8 Tips for Getting Your Property Ready to Rent

For any landlord, getting your property ready for renting is vital. Not only is getting a rental space renter ready essential in landing a tenant but it’s also mandated by law. Before renting an apartment, house, townhouse, or another type of rental property, there are numerous factors to consider. 

In this blog, we at Alltrade Property Management will break down 8 of the most essential tips to consider before renting out your unit to a tenant.

Deodorize, Fumigate and Clean the Unit

Cleaning, deodorizing, and fumigating the unit is the first and most crucial procedure. You don't want your new tenant to be greeted by grime when they move in. As a result, you must properly clean the rental property. 

First, concentrate your efforts in the kitchen, bathrooms, and toilets, which are the most prone to grease, soap scum, and dirt buildup. Then, to ensure that your rental is a healthy living area for your new tenants, you should fumigate it to eliminate any bugs and then deodorize it.

Tenants are obligated to leave the home in the same condition they found it. By ensuring that the space is thoroughly cleaned you both set the standard for the new tenant moving in and make them feel comfortable in the space.

cleaning your rental unit

Take Stock of Your Appliances

Just before a new tenant moves in, you, as the landlord should double-check that all of your appliances are in functioning order. Turn the oven on and off, checking that each burner is working as it should. Also be sure to check the water heater, washer, garbage disposal, and HVAC system. 

Check for Mold in Your Unit

Mold can be harmful, if not deadly. So, ensure you inspect your property for any signs of mold to protect your tenants and property. 

Mold grows in damp environments especially when there’s a lot of moisture, dust, and insufficient ventilation. If you find a sign of mold, make sure you call a mold cleanup specialist and consider adding/ upgrading ventilation systems in the unit.

Do Minor and Major Repairs in the House

After completing any of the major repairs in your rental, you’ll want to satisfy all of the routine maintenance tasks to ensure that the property is in good condition before a tenant moves in. 

Consider replacing smoke detector batteries, changing your HVAC air filter, planting grass seeds in dead spots on your lawn, cleaning gutters, replenishing salt in your water softener, and repairing or replacing damaged or missing hardware such as doorknobs, handles, doorstops. 

You should also leave your utility deposits with the utility companies. That way, if your tenants leave during the winter, you can call the utility companies and have them turn on your electricity and water, so your pipes don't freeze.

Painting rentals walls

Paint and Refresh the Walls

Some of the most common complaints tenants have about houses are that there are too many nail holes in the walls or different colors have been painted over filled holes. Before you leave the house, remove all nails and hooks from the walls, fill the hole with spackle, and dab just enough paint to cover the spackle with a q-tip. 

You don't want to do too much because your walls may end up looking blotchy. However, if you pull a paint chip from the wall near a baseboard and bring it to a paint store, you can get paint that matches the existing color on the wall. You can also consider painting the walls a new color to and brighten freshen up the space. 

Replace Broken Tiles and Refinish Hardwood Floors

Broken and stained tiles detract significantly from the aesthetics of a room. It’s critical to replace damaged tiles in the bathroom, kitchen, toilet, or other tiled room. You should also clean the grout and seal any gaps between the tiles. If your home has hardwood floors, you may need to do some restoration work. Note that floor restoration is not the same as refinishing.

Perform a Tenant Screening

Once you've found a possible tenant, have them fill out an application that includes their name(s), employer, past landlords, and references. 

screening tenants before renting to them

Obtain written permission to check their credit reports and any criminal records. Be aware of your rights as a landlord and those of the tenant. We recommend that you read the provisions of Fair Housing Laws to ensure that your screening process is legally compliant. 

Tenant screening is a very essential part of the leasing process that some private landlords overlook. A thorough screening process ensures that potential tenants are trustworthy. Landlords risk allowing poor-quality tenants to live in their property if proper screening is not performed.

Hire a Qualified Property Manager

The final and most important step you can take when renting out a property is to hire a reputable property manager. Whether or not you live near your properties, they can be a valuable asset. 

A good property management company will thoroughly inspect your property and hold the tenants accountable. They'll also be able to market your property, collect rent on your behalf and keep detailed financial records for you. You’ll hear from them regularly and be able to reach them easily. If you are thinking about renting a property, consider the experienced and professional team at Alltrade Property Management. 

Conclusion 

Although preparing a rental unit can be costly, it’s always worthwhile. This is because it makes it easier for you to find high-quality tenants for your space. These are tenants who will take good care of your property and stay for the long term.

In an aggressive rental market, renting your home can be an appealing way to supplement your income and profit from a property you're not yet willing to part with. Call upon the property management experts at Alltrade Property Management. We are willing to advise you at every step of your rental management journey.