8 Tips for Getting Your Property Ready to Rent
As a landlord, you will have to work with tenants who are moving out of your property. The next step is to prepare the unit for your future renters. To effectively market your vacant property, take care of every aspect that potential renters will be considering. Planning ahead of time will help to reduce the stress of handling tenant turnover.
Read on for our expert advice on how to prepare for your next rental!
1. Post your rental on listing sites.
The first step in getting your home ready to rent again is implementing both offline and digital marketing strategies. Let your contacts know that you have an empty apartment, and set up a viewing for prospective tenants. Ask your present tenants if they know of anyone looking for a new place to rent.
Through social media, you can promote your rental and respond to inquiries. Make sure to highlight the best aspects of the unit in the property’s images. Include captivating property descriptions that are catered to your ideal tenants. However, make sure to keep Fair Housing Laws in mind as well.
2. If anything is faulty, fix it or get a replacement.
When a property is empty, you will have enough time to assess the state of the rental unit. Leave no stone unturned. Inspecting the condition of every room and appliance is crucial before any new tenants move in. If any appliances have become unusable from wear and use, you can search for a replacement.
Here are some of our tips:
- First, keep in mind the time it will take to replace the appliances in your property.
- Send in any furniture or appliances that require repair.
- Check to see if any light bulbs need to be changed.
- Check the smoke alarms and fire alarm system.
- Fix broken door knobs and fractured glass.
- Repaint the walls if there are chips, peeling, or if it’s style is outdated.
- Check to see if you need new drapes, window treatments, and flooring.
3. Resolve potential issues with the security deposit.
Once the tenant has moved out, do a complete assessment of wear and tear. You will want to compare the state of the rental before and after its tenancy, as this allows for you to create a list of repairs needed.
This is necessary to ensure that the security deposit is reimbursed to the tenant. As you investigate the property, reference a checklist to make sure every item has been carefully examined.
You should also be aware that the State requires you to have returned a past tenant’s security deposit within a certain amount of time. Failure to do so can lead to potential fines and legal ramifications that can impact the success of your rental property owner.
4. Hire qualified cleaners.
If the rental home is sufficiently clean, you can take care of the cleaning directly. Professional cleaners, however, are much more thorough and have the necessary equipment to reach difficult-to-reach sections of the home. They also offer effective cleaning products that keep your rental home feeling and smelling great.
If the unit is intolerably dirty, you may even bill the prior renter for the expenditure of restoration.
A sample cleaning checklist is provided below:
- Bathroom: floor, tub, walls, sink, mirror, and storage cupboards.
- Kitchen Area: floor, sink, counters tops, stove, refrigerator, microwave, pantry, and other storage areas.
- Other important locations include: the basement, closet, indoor and outdoor walls, windows, ceilings, moldings, and laundry room.
5. Reinstall the locks and rekey the main doors.
Having a strong security system is a must. Ensure that the only individuals with access to the property are the new tenants.
Whenever there is a turnover you must change the locks and the keys. Include this on your checklist so that you don’t forget this important step.
You might also consider using biometric locks, as they are a convenient option that makes password resets easy.
6. Complete any renovations and repairs.
The best place to make home improvements and renovations is in a vacant apartment. This is where you will want to remodel the bathroom, kitchen, or any other room that is outdated.
While tenants are occupying your property, it can be difficult to perform this upkeep because it might disturb them. Contractors will do the remodeling more rapidly since they won’t need to coordinate a schedule with the tenant.
Here are several examples of rental enhancements you might consider:
- Modernizing the landscape
- Painting new murals
- Including areas for storage
- Expanding the area
- Removing obstacles
- Replacing or fixing the roof
7. Ensure the HVAC systems are operational.
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC) are essential for maintaining a rental home’s habitability. If broken down, the tenant can take you to court for an uninhabitable rental unit.
If you don’t have the experience, call in an HVAC expert company to check the system. They would be performing checks or making repairs to the following:
- Change your air filters. This must be done frequently.
- Look for any signs of leaks.
- Reinstalling broken pipes
- Examine the drainage system if there is an obstruction.
- Analyze the water pressure.
- Permit experts to thoroughly assess your electrical and plumbing systems.
8. Resolve any pest infestations.
One of the most constant complaints among renters is pest infestations, which may deter future renters. If you notice any signs of it, make sure to solve the issue. If there are bedbugs, termites, ants, or rodents, your rental space can become uninhabitable.
Some good practices to prevent pests are:
- Install garbage, cardboard, recycling, and organic bins.
- Schedule regular cleaning of the common areas.
- Engage exterminators on a regular or quarterly basis to prevent bugs.
Bottom Line
Implementing the above shows prospective tenants how highly you regard your property. This in turn informs them that they must take exceptional care of the property themselves once they move in.
If you just have a restricted amount of time to prepare your rental space, you may decide to hire a property manager to do it for you. Property management companies have the expertise and experience in property duties and will ensure that your rental is in the best condition possible.
Are you searching for a property manager in Austin, Texas to assist you with your rental properties? With Bigham & Associates LLC realtor and property management services, you can relax knowing that your property is being looked after with the greatest care.
Our team has more than 30 years of combined industry expertise, and we have developed a solid reputation for providing reliable service. In the Austin, Texas region we offer wide and modern property management services. We are committed to giving you the finest client experience and the best customer service.
