3 Steps Needed to Prepare Your Property to Become a Rental Lease

After the collapse of the housing market, many homeowners have made the decision to use their homes as a rental lease rather than selling the property. This is a smart decision for people who want to move or simply do not want to sell a property and accept a much lower price for the property on today’s market.

Keyrenter Layton has been renting properties for homeowners for many years. They work with homeowners every day and help them prepare their homes for becoming a rental lease property. The following information will help owners seeking property management for a property to understand how to prepare their home for rental.

Clean the Property Thoroughly

The first thing that needs to be done is the home needs to be cleaned from top to bottom, inside and out. You need to aim for the appearance of a hotel. If in doubt, ask yourself how you would feel about seeing a dirty drain or crumbs if you were staying there? The answer will give you an idea at the amount of attention to detail that needs to take place while cleaning.
You will need to clean out all of the appliances, cabinets, bathrooms, and closets completely. If you are currently living in the property until it is leased out, put the majority of your personal items in storage or move them to your new property. Clutter will appear untidy and make the space look smaller.
When a prospective tenant comes in, they will look everywhere, so be prepared by having an immaculate home. The property will need to sell itself, so have everything shining and clean. You want your tenants to be ready to sign a lease and move in immediately.
The following is a list of items that need to be cleaned by area. All of these items will need to be thoroughly cleaned before the property can be inspected and utilized as a rental lease.

Kitchen

Empty and clean out the refrigerator.
Clean the dishwasher and traps inside the dishwasher.
Clean the oven or range inside and out. Make sure to clean under the cook top. Replace any drip pans, if necessary.
Remove all of the food you possibly can from the cabinets and clean them inside and out.
Clean countertops, baseboards, and floors. Scrub grout clean every corner and groove.
Wood cabinets should be cleaned and conditioned as well.

Bathrooms

Clean Showers and shower doors.
Clean bathtub and plumbing fixtures.
Make sure all of the drains are cleaned.
Clean toilets and sinks thoroughly.
Clean cabinets, baseboards, tile, grout, and floors

Bedrooms

If furnishings are included in the lease, mattresses should be in a frame. They should be clean and beds covered with clean linens.
All other furniture should be thoroughly cleaned and emptied.
Windows should be clean and have blinds.
Ceiling fans and lighting should be completely dust free and clean.
Doors and handles should be also be cleaned and free of markets and fingerprints

Whole House

Furniture and closets should be cleared out, with exception of furniture to be included in the lease agreement.
Floors should be thoroughly cleaned throughout with grout and grooves between hardwood cleaned and carpets shampooed.
Clean moldings and baseboards. Make sure to clean in corners where dirt can hide.
Check for cobwebs over cabinets, in corners, and around any other nook where they can exist.
Clean all lighting including chandeliers, ceiling fans, lamps, fixtures, and globes.
The furnace, A/C unit, and HVAC ducts should be cleaned and filters replaced.
Washer and dryer should be cleaned, if they are included in the lease, and vent traps and exterior vents cleaned.

Exterior

Siding, brick, or stucco should be cleaned of any mildew, mold, or other debris.
Chimneys should be cleaned out professionally.
Decks and patios should be power washed.
Carports or garages should be empty and cleaned.
Flower beds and gardens should be weeded, mulched, and manicured.
The lawn should be trimmed and tidy.
Trees and hedges should be trimmed and cut down, if necessary, to prevent property damage.

In addition to this common cleaning list, other items may need attention such as swimming pools, grills, and any other items that remain on the property. Everything should be cleaned out thoroughly. Keyrenter Layton will be able to work with you to make sure your property is up to speed prior to becoming a rental lease.

Additional Improvements

Unless you have painted recently, the interior walls should be painted a neutral color. Bright, vibrant, or dark colors will turn off potential renters. Also use eggshell or semi-gloss latex paint to make it easier to clean and less likely to stain.
Trim should be painted on the inside and out. If the exterior is painted, it may need to be painted as well. Decks should also be sealed or painted to protect the wood and prevent costly water damage.

Inspection

Your property will need to be inspected prior to leasing. Property Management will inspect the property and make notes of any existing defects and inspect appliances to see if they are operating. If anything is not working properly, it will need to be repaired prior to leasing the property.

Repairs

In order to protect your property and tenants, repairs may have to be made for certain items to be brought up to code or in order to become a rental lease. If you have any questions about why repairs are needed or how to go about the process of having anything repaired, Keyrenter Layton will be able to guide you through the process.

Rent Your Home

Turning your home into a rental lease doesn’t have to be scary or difficult. Elbow grease and a few minor repairs are usually all that is needed in order to prepare your property for renters to move in. This will make your property easier to maintain and make it easier for inspectors to notice damage when they periodically inspect the property while it is being leased.