What Does It Mean to Get a Property Rent Ready?
So you have a property that you want to rent out. That’s great! Rental properties have the opportunity to provide passive income and be a valuable investment.
However, there are several steps you need to take in order to get your property properly rent ready and attract high quality tenants.
This article will go over what it means to get your property ‘rent ready’ and the steps that you as a landlord or property manager should take to get it there.
Rent Ready Maintenance and Repairs
Before listing your property, it’s is important make sure everything is in good working condition. Tenants expect a certain level of maintenance and cleanliness that directly impacts their quality of life. Taking the time to properly prepare your rental goes a long way towards keeping occupants happy, minimizing complaints down the road, and ultimately, protecting your investment.
Complete Cosmetic Improvements
While not always required, freshening up the look and feel of your property leaves a good first impression and makes it more appealing to prospective renters. Some cosmetic upgrades to consider include:
- Painting or touch up paint on interior and exterior walls
- Polishing or refinishing hardwood flooring
- Patching holes, cracks, and other minor wall damage
- Thorough interior and exterior cleaning
- Power washing exterior surfaces like siding, windows, etc.
- Adding decorative landscaping and outdoor lighting
Check All Systems and Fixtures
It’s not enough to improve the aesthetics. All equipment, appliances, and features also need proper servicing to make sure they are functional. Be sure to:
- Inspect the roof, gutters, and siding for leaks, cracks, or pest damage. Water infiltrating the home can lead to mold and deteriorate walls over time.
- Check insulation levels in attics and walls to regulate temperature and energy efficiency.
- Examine the foundation and external structures for signs of settling, cracking, or intrusion that can undermine structural integrity.
- Inspect all appliances included are cleaned and in working order like the refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, washer, and dryer, etc. Either service or replace any non-functioning machines.
- Test all faucets, drains, and toilets for leaks or clogs. Slow drainage can occur over time. Make repairs to keep water flowing freely.
- Replace old window screens with holes or tears to keep out flying insects.
- Test all internal air conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems. Replace any dirty filters.
- Inspect doors, cabinets, and hardware to fix sticking or broken drawers, hinges, and knobs. Smooth operation is key.
- Check for adequate hot water supply in bathrooms and kitchen. Set the water heater temperature appropriately.
- Ensure all lighting fixtures and outlets function properly with no shortage or sparks indicating danger.
Taking time to examine all areas of the property pays off when issues are corrected before move-in rather than after the fact.
Update Safety Features
Don’t underestimate the importance of safety preparations. Installing proper warning devices, establishing clear escape routes, and securing the space against unauthorized access help safeguard occupants against harm.
- Change the locks between tenants so previous occupants can’t re-enter using old keys.
- Include deadbolts on exterior doors for better security against break-ins.
- Check all entry and exit ways have adequate lighting to prevent tripping on steps or paths at night.
- Test smoke, carbon monoxide and other detectors and replace batteries if needed so they function when required.
- Inspect banisters, railings, and steps inside and outside to ensure sturdiness and prevent falls or injuries.
- Confirm escape ladders or permanent stairs lead away from upper-level rooms in case of fire.
- Check that all fire extinguishers are filled and functional (if provided) so smaller blazes can be immediately suppressed.
Allow Time for Thorough Cleaning
A thorough deep cleaning before occupancy removes allergens and leaves the interiors fresh. Make sure to:
- Clean all surfaces: Dust furniture, wipe down walls and switch plates, disinfect bathrooms, remove cobwebs inside and out, vacuum thoroughly, mop hard surface floors, and steam clean carpeting.
- Wash all windows and sills: Remove accumulated grime from panes, sills, and screens.
- Clean out all closets, cabinets, and storage spaces: Sweep then mop floors, remove any leftover items from previous tenants, and vacuum out drawers.
- Pay special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms: Disinfect sinks, showers, and toilets, and wipe down cabinets. Clean out the fridge and any appliances that remain.
- Freshen laundry spaces: Give the washer and dryer a disinfecting clean before use. Sweep and mop flooring.
- Improve air circulation: Open windows to air out rooms before showing. Consider adding ceiling fans to keep the air moving.
- Check for mold: Carefully examine all areas including basements and attics for any faint musty smell indicating moisture issues. Remediate appropriately.
- Clean yard space: Mow grass, trim bushes, and foliage, and clear any garbage.
Taking your time to clean every corner of the property removes all traces left behind by prior residents, and creates a fresh start for new tenants.
Preparing Documentation
Renting out your property involves an array of documentation to establish agreement on usage guidelines and protect both owner and occupant rights under the laws of your state.
Create a Rental Listing
Drafting an accurate rental listing provides key details to attract qualified candidates to apply. Be sure to include:
- Accurate description of the property including bedrooms/bathrooms, square footage, amenities like parking, storage, appliances, etc.
- Monthly or annual rent price and deposit amounts
- Terms and length of lease offered
- Whether utilities and other services are included
- Rules about pets, smoking, subletting, etc.
- Contact information for the listing agent, landlord, or property manager
Prepare a Rental Application
Screen tenants thoroughly by having prospects fill out a detailed application covering:
- Applicant Identifying Information: Full legal name, contact information, driver’s license, date of birth, etc.
- Rental History: Previous addresses, landlord contacts, dates of tenancy.
- Income Verification: Employer name, position, salary, and pay stubs.
- Credit & Background Check Consent: Signed permission to obtain a consumer report.
- References: Names and contact information for personal and professional references.
Complete Tenant Screening
Carefully vet all candidates to identify responsible renters best positioned for successfully maintaining your property.
- Call previous landlords to check rental history and confirm timely payments.
- Obtain a credit check through an approved agency to review payment history.
- Run a criminal background check for past infractions impacting applicant eligibility.
- Verify income and employment to prove earnings. Get written proof of salary.
- Call personal references to attest to applicant’s character and reliability.
Avoid discrimination when reviewing tenant applications. Establish uniform screening criteria that are applied evenly to all candidates.
Generate Lease Agreement
A strong lease agreement outlines policies, payments, maintenance duties, and other guidelines to govern the landlord-tenant relationship. Documents to include:
- Rental Contract: Official lease duration, monthly rent & deposit, renewal options, which utilities are covered, any maintenance or lawn care provided, smoking and pet policies, sublet terms, and number of permitted occupants.
- Move-in Inspection Form: Documents pre-existing property condition including any current damage, appliance operation, flooring defects, etc.
- Maintenance Addendums: Covers repair request processes, access rights to perform repairs, and payment terms for any tenant-caused damages.
- Mold and Lead-Based Paint Disclosures (if applicable): Provide written information about potential property hazards to occupants.
Oversee that your lease agreements comply with federal, state, and local tenant-landlord laws. Consider having an attorney review or provide template rental contracts that contain required clauses protecting owner and occupant rights.
California landlords and property managers can turn to the California Association of Realtors’ form library for several standard templates used across the industry.
Retain All Documentation
Keep meticulous written records covering:
- Advertisements, showings, applications, tenant screening documents
- Signed lease contracts, addendums, inspection reports, and disclosures
- Payments received or deposited into bank accounts
- Maintenance requests and services provided
- Any complaints issued by tenants or neighbors
- Communications regarding lease non-renewal, eviction proceedings, security deposit returns, etc.
Thorough record keeping protects against legal disputes should significant issues later arise requiring evidence of past agreements, transactions, or events.
Habitability and Ongoing Maintenance
A crucial responsibility when renting property involves properly maintaining the space in a habitable condition suitable for occupation. Failure to provide habitable premises violates state laws entitling tenants to certain rights and remedies – costing landlords time, money, and rental income.
Habitability Defined
For premises to be considered legally habitable, they must meet minimum state standards covering aspects such as:
- Functioning major appliances and equipment systems – Refrigeration, heating, plumbing, electricity, locks
- Adequate hot and cold running water with reasonable water pressure
- Buildings free from rodents and insect infestations
- Clean interior spaces without accumulated refuse or sewage
Maintaining Habitability and Property Upkeep
As you can see, properly preparing a property to be “rent ready” requires significant effort and attention to detail. But taking the time upfront to ready your rental for occupancy helps attract more tenant applicants to choose your unit and starts the landlord-tenant relationship off right.
Quality preparation also pays off in more satisfied tenants, fewer complaints, and maintenance issues down the road — saving you headaches while preserving or even enhancing rental income over time.
Then, by staying actively involved with upkeep, paying attention to habitability standards, and keeping open communication with occupants, you promote harmonious long-term tenant retention.
Need help getting your San Diego rental property rent-ready?
As licensed contractors specializing in maintenance and repair for property managers and landlords, Octo Property Services offers reliable service and expertise. We provide:
- Cosmetic Refreshes – Painting, Flooring, Landscaping
- Safety Upgrades – Lock Replacement, Lighting Installation
- System & Appliance Repair – Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC
- Move-out Services – Cleaning, Trash Removal, Touch-ups
- Annual Inspections & Seasonal Maintenance
Our licensed, bonded and insured technicians can handle any size project – from simple handyman jobs like fixing stuck drawers or replacing worn carpet to whole home renovations with kitchen or bathroom remodels. And we pay close attention to important details that make your property stand out while improving profitability.
To get a quote for any rental renovation or repair services, contact Octo Property Services today!
