For many Manhattan landlords right now is a tough time to rent out apartments with approximately half the apartments being rented with some sort of concession like the owner paying the real estate fee or a free month’s rent. But what else can be done to maximize the rent for a small apartment? Here are a few quick tips.

1- Update the kitchen. If it’s a studio, a new kitchen can make a great deal of difference because most likely the living room and kitchen and together. Consider at least to change the refrigerator and perhaps add in a built in microwave for convenience. A dishwasher if there is space, is a luxury for a small apartment.

2- Install a washer/dryer in the basement of the building if there isn’t one already. Recently, I visited a brownstone where there was one washer and one dryer, coin operated I might add, in the cellar level shared by 6 apartments. This is a major luxury to have in a small building and will eliminate competition.

3- Add closets. Sometimes there is a place to add an additional closet or storage if the ceilings are high. More closets, and more storage is a major luxury. Sometimes you can add this space in the apartment and sometimes a storage locker in the cellar which is more of a condo amenity would really make you stand out from the competition and increase cash flow.

4- Make sure that you have a professional, tech savy Manhattan real estate broker who will at least have professional photos taken. Photos with a smart phone will just make small rooms look smaller. When I do a rental, I like to do professional photos and a floor plan. This really makes your listing stand out. See below link which was rented in 7 days. Recently rented apartment in Hamilton Heights

There are many other things that you can do to make your apartment, small or large, stand out and rent more quickly. Unfortunately, taking photos with a smartphone and putting it on the web is not enough these days especially due to all of the competition.

The Author-  Brian Silvestry , a licensed real estate broker, has been selling residential and commercial real estate since 1999. He has sold in every neighborhood from Battery Park City to Washington Heights.