You own a home, and you want to start renting it out. How do you know when it's ready for new tenants? What tasks need to be done to ensure that everything is in working order? Are there any laws you need to comply with?
We’ve created this quick and easy guide to help you figure out if your property is ready to be rented. By following it, you’ll have happier tenants, lower maintenance costs, and a more enjoyable landlord experience.
Everything Is Repaired
All of the appliances are in working order. This means having a technician perform tests and make any necessary maintenance and repairs. You need to have confidence that the oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer, dryer, water heater, and HVAC system are all in working order.
Testing all of the appliances before a tenant moves in is key to knowing what repairs are necessary. This will cut down on the number of maintenance questions you receive. Any appliances that don’t pass testing and are unrepairable should have been replaced.
Performing these repairs will keep you compliant with Texas landlord and liability law. Failing to do so can put you at risk of the tenant withholding rent.
There’s a Fresh Coat of Paint
A fresh coat of paint will make the entire space look clean, bright, and ready for a new tenant. Don’t try to spot touch the wall, just go ahead and have the entire wall painted.
Stick with neutral colors that are shades of white or tan. This will have the broadest appeal. Do not leave paint for the tenants to use themselves. If the home needs painting, you want to ensure it’s done correctly.
You Have New Locks
It is good practice to rekey or change the locks between each tenant. You may want to consider replacing the traditional locks with keypunch locks. This will let you quickly reprogram the lock between each tenant.
Having new locks will give your new tenants a level of security. You don’t know who the previous tenants gave a copy of the key to.
It’s Cleaned and Deodorized
After a tenant moves out, you need to hire professional cleaners to come in and do a thorough and deep clean of the entire home. This especially applies to the kitchen and the bathroom. You’ll know the house is ready when there is no more grease buildup in the kitchen and the bathroom is thoroughly disinfected.
You’ll also want to check that the carpets are clean. Even the cleanest and more careful of tenants will track dirt.
Then inspect everything from the ceiling fans to the baseboards. You want to remove all dust, dirt, and stains. No one wants to feel like they are moving into someone else’s filth.
It Has Curb Appeal
Just like when buying a home, potential tenants make first impression judgments about properties. You need to ensure that your property has curb appeal. Not only will it help you rent your property faster, but you’ll get a higher rent for it.
Hire landscapers to come out and spruce up the front yard. This should include mowing the lawn, pulling weeds, removing dead plants, and planting fresh greenery.
You should also take a look at the outside of the home. It may need pressure washing or a fresh coat of paint. Inspect the roof and determine if it needs cleaning or repair. The roof contributes up to 40% of your home’s look for curb appeal.
Let the Pros Handle It
If all of these tasks sound time consuming, you’re right. Hire a property management company and let the professionals care for your rental property. You can relax knowing that every detail is thought of and taken care of.
Contact our office today and let us handle getting your property ready to be rented.
