Want to attract reliable, long‑term tenants to your Dunlap rental? Remote workers are still choosing homes based on one core need: fast, dependable internet. With BTC Fiber’s gigabit‑class service available across Sequatchie County, your property can rise to the top of their list. In this guide, you’ll learn why fiber matters, how to make your unit remote‑ready, how to market it, and what to know about Tennessee lease rules. Let’s dive in.
Why fiber matters for leasing in Dunlap
BTC Fiber at a glance
BTC Fiber, the local cooperative provider, advertises residential and business plans up to 1 Gbps in the area. You can reference BTC’s residential plans to set clear expectations for speed and installation options. See BTC’s current offerings on the provider’s page for details on plan tiers and availability at specific addresses (BTC Fiber residential plans).
Local coverage reports say the fiber build reached countywide availability milestones, which is a key shift for Dunlap landlords. Confirm address‑level availability before advertising, since last‑mile connections can vary by street (local coverage of BTC Fiber expansion).
What remote work needs
Remote and hybrid work remain a meaningful part of the labor market, and many remote‑capable workers weigh location flexibility and home tech heavily in housing choices (Pew Research on post‑pandemic work patterns). For these tenants, stable video calls, secure VPN access, and multi‑device use are essential. Fiber meets those needs with consistent speeds and strong upload performance.
Why tenants care about fiber
Fiber‑to‑the‑home reduces buffering and supports video meetings, cloud apps, and multiple users at once. BTC’s advertised gigabit‑class plans give you a clear, simple amenity to promote: “fiber available.” When you can show a recent speed test and name the provider, you build instant trust with remote‑work prospects (BTC Fiber residential plans).
Dunlap appeal for remote workers
Cost and lifestyle fit
Dunlap offers small‑town convenience as the county seat, with a population of about 5,800, plus easy access to the greater Chattanooga region (Census QuickFacts for Dunlap). Housing costs are generally lower than major metro areas, which helps remote workers stretch their budgets while securing space for a home office.
Third places and backup options
Remote workers value dependable backup options when home internet hiccups. The Sequatchie County Public Library in downtown Dunlap offers public Wi‑Fi and computers, a helpful safety net for urgent work sessions (Sequatchie County Public Library services).
Coverage momentum
Local reporting notes that BTC’s countywide rollout benefited from public broadband funding, which accelerated access in previously underserved spots. That broader availability raises Dunlap’s profile for remote workers who used to rule out rural addresses due to internet concerns (local coverage of BTC Fiber expansion).
Make your rental remote‑ready
- Provide clear internet info. State the ISP, typical plan options, and include a recent speed test screenshot. Point tenants to BTC’s plan page for current details (BTC Fiber residential plans).
- Strengthen in‑home connectivity. Add Ethernet ports in likely office spaces or provide a quality mesh Wi‑Fi system. Industry guidance highlights Ethernet access and managed Wi‑Fi as meaningful upgrades for work‑from‑home residents (SmartRent on remote‑work amenities).
- Stage a real workspace. Photograph a dedicated desk area with good light and power access. Community coworking rooms in multi‑unit properties can add value (Forbes on reimagined work‑from‑home spaces).
- Offer practical flexibility. Consider shorter lease terms or furnished options if you target contract‑based remote professionals.
- Provide redundancy tips. Share guidance on mobile hotspots or nearby third‑place options for mission‑critical roles.
Well‑presented, fiber‑ready units often command stronger demand and can support rent premiums where inventory is tight. The actual premium varies by local comps and how rare fiber‑served, work‑ready rentals are at the time you list (industry perspective on rent premiums).
Market your fiber advantage
- Highlight a clear hook. Use a simple badge like Fiber available and name BTC Fiber in the listing.
- Show proof. Include a dated speed test image taken in the unit and note where the router is located.
- Lead with the workspace. Put a staged office photo in the first three listing images.
- List practical details. Mention Ethernet ports, mesh Wi‑Fi, extra outlets, and blackout shades for video calls.
- Promote nearby support. Reference the Sequatchie County Public Library as a backup Wi‑Fi option for urgent work sessions (library services).
- Set expectations. If you include internet in rent, outline speeds, equipment, and who handles outages. If tenants set up their own plan, note that BTC service is available and share the provider page for plan selection (BTC Fiber residential plans).
Lease and legal notes in Tennessee
- Security deposits. If you take a deposit, Tennessee law requires a separate account and specific notice and inspection steps for deductions and move‑out. Review the statute before you finalize your process (Tennessee Code § 66‑28‑301).
- Evictions and rights. Self‑help lockouts or utility shutoffs are not allowed. Follow notice periods and court procedures for any eviction action (overview of Tennessee eviction rules).
- Clear disclosures. Spell out who pays for internet, what equipment is included, and responsibility for maintenance of any managed Wi‑Fi.
Quick checklist
- Confirm BTC address‑level availability and plan options.
- Add Ethernet in likely office rooms or provide mesh Wi‑Fi.
- Stage and photograph a dedicated workspace.
- Include a recent in‑unit speed test image.
- Decide whether internet is included or tenant‑provided, then disclose details in the lease.
- Mention backup options like the Sequatchie County Public Library.
- Price competitively based on local comps and the uniqueness of your fiber‑ready features.
Ready to position your Dunlap rental?
If you want help pricing, positioning, and marketing a remote‑worker‑friendly rental in Dunlap, you do not have to go it alone. Our local, hands‑on team can guide you on upgrades, listing strategy, and timing. Reach out to the family‑run team at Thibault Property Group to get started.
FAQs
Is fiber internet widely available in Dunlap?
- Local reporting indicates BTC Fiber reached countywide availability milestones, but you should verify service for your specific address through the provider before advertising it (coverage update).
What speed should I advertise to attract remote workers?
- Advertise what is actually available at your address, and note that BTC lists residential plans up to 1 Gbps; include a recent in‑unit speed test so prospects see real‑world performance (BTC plans overview).
Should I include internet in the rent for my Dunlap lease?
- Both models work; including managed fiber can differentiate your unit but adds equipment and service responsibilities, while tenant‑arranged plans reduce landlord obligations; disclose all terms clearly in the lease (BTC plans overview).
Can fiber and a home office raise my rent potential?
- Often yes; work‑ready features like fiber, Ethernet, and a staged office can support stronger demand and possible premiums, but the exact amount depends on local supply and comps (industry perspective).
What Tennessee rules apply to security deposits on my rental?
- Tennessee requires deposits to be held in a separate account and sets rules for inspections and deductions; review the statute and follow notice and timeline requirements (Tennessee Code § 66‑28‑301).
