As a landlord, you have to be prepared when renters decide to bid farewell to your rental. You need to create a process for readying your unit for the next set of residents. You aim to find good tenants right away since vacancies can be costly.

An attractive rental space will always garner attention and to achieve this, you must make your rental place hard to resist for renters. Read and apply the best tips below by American Dream Realty and Management to entice high-quality occupants.

1. Avoid Sticking with One Property Listing Site

You need to post your ads on multiple sites where potential tenants often visit. Study what kind of ads would engage more people. Take good photos of your unit and show interesting details that renters find desirable.

Craft interesting property descriptions that evoke an emotional response, such that the reader will reach out to you to schedule a property tour. Use an informative headline that captures your target market.

Spread the word to your network that you are on the lookout for potential renters. The more candidates, the better your tenant selection will be. Market online and offline. Install yard signs, hand out flyers, and post on popular social media platforms.

2. Hire Cleaning Specialists

Professional cleaners can be invaluable since they can turn your rental unit into a spotless and pristine space. With advanced cleaning tools and equipment, they can easily clean off hard-to-reach areas and leave your property smelling fresh and clean.

cleaning-floor-with-a-mop

Some landlords impose an end-of-tenancy cleaning from renters before they move out, so if this is your practice, you can skip the services of cleaners. If the rental is messy, you can collect a cleaning fee from the tenant’s security deposit.

You can instruct professional cleaners to be attentive to the following areas:

  • Kitchen space: floor, kitchen cabinets, counters, refrigerator, stove, and pantry spaces
  • Bathroom: shower area, toilet, floor, storage shelves, tub, and sink
  • Interiors: cabinets, furniture, walls, ceilings, doors, and windows
  • Exteriors: yard space, mailbox, walls, outdoor furniture, and trash receptacles

3. Ensure You Replace the Locks on Doors

Once an old tenant moves out, you want to create a safe environment for the new renters by installing new locks and handing out a new set of keys.

Evicted renters can be prevented from trespassing on the property. It is also a good idea to invest in electronic locks to streamline this task. Instead of replacing locks manually, you can change the passcodes easily.

You need to prioritize this task as a critical safety measure. With so many preparation tasks, you might miss attending to this vital detail.

4. Draft a Checklist as You Plan a Walkthrough Inspection

Performing a walkthrough can be advantageous to see the overall state of your rental space before allowing anyone to move in.

a-person-inspecting-property

Documenting the property damage beforehand also allows you to see which repairs must be charged to the former renter so the cost can be deducted from their security deposit. Natural wear and tear cannot be charged to the tenant.

Another benefit is you can note down the existing damage before the new renter moves in and have it repaired.

5. Decide Which Items Require Repair or Replacement

Even if you want to save your rental income, you still need to invest in repairs and maintenance to increase the value of your property.

As the years pass by and more tenants occupy your unit, you are bound to encounter damage from normal wear and tear.

You can choose to have them fixed or replaced. Calculate whether frequent repairs will end up more expensive than directly buying a new item.

Here are some property items you need to evaluate:

  • Furnishings
  • Lights
  • Smoke detectors and fire alarms
  • Carpets
  • Curtains
  • Wallpaper
  • Doorknobs
  • Appliances
  • Roofing
  • Tiles

6. Fix Insidious Property Issues

Mold and pest infestation are two of the most common tenant complaints and if you spot signs of this issue, you need to figure out how to resolve them.

No one likes to stay in an inhabitable environment where rodents and insects are running around or to see the dank mold covering a wall.

Find time to check where mold presence is popular, like areas where moisture tends to gather the most like laundry spaces, bathrooms, and kitchens.

a-person-checking-for-mold

It is also recommended to hire an exterminator to fix the issue of pests. Ensure that the rental unit is also well-maintained and sanitized to limit the presence of termites and bugs.

7. Upgrade the Rental Unit

Property improvements can interest potential renters. Budget for renovations on property amenities to persuade renters to stick around longer and attract more new residents.

It can also pave the way to increasing the rental rate and will ensure you don’t lose renters to other competitors.

The best time to renovate your rental space is after a renter moves out to complete the project quickly. Some of the renovation tips you can try are:

  • Painting the property to give it a fresh appearance
  • Focusing on outdoor landscaping
  • Installing more storage cabinets
  • Combining unused rooms for more space
  • Adding soundproofing
  • Fixing the leaks on the roof

8. Test Major Home Systems

HVAC systems must be functional to ensure that your rental unit is a comfortable residential space. Doing frequent inspections is highly recommended since damage can be costly.

Assess your pipes, heater, air conditioning unit, and ventilation systems. Even minor issues can escalate into a future property emergency so it is best to run a test.

Tasks you must perform as a landlord:

  • Check for air filter replacement
  • Attend to leaks
  • Have broken pipes repaired
  • Clean up the gutters
  • Assess the water pressure
  • Update your electric system to the current safety standards

Bottom Line

Getting your rental space ready requires time but it is critical to do the above tips to make tenants happy and boost your property value.

If you have little time to perform this essential property maintenance for the next renters, consider hiring a reliable property manager. Contact American Dream and Realty Management today!