Are you planning to invest in some rental property? Do you want to rent out your home or rent out part of your home? Renting is a great way to make some money, or to use as your full-time income. Of course, being a manager of the property will pose some challenges you need to consider prior to renting. Before putting the for rent sign up on your property, take the time to assess the property to make sure it is ready to attract the right renters.
Step # 1 – Cleaning
If you have already rented out this property, you will be a pro at cleaning! Cleaning a property for rent can be tedious as you need to do a meticulous cleaning to remove dirt, grime, and dust. Cleaning comes down to getting on your hands and knees and scrubbing each and every nook and cranny in the property. Renters do not want to rent a property that is filthy. Washing the walls, scrubbing the carpets, and making minor repairs can go a long way to impress potential renters. Here are some things you can start with as you clean the property:
- Wash all the windows and window sills (inside and outside)
- Vacuum and scrub all carpeting
- Scrub tile and linoleum or wax any hardwood flooring
- Change the furnace filter
- Clean all the air vents
- Clean all the cabinets and wash the doors
- Wipe down all baseboards
- Scrub all sinks, toilets, and showers
- Dust the ceiling fans and ceilings
- Windex the mirrors
- Pull the fridge and oven out of the usual places to clean around them and underneath them
- Scrub off any oil buildup on the range and hood-fans
- Clean off any food on the cooktop and in the microwave
- Wipe down the interior and exterior of the fridge, oven, and dishwasher
- Defrost the freezer
- Have the HVAC system serviced
- Wipe down all lighting in the home to remove dust and spider webs
After you have completely cleaned the place, you should be ready to list it and start finding new tenants. However, if you notice there are some things that need to be repaired, move to step # 2 to prepare the property for rent.
Step # 2 – Repairs
When you clean the home, you may find there are several things that need to be repaired. Missing grout in the shower, broken tile, torn carpeting, and other things will diminish the value of your rental. Make repairs to the home as you clean. Replace broken door knobs, fix the hole in the wall, give the home a new coat of paint. One tip to consider is to test each window to make sure the screens are not broken and that each window locks. Making the repairs prior to the new tenant moving in will reduce a headache for both the tenant and the landlord. Here are some common repairs to make before you rent your property:
- Replace burnt out lights
- Replace burnt out fuses
- Purchase a fire extinguisher for the kitchen and each floor of the home
- Secure railings to the stairs and balconies
- Replace window caulking and sealant
- Clean the drains or hire a plumber to clean them and check the pipes for tree roots
- Check on all the door handles and knobs and replace if they are broken or loose
- Hire an HVAC professional to check the heating and air conditioning system and make any necessary repairs to expand the lifespan of both
- Hire someone to clean out the duct system to prevent fires
- Seal the bathroom tub and shower with new caulk to prevent leaks
- Replace broken fire alarms and carbon monoxide alarms
- Fix holes and cracks in the walls
- Check for signs of mold and hire a mold remediation company if you do identify black mold
Step # 3 – Upgrading the Property
After you make repairs and the property is clean, you may find yourself staring at it and thinking it is missing something. Design trends change and it may be time to do some upgrades to make the property look nicer. Cosmetic upgrades are great as they do make the property look new, and it helps to attract a higher-quality tenant to the property. The goal is to attract enough tenants to find one that you know will be capable of paying their monthly rent, while also caring for the property as if it was their own. Here are some upgrades to consider:
- Paint rooms and hallways a lighter color to open the space and make it appear bright and clean
- Change the doorknobs and kitchen hardware with new styles
- Change light fixtures
- Add new appliances
- Add new carpet
- Replace the roof
- Change plumbing fixtures with new designs
- Refinish cabinets
Once you have completed the work, you will be ready to list your property for rent. If you need help listing and managing your property, contact Keyrenter today!