Rent-Ready Checklist

There’s a lot of work that goes into renting your house in terms of research and paperwork, but don’t overlook one of the most important– actually getting your rental in shape! Your property should be clean, appealing, and safe before you begin renting it out to anyone.

The experts at McKenna and Vane Property Management have put together this all-in-one checklist for landlords like yourself. Here, we’ll dive into everything you’ll need to do to make your house perfectly rent-ready!

Outside

The first thing potential tenants will see when checking out your property will be the exterior. Make sure the outside of your rental is in great condition.

Landscaping

Make sure all aspects of your landscaping are neat and tidy. Ensure your grass is mowed, weeds are pulled, and any overgrown trees are trimmed. Don’t neglect the curb and sidewalk in front of the home, if it has them!

Driveways and Walkways

Make sure driveways and walkways are clear of obstructions. Remove litter and take care of grass or weeds around the edges.

House Exterior

Check the outside of the home for visual blemishes like peeling paint or chipped walls, as well as safety risks like chimney condition, roof leaks, and foundation security. You may want to consider hiring a professional to inspect your property’s foundation and uncover any weak spots.

Garage, Patios, Balconies and Entrances

Make sure all transitional areas between outdoors and indoors are clean and safe. Clean floors of any mud or dirt from outdoors, and ensure that doors are weatherproof.

Inside

Though the outside is important, the inside of your home is where your tenants will be spending the most time! There are several things to consider inside of the rental.

Windows and Screens

Ensure the safety, security, and cleanliness of every window in the home. Check that opening/closing mechanisms are fully operational, as well as any locks, and wipe them down with an effective glass cleaner on both sides.

Walls, Ceilings and Baseboards

Thoroughly inspect every wall and baseboard for any holes, chipped paint, or other damage, such as damage incurred from mold or water. Ensure your ceilings are secure and leak-free.

Floor Coverings

Check all carpets, mats and rugs for damage, excessive wear, or noticeable dirt. Clean dirty floor coverings, and replace any floor coverings that are damaged, including linoleum.

Plumbing

Ensure all plumbing fixtures in the home are in working order, including the bathroom and kitchen. Consider hiring a professional to check for leaks, and to ensure proper drainage and pressure within your systems.

Bathrooms

Ensure that every inch of your bathrooms is thoroughly cleaned, and be vigilant in checking every corner and crevice for signs of mold.

Ensure that every feature in the bathroom is fully functional, This includes toilets, sinks, bathtubs and showers. Make sure all faucets receive both hot and hold water, and that the temperature gauges are accurate and usable.

Hardware and Locks

It’s a good idea to rekey all locks on the property in between renters. Once that is done, ensure that they’re all fully functional. For electronic locks, change the batteries to ensure that they will be operational for as long as possible.

Closets and Storage Areas

Check the functionality of all closet doors, cabinets and drawers in the home. Oil or replace any hinges that need it. Make sure that all storage areas are clean, inside and out, as well as being fully empty.

Kitchen Counters and Cabinets

Make sure the kitchen is spotless! Additionally, you may want to consider upgrades or renovations for modernity if your property needs it.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

It’s very important that crucial safety devices like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in proper working order. Test each one in the home to ensure functionality, and replace all batteries to keep them up and running as long as possible for the new tenants.

Lighting and Electrical Outlets

Check the functionality of all light switches, outlets and breakers in the home. Replace any lightbulbs that are burnt out or flickering.

Heating and Air Conditioning

Make sure that all heating and air conditioning systems in the home are fully functional. On top of that, check that your thermostat works, and that it displays accurate information.

Check all vents and filters in the home as well, and consider hiring a professional if you’re unfamiliar with this process.

General Safety

Above all, safety should be your number one priority when preparing your rental property for new tenants. On top of any safety concerns mentioned above, check for anything else that could possibly be a risk, such as unstable or uneven stairs, loose floorboards, or unusually sharp corners on counters or furniture.

Smells and Odors

Make sure to clear the property of any unpleasant odors, such as ones left by mold, mildew, or even especially strong cleaning agents. Periodically check all rooms, especially bathrooms, for any smells throughout the preparation process.

Operating Condition

Lastly, make sure that every appliance and amenity in the home is functioning as expected. Ensure no faults or errors with the operation of kitchen appliances such as ovens, stoves, fridges and microwaves, as well as any electronics or security systems the home may come with.

Conclusion

Ensuring the cleanliness, safety, and effective operation of your rental is one of the most important steps to renting, as it can guarantee a positive move-in experience for all parties involved.

Looking for more help navigating the move-in process, or anything else property management? McKenna and Vane Property Management will be your guide to keeping your rental property fully operational, and as effective as possible. Contact us today to get started, and see your rental thrive.