8 Tips for Getting Your Property Ready to Rent

Are you a landlord renting to new tenants? It can sometimes be stressful preparing the unit for newcomers.

Some tenants will end the lease early while others will need to be evicted. As a property owner, it is vital to be ready for if these situations occur.

Before welcoming the new renters or performing a property showing, you need to get your rental unit in good condition.

Redsail Property Management is here to provide you with 8 helpful tips to ensure your property is ready for rent. Keep reading to learn more!

Advertise Your Vacant Rental Space on Multiple Property Listing Sites

The most important thing to do is market the empty rental property at popular listing sites to attract new occupants.

Make sure that your ads are effective by creating a catchy and informative headline. You should also take time to write an interesting property description to entice potential tenants to view your rental space.

You can also talk to your online network to inform people you have a property vacancy. Your friends and acquaintances can refer interested candidates. Post property photos on your social media platforms for people to check out.

Engage in the Services of Professional Cleaners

A spotless rental will bring in more interest. If you did not require an end-of-tenancy cleaning from a renter whose lease expired, hiring professional cleaners is a good decision.

They are thorough in removing dirt, dust, and stains from the property. Should the last tenant leave the unit messy, charging them the cleaning fee is understandable.

You can request for the cleaning specialists to pay particular attention to these areas:

  • Kitchen space: floor, kitchen cabinets, counters, refrigerator, stove, and pantry spaces
  • Bathroom: shower area, toilet, floor, storage shelves, tub, and sink
  • Interiors: cabinets, furniture, walls, ceilings, doors, and windows
  • Exteriors: yard space, mailbox, walls, outdoor furniture, and trash receptacles

Make Sure That the Doors Have New Locks/Keys

Landlords must install new locks on their vacated rental units. This safeguards new residents, especially if you have recently evicted the former renters.

Instead of manual locks and keys, you can also invest in electronic locks to make it a breeze to reset passwords.

This detail can be easily overlooked considering the amount of preparation you have to undertake so it is best to list it down as an urgent task.

Plan a Walkthrough and Create a Checklist

Before move-in, doing a tenant walkthrough is essential to document the current condition of the unit.

When a renter leaves, you need to do a property inspection again to determine tenant damage. This makes it easier to assign the costs of repairs. Doing a before and after comparison also takes less effort when you perform a walkthrough before the unit is occupied.

Make sure to document the walkthrough to provide evidence. You can keep a checklist on hand to thoroughly review each detail.

Then you can make an estimated calculation of the repairs that you can include as an attachment when reimbursing the security deposit to limit conflicts.

Arrange for Repairs or Replacement of Damaged Items

It is also important to make a proper evaluation of whether some rental items need replacement or repairs will work.

As your rental property ages, wear and tear is bound to happen. Appliances have their own life span and it is also safer to replace those with broken internal mechanisms since sending them for frequent repairs may end up more costly.

Here are the items you should assess:

  • Furniture - are they broken and is the cost of repair less than replacement?
  • Lights - are they functional?
  • Smoke detectors and fire alarms - do they need battery replacement?
  • Carpets, curtains, and wallpaper - can stains be removed or should they be changed?
  • Doorknobs and windows - do they need replacement or fixes?

Prioritize Resolving Damaging Property Issues

If there is suspected mold, it is best to do mold remediation. Inspect areas where mold tends to gather often, such as laundry spaces, kitchens, and bathrooms.

Another property concern you need to address quickly is pest infestation. It can be uncomfortable staying in a unit with termites, insects, and rodents.

This issue can lead to an unsanitary environment so landlords must fix this problem right away. Ensure you have enough trash bins for renters for proper garbage disposal.

Renovate the Rental Unit

Improvements on your property can create more interest from prospective tenants. Check out the top upgrades and amenities you can add.

Updating your property can increase tenant satisfaction and allow you to raise the rental rate.

It also keeps your rental competitive. Renters are more likely to stay for the long term when their units become more comfortable.

It is easy to carry out renovations on a vacant rental property since it limits disturbances. You can:

  • Coat the walls with new paint
  • Improve the outdoor landscape
  • Create more storage
  • Merge rooms for more space
  • Add soundproofing to walls
  • Replace roofing and fix leaking spots

Run a Test on Home Systems

Major home systems need to be checked more often since damage can lead to steep expenses.

Inspect the state of your plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and ventilation. You want to avoid property emergencies, such as broken heaters in the middle of the night.

Tasks you should perform:

  • Evaluate if air filters need replacement
  • Investigate leaks
  • Replace broken pipes
  • Clean up the gutters and inspect the drainage
  • Look into the water pressure
  • Ensure your electric system is updated to current safety standards

Bottom Line

While it takes a little extra effort to get your rental space ready, it is crucial to apply these tips to encourage new renters to treat your rental investment well. Proper maintenance can also increase the value of your property and improve tenant satisfaction.

Hiring an excellent property manager can help you handle everything from routine maintenance and inspections to tenant screenings and lease management, allowing you to focus on other priorities while ensuring your property remains in top condition.

Contact Redsail Property Management today to learn how their expertise can benefit your rental business.