Get Your Home Ready to Rent with These 5 Steps

May 1, 2020

Thinking of renting out your home but aren't sure where to start? We've got you covered. When turning your property into a rental, you want to make sure it's in great shape and "rent ready". This means that everything is in good working condition, it's clean, and you've made the necessary repairs. Let's dive into the details with five specific steps to ensure success.

1. Deep Clean

Get your home professionally cleaned before tenants move in. This means scrubbing baseboards and getting carpets shampooed. Every area should be sparkling. A perfectly clean property is easy to promote. It also sets expectations in terms of what your property must look like when renters move out.

2. Prepare Utilities

If you have an autopay set up for your utilities, this should be cancelled once a tenant has been placed. Utilities such as electric or gas should have a Continuous Service Agreement completed to assure the home has electricity and gas if it is vacant. Propane tanks should be filled or at least ¾ of the way full and tenants are responsible to have the same amount of propane in the tank when they vacate. If on a septic, make sure that it is serviced before a tenant moves in so that you can guarantee it functions properly.

3. Check All Appliances

Check your appliances' warranties. If you are using a property manager, always let them know if you have appliances under warranty and give them that information. That way, if something comes up, the property manager can take informed action. Change furnace and fridge filters before a tenant moves in and leave at least one extra filter in the home for routine changing.

4. Provide Info About Any Additional Services

Some homeowners include landscaping services in their rental agreement. If you want to do this and you are using a property management company, make sure your property manager knows the landscaping company’s contact information. This will make it easy for them to discuss scheduling and to inform the tenants.

5. Make Safety a Top Priority

Make sure all personal items are removed from your property unless there is a way to secure those items from damage or theft. Household items such as paint, filters, lightbulbs, or yard tools can be left for tenant use if you want, but all personal items should be removed.

If your home has a chimney, it should also be cleaned before the first tenant moves in. Once a tenant is placed, it normally falls on the tenant to have the chimney cleaned upon vacating. This can change with owner preference but make sure you are clear about what you want from the beginning. It's also important to change out any fridge filters and heater filters and flush out the septic system.

And, for those of you who live in Bremerton, Washington, you will need to apply for a landlord license. The fee is $75 per year and your property manager can help you set this up in most cases.

How a Property Manager Can Help

Getting your property ready to rent can feel overwhelming but a highly skilled property manager can help. They will drastically reduce your to do list and take work off your plate every step of the way. They provide a range of benefits including: marketing your home, managing tenants' concerns, and maintaining or increasing your property's value. To find out more, feel free to contact us.

Information in this article was provided by Crystal Avery, one of our property managers who works with clients across Kitsap County, Washington. For more information about her, check out our Q&A.