How well-maintaned should I keep a home?

[Carrie Pledger]

I have two duplexes. As soon as I bought them I made improvements. I wonder, how many improvements is advised for a rental property? Do I keep it as nice as my house or do I do the minimum possible? (For example, I wanted to add a nice medium-low priced ceiling fan and bathroom fixtures whereas my handyman suggests the cheapest ones possible or not putting them in at all since it is a rental) I do want to keep the place in good condition, but I realize that I will lose my cash flow that way. Is there any general guideline people suggest?