Once a renter moves out, you’ll need to set up your unit to be rent-ready for the next one. You’ll be scheduling property showings intending to entice potential residents to sign a lease agreement, so you have to ensure that your rental space is attractive and habitable.
Your unit must be pristine and free from clutter. Your home systems must be in top condition.
You want the renters to be able to envision living in your rental unit for a long time.
This article will provide recommendations on how you can make property improvements before touring prospective tenants around your rental. Below are some tips you should consider.
Perform A Detailed Property Inspection
Before a new renter moves in, it’s vital to inspect the unit thoroughly. Is there any damage that needs fixing? Is the water pressure acceptable? Are the pipes and furnishings in great working order? Having a ready checklist ensures you don’t miss any critical items.
Conducting a walkthrough inspection with a tenant pre-move-in is also a great property management practice for landlords. You want to compare the state of your property before and after so it’s easy to identify damage before reimbursing the renters’ security deposits.
Consider Paying For A Professional Cleaner
Although you can clean up your rental unit on your own, hiring a cleaning specialist is more effective. They have the skills and equipment to guarantee a thorough cleaning.
Additionally, hired cleaners also use excellent cleaning supplies that deliver a refreshing living space. Some landlords include end-of-tenancy cleaning as the last task for renters before they move out, but if this isn’t a part of your process and the space is messy, you can consider charging the former renter a cleaning fee.
Send Damaged Items For Repairs
After running a full inspection of your rental and discovering damage, it is time to assess if you need to have these items repaired or replaced. Although it may seem that having items fixed costs less in the short term, the frequency of repairs may be expensive in the long term.
With an empty rental, you can be more thorough with your evaluation. For special repairs, such as HVAC systems, it is the best time to have them inspected by specialists. For damages due to wear and tear, consider a replacement. Note that this type of repair cost cannot be charged to the tenant.
- Broken appliances must be sent for repairs
- Check if light bulbs need to be changed
- Run a thorough check on fire alarms and smoke detectors
- Spot damage on windows and doorknobs and have them fixed
- See if the carpets and curtains require replacements
- Review the life expectancy of appliances and have them replaced
Advertise Your Vacant Rental
It is critical to market your empty unit right away.
- Talk to your friends and inform your social network
- Place ads on popular listing sites and newspapers
- Attend local community events to spread the word
- Install professional signs to get the attention of passersby
- Distribute flyers at a place where your target demographics gather
Since your maintenance expenses do not stop even when a rental is unoccupied, you need to act quickly. Maximize the traffic on social media platforms by staging attractive property photos and digital tours. Include appealing property descriptions to draw more engagement.
Improve Your Property’s Curb Appeal
While the interiors of your rental matter, it doesn’t mean you should ignore your property’s exteriors. An attractive home exterior stirs the interest of potential residents.
It is best to improve your landscaping by keeping a neat yard. Repair broken fences and remove clutter and litter. Mow the lawn, trim overgrown branches, and plant new grass.
Another upside to presenting a neat exterior is it discourages intruders from breaking into the empty rental. You want to make it seem that the unit is occupied to avoid vandals and squatters from entering and damaging your place.
Fit Doors With New Locks
Once a renter moves out, you need to ensure that security is a priority. Rekey locks or reset passcodes if you have electronic locks. This is even more important if you recently evicted a renter to safeguard the safety of the new resident.
Consider Doing Renovations
Since it is difficult to perform renovations when tenants are staying in your unit, it is better to make improvements while your rental is unoccupied. There won’t be any noise complaints and you can wrap up the project quickly.
- Repaint the walls
- Do some landscaping
- Install additional storage
- Replace cabinet hardware and bathroom fixtures
- Add soundproofing to walls
- Repair roof damage
- Replace kitchen faucets
Deal With Mold And Pest Infestations
Ensure your rental is hygienic by hiring a regular exterminator at the first sign of rodents, insects, and bed bugs. Check spots where moisture gathers easily and perform mold remediation when you see signs of it. Keeping your rental free from mold and pests creates a conducive and habitable living space.
Bottom Line
Preparing your rental must be done before welcoming the next group of residents. The tasks listed above are essential activities for landlords. If you have little time to attend to your unit, engage the services of a reliable property manager since they have plenty of resources and professional skills to run a rental business well.
If you are looking for one, contact Vineyard Property Management today!
