Top Tips for Getting Your Property Ready to Rent
Having vacant units can be a difficult time for property owners as the properties are losing income with every passing day. There are also the extra costs incurred in the form of utilities and advertising/marketing costs.
After a tenant has moved out, you want to make sure that the unit is left in a good condition and ready for a new occupant. However, due to normal wear and tear and for the purpose of making the unit look more appealing and inviting to tenants, you can change up the space a bit.
Having a clean and fresh-looking space can help attract potential tenants. The goal is to make sure that the unit is occupied in the shortest period possible to avoid losses from the investment.
In this article, the team at McKenna & Vane looks at several ways you can get your rental unit ready for new occupants!
Create an Inspection List
When carrying out an inspection of your property, it’s best to have a checklist that will help you avoid forgetting important items. A checklist will also help you be as thorough as possible and avoid having to do double inspections. This ensures that the inspection process is as efficient as possible.
On your checklist, make sure to include all appliances and fixtures in the unit and their condition. Make note of any item that may need to be repaired or replaced. Ensure you keep the document safe as it will be useful throughout the whole process of fixing up the unit.
Assess Any Areas That May Require Attention
During your inspection, you may notice that some of the equipment or items are worn out and need to be replaced. Even though it’s important to be mindful of your spending, you should ensure that all facilities are functional.
Having old and worn-out appliances and items make the unit less presentable and unattractive to tenants. Such appliances can also make a unit inhabitable at times and can even present as a safety hazard. This may break local and state laws and can be considered illegal.
When purchasing items for your space, make sure to get quality items. Quality items, however expensive, have a longer lifespan and will save you more money in terms of maintenance and repairs in the long run. Ensure you also hire a qualified and professional technician to carry out the installations or renovations.
Every appliance in the rental unit should be checked and double-checked. It would be an embarrassment to lease out space, only to find that the appliances are not working well. The best time to check for the functionality of your appliances is when the unit is vacant.
You should also have a specialist look at major systems such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and plumbing.
However, there are a few basic things you can check during the inspection. These include turning the oven on and off, test the water heaters, and check whether the washing machines are functioning accordingly.
Inspect Your Unit for Mold
Having mold in a residential unit is unhealthy and could also be dangerous. As such, it’s important to inspect your property for any mold signs that could be present. Mold thrives in poorly ventilated areas. So, be on the lookout for any areas like that in the unit.
If a prospective tenant saw mold in your space, there is a high chance that they will not occupy the unit.
Schedule for Cleanup Maintenance
When a tenant moves out, it’s normal for the place to be dusty. You can schedule routine cleaning in the unit. This routine cleaning helps make the place tidy and appealing for showings. Having a clean unit is also important for when a tenant is getting ready to occupy the space.
You can hire a cleaning company that will conduct a thorough cleaning of the unit. Property management companies like McKenna & Vane can be very instrumental in finding a good and reliable cleaning company with their resources.
Fumigate and Deodorize the Unit
It’s always important to fumigate a rental unit. You don’t want your new tenant to occupy a pest-infested unit. This will create a very poor image of the property.
As we’ve mentioned, you should find a trusted cleaning company. Most of these companies also provide fumigation services. Have them thoroughly clean the unit and fumigate it to keep all pests away. Focus on the wet areas such as washrooms and kitchen as they are the most prone to harboring dirt and bacteria.
Lastly, deodorize the space to make it smell as good as it looks.
Repaint the Unit
You can never go wrong with a fresh coat of paint. Repainting gives it a bright and clean look which should be what you are going for.
You will be surprised at how far a unit can be transformed by a fresh coat of paint.
Budgeting
As you are deciding on what to do, have in mind that these improvements will cost you some money, and you should only do what is necessary. Avoid spending money on irrelevant improvements; just do what is necessary and stick to the budget.
Bottom Line
When deciding on how to touch up your unit, these are just a few of the many considerations to make. It’s not uncommon for landlords to consider themselves out of their depth. Property issues typically require experience, a professional hand, and specialization.
The property company to rely on in such a scenario is McKenna & Vane Property Management! We’re a leader in the local and regional property management market. For more sound and professional advice, contact us today!