Welcoming a new tenant can be exciting, but preparing your rental property is also a challenging experience for landlords who are not fully experienced. Making sure that your property is in excellent condition not only sets a great first impression with your tenant, but it also helps in maintaining a smooth and positive landlord-tenant relationship.
If you’re a new landlord and you’re planning on bringing new tenants into your properties, follow these steps to ensure that you have all of your bases covered before move-in day.
Conduct a Thorough Inspection
First and foremost, it’s a good idea to inspect your property in order to identify any repairs needed or maintenance issues that need to be addressed. Common issues that may come up in a new rental property (or after a previous tenant moves out) include the following:
- Leaking faucets or pipes
- Damaged or non-functioning electrical outlets and lighting
- Damaged or worn flooring (stained carpets, cracked tiles, scratched wood)
- Signs of pest infestations
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in need of new batteries
Seeing that each of these issues is fixed prevents complaints and makes it easier to proceed with preparing your rental property for new tenants.
Preparing Your Rental Property with Deep Cleaning
A clean, well-maintained home sets the standard for how you expect tenants to maintain your property. If you want them to take care of the space to your liking, give them an example of what a spotless property looks like. If possible, hire professional cleaners to take care of the carpets and floors, wash the windows, and deep clean appliances, cabinets, and countertops. It’s also wise to prepare your rental property by making sure the bathroom and its fixtures are clean, surfaces are dusted, and the home smells clean and inviting.
A spotless home makes a significant difference in tenant satisfaction, so do your best to keep your property safe and habitable for the best possible outcomes.
Refresh the Interior (if needed)
If the home you’re renting out is a bit older or it’s been a while since it’s had a refresh, give it a makeover before tenants move in. For example, a fresh coat of paint can make the home feel newer and well-maintained. For color choices, go with neutral options that appeal to a broader range of tenants. It’s also a good idea to update old fixtures (lighting, cabinet handles, faucets, etc.). These small changes can modernize the space without requiring a significant investment on your part.
Assess the Property’s Security
Maintaining your tenants’ safety should be a top priority for dedicated landlords. As such, it’s important to run a thorough security check before move-in day. Make sure that all the property’s window locks are secure, and install new entry locks for added security (just in case a former tenant has spare keys). Check outdoor lighting as well to make sure it illuminates entryways effectively. If you have a security system installed, check to make sure it’s up to date and in good working order.
Check and/or Service Appliances
Part of preparing your rental property means making sure that all the included appliances are working properly. If you have appliances installed in the home, check each of them to make sure they’re running efficiently, with no signs of damage or malfunctioning. Include the following in your checks:
- Refrigerator and freezer
- Oven and stove
- Dishwasher
- Washing machine and dryer (if provided)
- Heating and cooling systems
Additionally, you may want to consider having a professional service the HVAC system to make sure it continues running as it should.
Review Your Lease Agreement
Leasing laws and regulations can change, so before you have a tenant move into your property, review and update your lease agreement paperwork. Make sure that you cover any new policies or rules that you plan on introducing. Ensure that your lease agreements cover:
- Rent amount and due date
- Security deposit amounts and details
- Maintenance and repair responsibilities
- Pet policies
- Rules on property use and modifications
A clear and comprehensive lease agreement helps prevent misunderstandings and disputes, but before you add any new rules, make sure they’re compliant with your local leasing laws.
Preparing Your Rental Property with a Welcome Package
Creating a welcome package for your new tenants not only helps foster a positive landlord-tenant relationship, but this step can also make it easier for them to get accustomed to the inner workings of the unit. Your tenant welcome package should include a list of contact information for both emergencies and non-emergencies, instructions for using appliances and systems in the unit, and trash or recycling pick-up schedules.
In addition, you might also want to provide a list of local amenities and information about different services in the area (such as bus schedules, local gym locations, and nearby stores).
Document the Property’s Condition
After you’ve performed all the repairs and maintenance tasks needed, document the property’s condition. Walk through the unit and take detailed photos of each room in the home. You may even want to record video footage as you walk through the unit so that you can document the appearance of every square foot of the space. Record yourself turning on appliances, flushing toilets, and opening/closing windows to show that everything was in good working order just before the new tenant moved in. This documentation will be invaluable in case of disputes over damages when the tenant moves out.
Preparing Your Rental Property with a Walkthrough
A walkthrough with the new tenants is also an essential part of preparing your rental property. This final step ensures that all parties involved are satisfied with the property’s condition and the tenants understand how everything works. Use this time to:
- Explain any quirks of the property
- Show them how to operate appliances and systems
- Answer any questions they might have
This walkthrough sets the tone for open communication and shows your commitment to maintaining the property for your tenants.
Preparing your rental property for new tenants involves thorough inspections, cleaning, and addressing both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the home. By taking these steps, you can ensure a smooth transition, set a positive tone for your relationship with your tenants, and protect your investment. Happy tenants are more likely to take good care of the property and stay longer, which makes your efforts worthwhile.
