When your rental property is vacant, you want to rent your home as soon as possible to keep the rent coming in. But, you also want it rented to the best possible tenant. When a rental home is not ready to be shown or the rent is set too high for the market, it delays the leasing process, turns off prospective tenants, and hurts your cash flow. It’s critical that your property is ready and makes a good impression. Today, we’re sharing our rent ready process. When you follow these simple steps, prospective tenants will be more likely to see your property as a desirable place to call home.
Curb Appeal Ideas
Assess your home’s curb appeal from the street as if you were a potential tenant. An unattractive first impression can prevent renters from ever viewing the home.
Conduct a Walk Through
When you’re renting your house out, walk through and note needed maintenance and repairs. Cosmetic issues are also important. Running water or leaking plumbing, broken windows, mold, and locks that don’t work all put you and your tenant at risk.
Re-Key the Property
Re-keying the property will protect you and your tenant from any security issues. This protects you from liability and provides simple, secure access. It’s also required by law in many places.
Inspect Appliances and Systems
Check appliances to ensure they work. Make sure everything is clean and new filters are in place. The water heater, air conditioner, and heater should also be inspected. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors should also be checked and in place. Make sure they have fresh batteries.
Don’t Show Too Soon
If remodeling, cleaning, or major work is needed, don’t show the property during construction. It’s difficult for tenants to see what the home might look like. Remove any personal items from the property. Check the attic, crawl space, garage, and storage sheds. Anything you leave behind can expose you to liability.
Paint and Utilities
Paint any non-neutral walls a neutral color. Don’t touch up; paint completely, and don’t leave any paint behind for tenants to use. Remember to keep all utilities on until the tenant moves in. the goal is to create a home that prospective tenants can imagine themselves living in. So, don’t leave them in the dark. You want the home to be well-lit and a comfortable temperature.
Professional Cleaning
Have the home professionally cleaned, especially after maintenance crews have been working. Pay attention to upkeep during vacancies. Remember to have lawn care, pest control, and routine cleaning scheduled regularly.
Install a Lockbox
With a lockbox in place, you can securely show the property to prospective tenants. It also reflects professionalism.
Set Rent
Determine an appropriate rental amount for the area and the market. You want to quickly attract a sufficient number of potential applicants. When rent is too high, you have a longer vacancy. This can quickly eat away at your profit.
The more attractive the property, the easier it is to rent it quickly to a reliable tenant.
If you need help renting your home quickly and getting it ready for the market, we can put our proven expertise to work. Contact us at Real Property Management Gold, especially if you’re renting out a house for the first time.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
