HOW TO PREPARE YOUR RENTAL PROPERTY?

A common question from property owners is, "What do I need to do to prepare my rental property?" The first step to preparing the property would be to gather all your information about the property and list the amenities that come with the property. Doing this will make it easier to market and provide the information to the tenant when the unit is ready.

Common Property Facts to Note:

• How many bedrooms
• How many bathrooms
• Heat & AC Source
• Pool/Spa & Pool Service
• Fireplace/ Woodstove
• If Pets will be Considered
• If it has a Fenced Yard
• How many Garage Stalls & Remotes
• If it has RV parking
• If it has Auto Sprinklers
• What Appliances Come with the Unit
• Is there Washer/ Dryer Hookups
• Is there a Gas or Electric Dryer Hookup
• Is there a Waterline at the Fridge
• Is there a Disposal
• Is there Pest Control
• Is there Lawn Care
• What are the Utility Providers
• Is there a Door/Alarm/Gate code

After you have gathered all your information on the property, it's time to make sure it is rent-ready! Below are some items that you should address before moving in a new tenant:

UTILITIES

Owners will need to determine what company the utilities are through. Owners can offer to pay all or some utilities. It is wise to check any unpaid balances through the utility company or companies to ensure the tenant will have no issues connecting in their name.

CLEANING

Before renting out your home, we recommend that it has a thorough clean. In addition, remove all personal possessions or miscellaneous items from the property. If you desire to leave construction materials or materials for future repairs, they can be in a designated area of the home. For example, a shelf in the garage or an extra locked shed used to store construction items for the home. In other words, you want the property in the same condition as you would like to receive it from the tenants after their tenancy.

PAINTING

Many owners wonder if they should paint their homes before renting. You do not NEED to paint based on the fact that you are renting. However, new paint is recommended for rooms that have stained, chipped, or marked walls. Neutral colors always work best because they will appeal to a larger audience. Keeping the walls all the same color for the same reason will mean less work when it comes time to fix the paint in the future. Keep in mind that you want to attract quality tenants who would care for your home. New paint can change the whole look of the house. It will stand out to the type of tenants you seek, as the home will seem more updated.

WINDOW COVERINGS

No law mandates owners to provide window coverings in a rental. However, tenants usually expect some window coverings to ensure privacy and security. Whether blinds, shades, or curtains. Curtains can be considered coverings but are harder to maintain with the home. It is strongly recommended for owners to provide window coverings of some fashion. Imagine if you didn't, and you drove by your rental to see that your tenant has hung a bright sheet or Scooby-Doo blanket over the window, it just wouldn't be appealing, and if you have HOA regulations, it could warrant a fee.

APPLIANCES

Every owner is different on what appliances will come with the property. Owners will need to determine if said appliances come with a warranty or without.

Example of appliances:

• Refrigerator
• Washer/Dryer
• Dishwasher
• Microwave
• 
  

Check that all appliances are in working order before tenants move in. You will also want to make sure you customize your lease to include these amenities, and in the case, a repair is needed, who will be responsible for the repair.

FAUCETS, SHOWERS, TOILETS

We recommend that you check all faucets for leaks and under the sinks. In addition, check showerheads to ensure they are not leaking or spraying and toilets are not leaking or running. Checking for leaks can avoid a more extensive repair in the long run.

SMOKE ALARMS/CO2 MONITORS

The state law requires smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in all single-family dwelling units.

Currently, the California State Building code requires that smoke alarms should be in:

1. The hallways outside the bedrooms

2. Each bedroom

3. On every floor, regardless of whether there is a bedroom on that floor

LANDSCAPING

Tenants are requested to take care of their yards and return them in the same condition it is provided to them. This is why you should mow, edge, weed, trim the yard and remove any leaves or debris before the tenant moves in. The property owner can pay for ongoing landscaping or specify in the lease that it is a tenant's responsibility to take care of the lawn.

Does this sound overwhelming. If so we can help.  Give us a call.  530-410-6085