Homeowners often want to know what they should do to get their homes ready for the rental market. It’s a pretty straightforward process, but some property owners who aren’t experienced with rentals don’t understand what potential tenants will expect when they come to view your property. We’re shedding some light on that today.

Functionality

Inspect every part of your home and make sure it’s functional. All the sinks, toilets, appliances, heat and air conditioning should be working. Check all of these systems regardless of the season. If it’s winter and your heat is fine, check your air conditioning as well. You don’t want summer to arrive and the air not to work.

Safety and Security

Make sure the property is safe and up to code. You’ll need locks on exterior doors, windows that can open and close, and nothing about the stairs that could be potentially dangerous. You don’t want anything in the house to be able to hurt anyone. If it was built before 1978, you need to be sure it’s in compliance with the Maryland State Lead Law. For many southern Maryland owners, this is a big rent-ready concern.

Showings

Make sure the property shows well for the rental market. Clean, neat, and orderly homes will rent faster and for a higher amount than properties that don’t look so appealing. Make sure the walls are freshly painted and everything is clean, including your appliances and your floors. It should all look good. Replace or clean the carpet. At least have it cleaned professionally before a tenant moves in. You can require tenants to clean the carpets before moving out.

Just walk through the house and make sure everything is safe, working, and ready to go. Ask yourself if you would move into the house if you were a prospective renter. If you can say yes, you’ll know your house is rent ready.

If you have any questions about your southern Maryland rental property, please contact us at Real Property Management Gold. We’d be happy to tell you more about our southern Maryland property management company.