If you want to get the most for your rental property, then you need to present the best version of it. Potential tenants will judge your home and its rental value based on their first impression.
Then once in the home, you can reduce your maintenance costs by confirming everything works before the tenants move in. You don’t want to start a new rental relationship off on the wrong foot by having constant problems.
Add these five tasks to your to-do list when preparing to list your property for rent.
1. Clean and Deodorize
The first thing you should do when getting your home ready to rent is to clean it. This is especially true if someone has previously lived in the home for a long period of time. Pay special attention to the kitchen and bathroom as these rooms get used the most and get the dirtiest.
You should also clean the carpets and have wood floors refinished.
2. Test and Service Appliances
No one wants to move into a new home and immediately have problems with the appliances. You can start your new renting relationship off right by testing all of the appliances before any tenant moves in.
Turn on the oven and confirm that the temperature displayed is the same as in the oven. Check the water heater and confirm that it’s working. Run the dishwasher for a cycle.
Wash and dry a load of towels to confirm that both machines work. Thoroughly clean the dryer vent when you’re done. Finally, test the heating and air conditioning system to confirm that they turn on and effectively change the temperature in the home.
Perform any required maintenance you discover during testing.
3. Re-Key or Change the Locks
Tenants want to feel safe in their new home. Changing the locks protects both them and you. If you can’t re-key your existing locks, then you should replace them.
If you plan to actively rent long term, then investing in a keypunch lock can be a smart choice. You’ll simply change the code after each tenant.
4. Spruce up the Landscaping
Curb appeal matters. Properties with high-quality landscaping rent for 7% higher than similar properties without landscaping. Start by mowing the lawn and having any dead patches addressed.
Trim back the foliage that hangs over the roof and blocks the windows. This will protect the home’s roof from damage, open up the front of the home, and increase the natural light inside the home.
Edge the walkways, so they look crisp. Then plant some local low maintenance decorative plants. Balance looks with maintenance demand, so you don’t create an additional expense of regular landscaping.
For an extra boost in curb appeal, look at the front of the home. Paint the front door and create a welcoming entrance.
5. Paint
Painting can cost a bit more than the other tasks on this list but is well worth it for giving the entire home a fresh new feel. You may not have to paint after every tenant. Cleaning can only do so much, while the paint will give the entire home a brighter look and feel.
Stick to bright, light, and neutral colors. White is always a safe choice, but you could choose a pale tan or gray color too.
Hire Help With Listing Your Property for Rent
Checking all of these items and preparing your home for renting can be a time-consuming job. You need to factor this in to the cost of managing your rental property.
Instead of spending your time painting and cleaning, consider hiring a property management company. Our team takes care of preparing your home for rent ensuring all of the details are taken care of. Let the experts prepare your home and have confidence when your home hits the market.
Contact our office today and let us help you manage your rental property.
