Are you a property owner that is considering renting out your home for the first time? Congratulations! You have come to the right place to learn more about how to get your property ready for rental.
Here are some steps that you can take to prepare your home for rental and attract the best tenants:
Inspect your home inside and out.
Address problems such as leaking roofs, clogged gutters, driveway or patio cracks, leaking faucets, and pipes or electrical outlets that aren’t working. An ounce of prevention up front will ward off costly repairs in the future.
Give everything a thorough cleaning.
Shampoo carpets to remove stains. Clean hardwoods, windows and window coverings. Repaint all walls, ceilings, baseboards, door, and closets with a neutral color that will attract buyers. And don’t forget appliances – replace or scrub meticulously to attract even the choosiest renter.
In the end, after the rental time has expired, you would like your rental property to be returned to you in the same condition it was at the beginning of the lease. Make sure everything is as clean and in good repair as it possibly can be.
Don’t underestimate the importance of curb appeal.
A home that looks welcoming on the outside is sure to attract potential renters. Think about how much money you are willing to invest. For example, a fresh coat of paint on the front door and newly planted annuals are cost-effective ways to entice renters. Remove any clutter, such as garden gnomes or pink flamingos that may turn a renter off.
Other simple ways to enhance curb appeal include keeping the lawn cut, weeded and edged as well as downspouts and drains secured properly to the house. In the winter months, keep walkways, steps and driveways cleared of snow.
Breathe fresh air into your property.
Clean all vents and change air filters throughout your home. It you have reusable filters that require monthly cleaning, consider replacing them with disposable filters, which make for less maintenance.
Also, don’t forget to clean out the dryer vent. Cleaning out the lint screen only takes care of approximately 25 percent of the lint build-up. In order to remove the remaining 75 percent, dryer vents should be cleaned annually.
Clean windows and repair screens if needed.
What renter doesn’t want clean, light-filled rooms? Make sure that your windows and doors are clean and screens are in good repair. Also, make sure that all windows and doors are well sealed. A seal that has broken will allow air to slowly leak in over time, cutting its energy-saving potential in half.
Label all water valves.
In a matter of minutes, a leaking pipe or rusted hot water heater can cause thousands of dollars of damage to a home. In order to protect your rental property, make sure all water valves are properly labeled and accessible to the tenant. Let the renters know how to turn off the water to the home before the problem gets too bad.
Spray for pests.
Have a professional pest control company treat your property for all pests common to the area.
Does this list seem daunting?
Do you have questions regarding getting your property ready to rent?
We are always happy to help make this an easy process! We have worked with homeowners wanting to rent their property in Montgomery County for over 37 years, and we would be happy to help you as well.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us today.
