Do you know how to get your property rent ready?
Renting out your property is a big decision. If you want to produce healthy returns, there are some things you should do before listing your property on the market.
These things will make sure that your property is rent ready.
As a landlord, it is important to remember that the changes you will be making are for the tenants. These changes should therefore help to improve the functionality of the property while also leaving enough space for tenants to envision it as their new home.
To make sure your property remains competitive in the rental market, it needs to be move-in ready before presenting it to prospective tenants.
In this article, we’re sharing 8 tips on how to get your property ready to rent.
1. Improve Your Property’s Curb Appeal
Curb appeal can be described as how good a property looks when a person views it from the outside. The exterior of the property provides a first impression to prospective tenants and it can significantly impact your chances of renting of your property early.
There are a few steps you can take to improve your property’s curb appeal. They include the following:
Clean the exterior
A good place to start would be cleaning your property’s exterior. This involves cleaning the external walls and the driveway. A pressure washer is efficient in removing dirt, but you should be careful not to cause any damage while using it.
Collect the trash and debris
Take a quick walk around the property and pick up any trash you might find. You should also collect debris. Any out-of-place items take the attention away from your property. So, be sure to remove them from the outside of the property so your home looks clean and well-kept.
Landscape the property
Pay extra attention to the greenery on your property. You can mow the lawn, trim any bushes and prune the trees. You may also want to consider planting a garden if there is enough space. The main goal is to make the property look presentable and to attract new tenants.
2. Assess Any Damage to the Property
Another important activity is to inspect the interior of the property for any signs of damage. In each room you inspect, pick a starting point and walk along the walls to identify any damaged items. This technique is called “walking the wall” and it is used by professionals when conducting property inspections.
You may also need to inspect other elements, such as the HVAC system and fire safety systems. Be sure to inspect the property extensively to avoid circling back for other repairs later on.
3. Check the Property for Mold
Mold growth is harmful to a person’s health. It can result in various respiratory complications. This can cause you to lose tenants.
Mold mostly grows in damp places and areas with poor ventilation. If you spot any sign of mold growth, contact a professional mold remediator to help restore your property.
4. List Down the Repair Items
As you conduct these inspections, note down all the repairs that are needed. Whether it’s a broken window or outlet, create a detailed record of the damaged items you come across. You can also take pictures for additional details.
These notes will be helpful at a later stage when keeping track of all the repairs that need to be done. After listing the damaged items in detail, reach out to qualified specialists to have the repairs done.
5. Make the Necessary Upgrades
You should also consider replacing some of the worn-out appliances, such as old refrigerators, washers and dryers. Replacing old appliances can help you save on maintenance costs in the long run, especially if they are likely to get damaged.
Getting new appliances for the property also increases the property’s appeal. A prospective tenant would be pleased when viewing your property and finding new appliances installed. This would help to create good relations from the start.
6. Paint the Interior
A fresh coat of paint can work wonders for a property’s interior. Painting your property is a great way to give it a fresh look. It is advisable to use neutral colors like off white as opposed to bright colors. This is because bright colors may turn some prospects away.
7. Repair the Floors
Stained carpets, chipped hardwood floors or broken tiles can easily be spotted by prospective tenants. This might take the attention away from all the improvements you’ve made. It is therefore necessary to repair any damage and to clean and polish the floors.
If you have carpeted flooring, you may want to consider replacement if the carpets are worn out. Carpets can sometimes trap odors which can be unhealthy. You want the property looking clean and smelling fresh when showing it to prospective tenants.
8. Deep Clean the Property
A thorough cleaning of the property is highly recommended. For this step, it is advisable to hire a professional cleaning service to get the job done.
Professional cleaners are efficient when it comes to deep cleaning a property. They can ensure there are no more germs and dirt in the property.
Conclusion
Preparing your property for the rental market might seem like an uphill task, but the steps mentioned above can help you attract more prospective tenants.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you may want to consider hiring a reputable property management company to assist you with getting your property ready to rent. They can also help you with marketing, tenant placement, and property maintenance.
At Property Hunters, we have a wealth of experience to cater to properties in Windsor and the greater Toronto area. Our highly qualified team of professionals can help you make your property investment experience hassle-free while generating the best possible returns.
Get in touch with us today.
