As a property manager or landlord you will need to do certain things in order to get your property “rent-ready” to show prospective renters. “Rent-ready” is the process by which a property is cleaned, repaired or renovated so that it is appealing to new tenants. There are so many little things to remember to do during this process, so we've come up with a list to help ease you through it.
Deep Clean Everything
Everything inside the apartment should be properly cleaned to look shiny and brand new. This will show prospective renters that you have a high standard for how your property is maintained. Appliances should be cleaned inside and out, all floors and surfaces should be cleaned, and even be mindful of things like windowsills and ceiling fans. Every area of the property has to be cleaned, from the baseboards to the ceilings!
If you have carpeting in your rental, it would be beneficial to have the carpets professionally cleaned. This is especially important if the previous tenant had pets!
Paint and Repair Walls
Walls can easily turn away a prospective tenant if there are obvious signs of damage. Fix any holes in the wall and apply a fresh coat of paint, not only to the damaged spot but also the entire wall. A fresh coat of paint can make the room look brand new! Be sure to go with a paint color that is light and neutral to appeal to the most people.
Re-key the Locks
It is important that a new tenant will have peace of mind in feeling safe in your property. Be weary that a previous tenant may still know important codes and could even have spare keys still giving them access to your property. This is why it is a must to re-key all outside door locks and to change any garage, alarm, and other important codes.
Enhance the Curb Appeal
The outside of your property is the first thing a prospective tenant will see, and first impressions are everything! It is just as important to take care of the outside, as it is the inside. Make sure the grass is cut, leaves are raked, weeds are pulled, and so on. If it’s the right season, you might even want to consider planting new flowers or bushes to add some new color.
Spray for pests
You’ll want to have your property regularly sprayed for pests. Doing it after a previous tenant moves out and before a new tenant moves in will ensure that a prospective renter won’t have to deal with this problem.
The list could go on and on with things to check, clean or repair, but nobody knows your property better than you! When getting your property ready to rent, put yourself in the renter's shoes and think of what would be important to you.