Getting Rent Ready–The Dirty Dozen

Written by Posted On Sunday, 11 June 2017 10:32
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As a landlord or property manager there are twelve basic things you need to make happen to get a piece of property ready to rent to new potential clients. This “dirty dozen” is a list of the things that need to be repaired, cleaned, or replaced before the new renters are ready to move in.

1. Have the locks re-keyed. You should change the codes on the garage doors and alarms as well.  Re-key each outside door. Don’t forget the other locks too: mailboxes, gates, and sheds. You never know who may still have a copy of keys to your old locks or may know the old codes. Re-keying and recoding makes the old keys and codes unusable. Although you won’t need to change the keys and codes to all HOA-issued gate remotes and codes, as well as keys (and codes) to any community pools and fitness centers, you should have them available for the new renters.

2. Have the carpets professionally cleaned. Professional “full-steam and shampoo” carpet cleaning is the best choice as it removes any residue left which can attract dirt.

3. Clean up and trim the yard. Make sure the grass is cut, the hedges trimmed, the trees pruned, and the weeds pulled. Replace any dead or dying shrubbery. Adding a few new potted flowering plants is an inexpensive way to make the place look brand new. Repair any broken sprinkler heads. Remove old and dilapidated flower pots, yard furniture and garden decorations. Blow the dirt out of the cracks in the walkways and patio.

4. Replace the air filters.  Many people forget to changethe air filters and clean the vents and surrounding ceiling area. If you have reusable air filters, replace them with disposable ones. Disposable air filters don’t require regular cleaning and it takes one more maintenance item off your list.

5. Have the interior professionally cleaned. Clients expect their new home to be spotless when they move in. Professional cleaners can get every nook and cranny clean from baseboard to ceiling.

6. Let the sunshine in. Replace any burnt out bulbs. Wipe down the outside lights that don’t need to be replaced. It’s important for security as well as appearances.

7. Check the ceiling fans. Make sure that all indoor and outdoor fans are clean and working. If the property is older, they may not have been inspected for some time.

8. Clear the cobwebs. Clean both the indoor and outdoor webs hanging in corners and walls. A handheld vacuum cleaners works best for this. No home or car owner should be without a handheld vacuum.

9. Do the windows. Windows and sliding glass doors get dirty. Clean glass not only lets in more light, it helps them slide more smoothly.

10. Repair and replace screens. Torn screens let bugs and flies into your rental property. Repairing or replacing screens is cheaper than calling the pest-control company and makes life more pleasant.

11. Control for pests. It’s wiser to have your property treated on a regular schedule than to wait until there’s a bug problem. This is one area that hiring a professional pest control company is really important in order to treat your property completely for all of the common pests in your area.

12. Touch up. Fill and spackle any holes in the walls before giving them a new coat of paint. Repair or replace rugs and carpet that showevidence of damage or can’t be cleaned even by a professional carpet cleaner. Fix or replace any broken tiles.

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Narendra Sharma

Naren is an interior designer and real estate expert. I’m grateful everyday to my wonderful clients who have entrusted me with their homes.

www.amarillorealestateguide.com/

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