When you own a property, you must be ready for anything, from tenant damages to evicting problematic tenants. Whatever the reason is for a property vacancy, concentrate on preparing your rental for your upcoming occupants.
Before you accept property showing requests and arrange schedules, you must ensure that your rental unit is ready to be occupied. You also need to do the following tasks to further engage the prospective renters to sign a lease with you.
8 Tips To Help Get Your Property Ready
1. Advertise Thoroughly
You need to increase your rental exposure to boost engagement since vacant rentals can increase maintenance costs, specifically repairs, utility fees, and cleaning charges.
Craft property ads better to inspire more interest from prospective renters. Your property description must allow better visualization, such that potential tenants can imagine what it is like to stay in your rental unit.
Ensure your headlines provide complete details that renters will seek out, such as location, property type, number of rooms, rental fee, new renovations, and most outstanding features. Including photos taken professionally will highlight the beauty of your property and attract more tenants.
Spread the word about a vacant unit through social media, word of mouth and by using traditional marketing methods. If a great tenant already occupies the unit. Inquire about their interest in staying. Offering lease renewals help decrease vacancy periods.
2. Invest in Professional Cleaning
You may think that you don’t have to spend on cleaning costs. However, engaging the services of cleaning specialists can be better since they have professional cleaning skills and access to equipment and products that are more effective. If the unit is left in a mess you may be able to charge the previous renter the cleaning costs.
There may be landlords that make end-of-tenancy cleaning a requirement before a renter leaves. However, if this is not part of your procedure, you can engage the services of professional cleaners to ensure that your rental unit looks welcoming and spotless.
Prepare a checklist for professional cleaners to review. Cleaning tasks will be completed fully and no area will be left out. The list should include all areas that need to be thoroughly cleaned as well as any specific task you want completed.
3. Replace Door Locks
Landlords should prioritize rekeying door locks to ensure the safety of new tenants. You can take advantage of modern technology and invest in electronic locks. Reset passcodes without the need to install new keys.
Tenants also appreciate electronic locks since they don’t have to stress over where the physical keys are, as they can just use their mobile devices to unlock their doors.
4. Conduct a Walkthrough Inspection
Conduct a walkthrough inspection before the tenant moves in. Have a checklist ready to ensure you don’t leave anything out. This practice allows you to review the current condition of your property and document any existing damage.
This task allows you to identify any work that needs to be completed before the tenant moves into the unit. You will also have documentation of the initial state of the property. Write detailed notes, take photos, and film, so it is easy to go over when the tenancy ends. You can also present it as proof to the renter to limit potential conflicts.
5. Schedule Repairs or Replacements for Damaged Items
An occupied unit can make it hard to evaluate the items in your rental in great detail. By conducting a walkthrough home inspection you can thoroughly evaluate all aspects of the property.
Do a cost estimate between arranging repairs or replacing the items to ensure financial savings. If replacing the item will save money long term it could be a good decision to purchase new. If it is a simple fix, repairing it may be the way to go.
6. Plan Renovations
Although upgrading your unit will require spending, it is recommended to improve your rental and gain an edge over new competitors with better amenities. A vacant rental space makes it easy to perform property improvements since there won’t be noise complaints or interruptions.
A newly renovated unit can increase the monthly rent, however be sure to do adequate research before raising rent prices.
Renovations need not be costly, you can make simple enhancements, such as repainting the rental and upgrading the curb appeal by landscaping and adding more plants.
7. Fix and Prevent Mold Issues.
Mold can cause health problems as well. It is best to deal with it when you spot the problem. Ensure that areas where moisture tends to be present are inspected for mold. Such areas are laundry rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. If mold is found you must plan for remediation.
8. Test HVAC Systems Before Tenants Move In
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems must all be properly functional to guarantee the comfort of your renters. If any of them malfunctions, you can expect a flurry of tenant complaints.
Before this can happen, make sure to arrange a regular inspection of your plumbing, electrical, and cooling systems. Being proactive also leads to saving on repair costs since HVAC system damages can be expensive.
Bottom Line
Maintaining a rental property and ensuring it’s ready for new tenants requires thorough preparation and attention to detail. From advertising your unit effectively to ensuring it is clean, safe, and well-maintained, every step is crucial in getting your rental ready to rent.
By investing in professional cleaning, addressing repairs, and conducting regular inspections, you increase the property’s appeal and reduce potential issues. Incorporating modern conveniences like electronic locks and conducting preventive maintenance, especially on HVAC systems, can also enhance future tenant satisfaction. =
For seamless property management, East Bay Property Management is here to provide expert assistance. Contact us Today!
