not just talking throw pillows here. Studies in behavioral economics (like the OG one on the IKEA Effect by Norton, Mochon, and Ariely) show that people assign more value to things they’ve put effort into. That applies to relationships, hobbies, sourdough starters… and yes, rental homes.
Earnest Homes advises you to let tenants plant a small flower bed or mount that bike rack, and suddenly you’ve got something more than just a lease agreement. You’ve got buy-in. Not the kind with a signature, but the kind that lives in someone’s sense of pride.
It’s one of the sneakiest forms of tenant retention. And guess who’s quietly managing this behind the scenes? Property managers, of course. The good ones know where to draw the line (no, Greg, you can’t turn the dining nook into a tattoo parlor) and when to lean in (yes, that bookshelf is actually a great use of that weird alcove).
But wait, doesn’t personalization make turnover harder?
Ah, there it is. The valid, practical concern. And yes, sometimes personalization backfires. That accent wall might be a lovely shade of “dawn mist” to one tenant and “bathroom mold” to the next. But honestly? The benefits often outweigh the risks.
As property managers at Chandler Property Management say, they often have systems in place to handle small changes at move-out. A fresh coat of paint. A replaced cabinet handle. These things are easy fixes compared to the cost of finding new tenants. Not to mention the dead-zone months where your property just sits there like last season’s patio furniture, still good, but no one’s biting.
Plus, there’s something else to consider here.
People take care of what they feel connected to
When tenants put effort into their space, even just a little, they’re more likely to respect it. Clean it. Fix that cabinet hinge instead of pretending it never worked. Maybe even tell you when there’s a leak before it becomes a miniature indoor waterfall.
And again, this is where property managers come in clutch. They’re the ones guiding the balance. Encouraging personalization while setting boundaries. Acting as both landlord whisperer and tenant translator. Not to be dramatic, but they’re often the reason a “renter” starts feeling like a “resident.”
A few real-world examples, not just theory
Let’s say you’re managing a small apartment building. One of your tenants, Maya, asks if she can swap out the ugly beige kitchen knobs for matte black ones. She even says she’ll store the originals and replace them if she moves out. (Maya’s a unicorn, by the way, but they do exist.)
You say yes. She sends you a photo. The kitchen looks a thousand times better. She starts inviting friends over more. Starts referring you to her friends. Stays for three years.
Did the matte black knobs do all that? No. But they were the tipping point. That little moment of control flipped a switch. This wasn’t just a temporary stop anymore. It was home.
And, no, it doesn’t mean going full DIY.
Nobody’s suggesting you let tenants start knocking down walls or rerouting plumbing. (Please don’t.) It’s about tiny investments. Small freedoms. Little gestures that say, “Hey, you matter here.”
And for you? It’s a low-cost strategy that taps into basic human psychology. People care more when they’re allowed to care their way.
So what’s the takeaway here?
Let your tenants hang shelves. Say yes to a coat of paint, as long as it’s not nuclear orange. Offer to split the cost of removable wallpaper or curtain rods. You might just extend your average tenancy without lifting a finger.
And if you’re reading this as a tenant? Ask. Just ask. You’d be surprised how many property managers say yes, especially when you come in with a plan, a polite tone, and the promise to patch things up if needed.
Because when you treat a place like a home, it starts to feel like one. And that, weirdly enough, might be the reason you stay.
I manage KickyReport.com, a news-driven platform where I deliver timely updates. My focus is on keeping readers informed about the latest events and trends.