How do I add home value with back patio?

[Dave Polykoff]

Anybody have experience with remodeling a back patio area for a rental property?

I purchased a triplex in Philadelphia (near Temple University). The bottom unit has access to a decent-sized back patio (about 28’x17’).

Right now it’s just a fenced in area with pavement. So it’s a blank canvas.

Is there anything smart to do to the back patio to add value to the property?

I mostly rent to college students so an area they can hang out would be great but also don’t want anything that they can easily break - like moveable patio furniture.

I was thinking about more solidified updates like built-in wooden benches around the fence. Or putting down fake grass to give it more of a backyard feel. Or fake hedges around the edge.

Visual upgrades but nothing that could be stolen or broken by tenants over the years.