Whether you are renting your property after a resident vacates or just trying to rent it for the first time, the property’s condition is the key thing that will determine how long it will take to get it rented and if you will be able to get top dollar for it.

There are lots of renters out there, but there are also lots of rental properties available for them to rent, which is why your property needs to stand out above the competition.  When getting your property ready to market, it needs to be in move-in condition before you show it!  If it is not ready, you run the risk of giving a bad first impression of the property and most renters cannot look through that.  Also, most renters are looking to move in within a few weeks, so depending on how much work the property needs, it may not be ready in time for them to move in when they need to.  It’s detrimental to the landlord-resident relationship to start off by delaying their move in.

What needs to be done to get your property in move-in condition? 
The best way to answer that is to look at the property as if you were looking to rent the property – would you move into it given the current condition? Put yourself in the renter’s shoes. Everything needs to be in excellent condition upfront. Eliminate as many excuses as possible for someone to not rent the property. The paint needs to be fresh, clean and free of blemishes, and carpets need to be shampooed. The property must be sparkling clean, especially the kitchen and bathrooms. Pest control needs to be done.  All the appliances, HVAC, plumbing & electrical must work properly, be clean, and in good condition. There also needs to be no safety hazards, and all windows & doors must be airtight and secure. Property must have functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with fresh batteries on each floor of the property – at a minimum. And don’t forget the landscaping! Curb appeal sells! Renters are picky and they can be with plenty of properties on the market for them to rent.  If they find something in the home that is not in good shape, doesn’t work or is dirty, they won’t rent the home or they will only be willing to pay less than a property in good shape would receive.

It is important to do these things before renting the property so that it is easier to hold a resident accountable for damages at the end of their tenancy, when there are little to no pre-existing conditions in the home that could prevent you from doing so. Residents should be expected to return the property in the condition that they received it in barring normal wear and tear. This is hard to do if the property is not in good shape when residents take occupancy.  And let’s face it, it needs to be done. Why not get it out of the way before you start marketing it, and not have to worry about it later? You’re more likely to get more money for your property and have it rented quicker than you otherwise would.

Need help getting your property ready to rent? Contact our Maintenance Division at Maintenance@HendersonProperties.com or 704-970-4154.