Tips for Preparing a Rental Property for a New Tenant
Are you planning on renting your property for the first time? If so, the key to success is getting that rental property for your new tenant.
Owning a rental property in Portland Oregon is an excellent way to generate consistent monthly cashflow and a healthy ROI but most owners/landlords don’t have a plan for how to get their properties ready for their next tenants. Some will vacuum the property and call it good while others will spend more time preparing their property for the next individual or family that will be living there for the next 12 months.
In this article we will share with you the process that you need to follow to get your rental property ready for your first tenant.
Step 1 – Thorough Inspection
Before anything else, take the proactive step of conducting a thorough inspection of your property. This includes both the interior and exterior. Look for any maintenance issues, damages, or areas that need repair. Some things to check include:
Plumbing: Check for leaks, blockages, or water pressure issues. For instance, a leaky faucet or a slow-draining sink could indicate a plumbing issue. Ensure faucets, toilets, and showers are all in working order—electrical Systems: Test outlets, light switches, and appliances within the property.
Heating and Cooling Systems: Ensure the HVAC system is functional. Clean or replace filters, and make sure the thermostat is working correctly.
Roof and Windows: Check for leaks, drafts, or broken windows and make sure the roof is in good condition.
Walls and Flooring: Check for cracks, stains, or any structural issues that need fixing.
Taking care of these problems before the tenant moves in will help avoid future maintenance requests and give the tenant a good impression of your property.
A deeply cleaned rental property leaves a positive first impression and shows your tenants that you care.
Step 2 – Deep Clean the Property
Cleaning is one of the most critical steps in preparing your rental property. A spotless home shows your tenants that you take pride in maintaining the property and sets the tone for how you expect them to care for it during their tenancy. Here are the key areas to focus on:
Kitchens and Bathrooms: These areas typically require the most attention. Scrub all surfaces, clean inside cabinets, disinfect countertops, and make sure the appliances are in pristine condition.
Carpets and Floors: Carpets should be professionally cleaned, while hard floors should be swept and mopped. Pay attention to corners, baseboards, and high-traffic areas.
Windows and Walls: Clean all windows, both inside and out. Wipe down walls, especially around light switches and door handles, where grime tends to accumulate.
Air Ducts and Vents: Clean or replace air filters and dust vents to ensure good air quality in the home.
A clean home looks appealing and creates a healthier living environment for your tenant.
Repairing anything that’s broken or malfunctioning shows tenants that you want to create a safe place for them to enjoy.
Step 3 – Make Repairs
In addition to any damage that needs to be fixed, consider making strategic upgrades to enhance the property’s appeal and increase its value. These don’t have to be costly but can make a significant difference in attracting quality tenants. Some upgrades you might consider include:
Repainting the Walls: A fresh coat of paint can make the property look newer and more inviting. Stick to neutral colors to appeal to a broader range of tenants.
Replacing Old Fixtures: Outdated faucets, cabinet handles, and light fixtures can wear out a home. Replacing these with modern alternatives can give your property a refreshed look.
Update Appliances: If your property includes appliances like a refrigerator, stove, or dishwasher, consider upgrading to more energy-efficient models if they’re outdated. Energy-efficient appliances attract tenants and can help them save on utility costs.
Making these improvements can increase the value of your rental property and make it easier to find tenants willing to pay higher rent.
Step 4 – Double Check Safety Features
Your tenant’s safety should be a priority. This means ensuring all safety features are in working order and up to code. Make sure to:
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: These should be installed on every floor and tested regularly to ensure they work. Replace the batteries if needed.
Install Fire Extinguishers: Place fire extinguishers in key areas like the kitchen and ensure they are up-to-date and easily accessible.
Check Security Features: Make sure all doors and windows have secure locks. If the locks have not been changed recently, consider rekeying or replacing them before a new tenant moves in for added security.
Ensure Proper Lighting: To reduce safety hazards, both indoor and outdoor lighting should be functional. Install adequate lighting in stairways, walkways, and common areas.
Ensuring safety measures will give your tenant peace of mind and demonstrate that you are a responsible landlord.
Step 5 – Review Rental Property Condition
Before the tenant moves in, it’s crucial to document the property’s condition. This will help protect you in case any disputes arise over damages at the end of the lease. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Take High-Quality Photos: Photograph every room and focus on specific areas such as flooring, appliances, walls, and any existing damage. Date-stamp the photos for documentation purposes.
Create a Written Checklist: Go room by room and create a checklist of everything on the property, noting the condition of each item. This can include appliances, fixtures, and the overall state of the property.
Get the Tenant’s Signature: Once the tenant moves in, go through the checklist with them. Both parties should agree on the current state of the property and sign the document.
This documentation can be used later to compare the state of the property when the tenant moves out, which helps determine whether any deductions from the security deposit are necessary.
Creating a welcome packet for new tenants is essential because you should want to make it as easy as possible for them to thrive in their new home.
Step 6 – Create Welcome Packet For Tenant
Once the property is ready for the new tenant, it’s your responsibility to ensure they have all the necessary information to settle in smoothly. This can include:
Contact Information: Provide your tenant with your contact information and that of any property managers or maintenance personnel they may need to reach.
Utility Information: Give the tenant details on how to set up utilities such as water, electricity, gas, and internet. If you include any utilities in the rent, clarify this in the lease.
Rules and Regulations: Ensure the tenant is clear on any laws or regulations that come with the property, such as pet policies, parking rules, and noise restrictions.
This information upfront helps the tenant feel welcome and sets the expectations for their tenancy.
The locks should always be changed on your property after your previous tenant moves out because you never know who may have made copies of the key to the rental property.
Step 7 – Change the Locks
Changing the locks is a simple but essential task. You never know how many copies of the keys are floating around from previous tenants, so rekeying or replacing the locks ensures the new tenant’s security. Additionally, reset any passwords or codes if your property has security systems.
Our property management team is ready to talk to you! Contact us today and we will be glad to help.
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If you own multiple properties or manage a property from afar, consider hiring Rent Portland Homes Professionals to handle the day-to-day responsibilities of renting your property, including tenant screening, maintenance requests, and rent collection.
Our team save busy owners hundreds of hours in wasted effort and thousands of dollars per year so that our owners can start earning passive income from their properties again.
Learn more about the services that we can offer you by calling us at (503) 646-9664 or click here to connect with us online.
