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Preparing a rental property for new tenants is one of the most important things a landlord can do when letting out a home. By making sure the property is clean, safe and visually appealing before listing it, you can attract reliable, long-term tenants more quickly. This guide will walk first-time landlords through all the key steps involved in getting a property ready to rent out.
One of the most important initial steps is conducting a thorough walkthrough inspection of the property. Approach this as if you were a prospective tenant coming to view the home for the first time – walk through each room and make detailed notes on any repairs or improvements needed to make the property more appealing.
Pay close attention to the condition of each feature, from the flooring, walls and windows to kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures and electrical system. Look out for worn carpets, damaged walls or ceilings, faulty wiring and any other issues that could pose a problem for a tenant. As part of the process, make a room-by-room checklist to ensure you don't miss anything when it comes to making the necessary repairs.
Cosmetic fixes like scuffed floors or faded paint may not seem urgent, but they can deter potential tenants if the property seems dated or poorly maintained. Safety hazards like broken stair rails, faulty smoke detectors and security hazards are more urgent priorities and should be tackled first.
Top tip: Investing some money upfront to get your rental property into tip-top shape will maximise your rental income in the long run. Just be sure to keep all your receipts for any upgrades for when tax season rolls around.
Once all repairs and renovations are complete, perform a deep clean on the entire property to make it sparkle. Thoroughly clean from top to bottom, leaving no trace of previous occupants, focusing extra attention on bathrooms and kitchens which require sanitising and are often some of the grimiest areas of a property.
Areas often overlooked are walls and ceilings, but cleaning these down too can help to eliminate scuffs and stains. Likewise, steam clean carpets and rugs to remove odours, stains and allergens, and freshen up the air in the property. A deep clean resulting in a spotless, fresh smelling property makes the best first impression on prospective tenants touring your rental.
Top tip: You may want to consider hiring professional cleaners for a more thorough job, but be sure to do a final sweep yourself to pick up any last traces of dust or dirt, before new tenants move in. Remember, the period between the clean and move-in day may not be immediate.
Ensuring your rental property is safe should be a top priority before welcoming new tenants to the property. Conduct a thorough safety inspection and make any necessary repairs or improvements.
First, include a test of all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors in the property and replace batteries. If needed, install new detectors, which are a legal requirement for landlords. Properly functioning detectors can save lives in a fire or carbon monoxide emergency.
Landlords also need to have all electrical systems and components inspected by a qualified professional who can check for exposed wires, faulty outlets or tripped circuit breakers, making repairs where needed. They’ll also be able to upgrade electrical panels or outlets if they’re not currently up to code. Similarly, evaluate all gas appliances and pipes for leaks, using a detector to test for gas leaks around water heaters, furnaces and stoves.
Other areas of the property that will benefit from a health check include the plumbing system and drains, together with boilers or air conditioning units. Landlords should also be aware of any structural or safety hazards, such as damaged steps, faulty plug sockets or a lack of railings on stairways.
Top tip: Check for compliance with all local building codes, and obtain proper permits for any renovations which are required.
The visual appeal and overall condition of your rental property's outdoor space can make a strong first impression on prospective tenants. So, take the time to ensure the landscaping, parking areas and any other outdoor features are well-maintained and looking their best.
This may include trimming back hedges and trees, keeping lawned areas mown and reseeded if the lawn is patchy, and power washing decking or patio areas to remove stains and moss. Eco-conscious landlords can also add features such as water butts and native plants, to make the garden more sustainable.
Maintain the kerb appeal of entrance areas by keeping porches, steps and walkways clear. Ensure doorbells and numbers are visible, and prune trees or bushes blocking views. It’s also a good idea to install solar-powered lights that are motion activated to improve visibility and security for your tenants.
Top tip: Landlords should clean out gutters to remove any leaves, dirt and debris from them, so that rainwater can flow properly. This will help to prevent leaks in the winter months.
Once the property is cleaned from top to bottom, dedicate time to staging it in the best light for prospective tenants touring the home. Staging is the process of making a home look inviting and appealing, by helping people to imagine themselves living there. It can spell the difference between your property languishing in the property listings and garnering plenty of interest from tenants.
If you’re offering a furnished property, you may want to swap out characterful pieces for more neutral items, to appeal to a broader pool of people. This allows tenants to envision it as their own space and put their own spin on the home when they move in. Paint walls in light, neutral shades of beige, grey or white for a fresh look, and replace outdated lighting fixtures with new ones that brighten up rooms.
Purchase new doormats and plants for the front entrance, new shower curtains in bathrooms, and other subtle touches to spruce up the décor to make it look fresh and new. You may even choose to rearrange living and dining room furniture to create an inviting flow. A staged property feels welcoming yet blank enough for new tenants to fill it with their own furnishings and finishing touches over time.
Top tip: The goal is for tenants walking through the home to be able to envision themselves living in the space, not getting distracted by the previous occupant’s personality or style.
Preparing your rental property to be move-in ready for new tenants is one of the most important investments you can make as a landlord. While it does require time and effort upfront, the payoff is well worth it. Thoroughly cleaning, making cosmetic improvements and conducting safety checks helps attract qualified tenants faster, and marketing a pristine, inviting rental will generate more interest and applications to choose from.
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