Last Updated: January 2024
Ceiling fans are an amenity that is often not appreciated until you need one. They’re commonly found all throughout rental real estate properties – primarily inside residential apartment unit bedrooms, outside in patio areas, and inside large commercial spaces. Ceiling fans come in a variety of options and most include lights to also function as the light source for the room.
Best Rental Property Ceiling Fans
| Best Overall | Best Economy | Best Smart | Best Design | Best Commercial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Hunter – Dempsey Low Profile w/ LED Light 44″ |  Prominence Home – Alvina w/ LED Globe Light 42″ |  Jinweite – Metal Shell Low Profile w/ LED Light 19″ |  Minka-Aire F843-DK Wave Design w/ Remote 52″ |  Big Ass Fans – 6-Blade Commercial Industrial 12′ |
Below we explore the top 5 ceiling fans for rental properties based on 5 different factors that landlords and property managers usually consider when determining which fan is best for their rental property investment.
Best Overall Ceiling Fan
Buying Options
Hunter – Dempsey Low Profile Indoor Ceiling Fan with LED Light and Remote Control 44″
Size & Features
44 Inches, LED Light, Remote Control
Pros
- Timeless design from a reputable brand in the fan industry
- 3-speed motor, LED light, and remote control
Cons
- Limited features compared to some higher end fans
- Dependent on the remote to adjust speeds and functionality
Why We Like This Overall Fan
This is an excellent overall fan for a rental property. Hunter is a well-known manufacturer of ceiling fans and this fan comes with all the bells and whistles desired in a ceiling fan (LEDs, remote, and reversible blades) at a great price.
Best Economy Ceiling Fan
Buying Options
Prominence Home – Alvina Ceiling Fan, LED Globe Light Low Profile 42″
Size & Features
42 Inches, LED Light
Pros
- Great price to quality ratio product
- Steel construction with alternative color finishes
Cons
- No remote control options (pull chain only)
- Suitable for Indoor installations only
Why We Like This Economy Fan
For just over $50, this is a great fan to put into a rental property. It has an LED light and optional reversible blades to match a room’s decor. The 42” is a good size for most standard sized bedrooms.
Best Smart Ceiling Fan
Buying Options
Jinweite – Metal Shell Low Profile Semi Flush Mount Ceiling Fan with Dimmable LED Light 19″
Size & Features
19 Inches, LED Light
Pros
- Small footprint (19”) when compared to traditional blade-ceiling fans
- LED lights with changeable temperatures and reversible wind direction
Cons
- Potential concerns with long term durability and sourcing replacement parts
- Dependent on remote to adjust speeds and functionality
Why We Like This Smart Fan
This fan is an innovative new design that still delivers good airflow like traditional fans. It has dimmable and color-changing LEDs and reversible air-flow to blow or suck air. At only 19” in diameter it can be great for small spaces, as it doesn’t have large exposed blades.
Best Design Ceiling Fan
Buying Options
Minka-Aire – F843-DK, Wave Ceiling Fan with Remote Control 52″
Size & Features
52 Inches, Remote Control
Pros
- Very stylish and unique design to make room statement
- WiFi compatibility to control (additional hardware required)
Cons
- Only 3 speeds (several modern fans have 5+)
- Dependent on remote to adjust speeds and functionality
Why We Like This Designer Fan
If you are looking for a cool design at a reasonable price (under $300) then this fan is a great choice. The unique design and smart home compatibility makes it a great choice for those looking to make a design statement from an established brand.
Best Commercial Ceiling Fan
Buying Options
Big Ass Fans – 6-Blade Commercial Industrial Ceiling Fan 12′
Size & Features
12 Feet (144 Inches) Inches and also available in 7 Feet and 10 Feet, Wall Control Knob
Pros
- Can effectively cool very large commercial spaces (3,600+)
- Efficient and quiet operation with variable speed controller
Cons
- Costs substantially more than standard residential fans
- Requires professional installation
Why We Like This Commercial Fan
If you need to cool a large space (e.g. industrial warehouse building) but cannot run air conditioning, then this large commercial fan is the best choice. At 12 feet wide, it can handle very large spaces up to 60 x 60 ft (3,600 square feet) and ceiling heights of 14-25 feet.
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Rental Property Ceiling Fan FAQ
Are Landlords Responsible for Installing Ceiling Fans in a Rental Property?
Landlords are often responsible for the upkeep of their rental properties, but what about ceiling fans? This is a question that many tenants and landlords must grapple with. When it comes to ceiling fans in rental property units, it is important to look at 2 things: the lease agreement and local laws. In some cases, landlords may be required by law to provide ceiling fans – especially if the tenant specifically requests one. However, in other instances having a ceiling fan installed could be considered an optional amenity that sits outside of landlord responsibility. It ultimately depends on the jurisdiction and any related real estate regulations in effect. Ultimately, both landlords and tenants should check local laws so they know exactly who is responsible for ceiling fans in a rental property unit.
Ceiling Fan Repair Installation Pros
How to Hire a Rental Property Electrician
Ceiling fans are great ways to cool down a space. Many landlords include them throughout their rental properties to cool down interior and exterior areas. Understanding the process of hiring an electrician to install a rental property fan can make the job a smooth experience.
Where to Find Rental Property Pros
Finding qualified, honest, and reliable service pros can easily be done with online service directories. These platforms directly connect customers and service providers who can do installations and repairs from rental property ranges to apartment smoke detectors.
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Are Landlords Responsible for Repairing Broken Ceiling Fans in a Rental Property?
When it comes to repairing a ceiling fan that is installed in a rental property unit, the responsibility to repair usually depends on a few things. First is to confirm whether or not the ceiling fan was installed (i.e. provided by landlord to tenant) upon the time of the lease. If so, then the landlord should technically be required to maintain any equipment that was presently installed into the rental unit at the time of the lease. Secondly, it can depend on the local real estate laws of the property. If local law mentions ceiling fan repairs (or like-kind language), then a landlord should technically bear the responsibility to repair the broken ceiling fan. Third, is to check the language in the signed lease contract. Some landlords may stipulate that this is not their responsibility to repair, and if both parties agreed by signing the contract, then there is little either can do to change it after the fact.
Are Tenants Allowed to Install Ceiling Fans in a Rental Property?
If a rental unit (e.g. apartment unit) does not have a ceiling fan, there is a likely chance that a tenant may request the landlord to install one, or they may ask to install one themselves. Generally speaking, a tenant would need to obtain permission from their landlord before installing ceiling fans or any other major modifications. Different states have different real estate laws related to ceiling fan installation and permission granted by landlords, so it’s important that tenants review applicable laws and their lease agreement before proceeding with any ceiling fan installations within their rental unit. Furthermore, some landlords only allow ceiling fans that are professionally installed by a licensed tradesperson due to safety risks and may even require additional insurance coverage for tenant-installed ceiling fans. Therefore, it’s best for a tenant to contact their landlord and discuss the law as well as all terms of ceiling fan installation prior to initiating any work.
About the Author
Ryan Nelson
I’m an investor, real estate developer, and property manager with hands-on experience in all types of real estate from single family homes up to hundreds of thousands of square feet of commercial real estate. RentalRealEstate is my mission to create the ultimate real estate investor platform for expert resources, reviews and tools. Learn more about my story.
