As a landlord and rental property investor, turnover is just part of the process. It’s not something you want to deal with, but it is inevitable. And while you’d prefer to have a good tenant stick around for a long time, how you handle the preparation for your new tenant will have an impact on the health and profitability of your rental property moving forward.
With all of that being said, here are some helpful tips you can use to prepare your rental property for a new tenant (so that it’s a smooth and frictionless experience for everyone).
Before your new tenant moves in, the first thing you need to do is thoroughly inspect the property. Walk through every room, including common areas, the kitchen, bathrooms, and exterior spaces, to identify any issues that need addressing. You’re looking for anything that’s broken, worn out, or not functioning properly.
Check the plumbing, electrical outlets, and appliances to make sure everything is in good working order. Test all the light switches, replace any burnt-out bulbs, and check for leaks in faucets or under sinks. If there are any cracks in the walls or ceilings, have them patched up and repainted. (Pay special attention to high-traffic areas where wear and tear is more likely, like flooring and staircases.)
It’s also important to check the heating and cooling systems to ensure they’re functioning properly. You don’t want your tenant to move in and realize the HVAC system isn’t working on a sweltering summer day.
By handling repairs ahead of time, you’ll not only create a better living environment for your tenant but also prevent larger maintenance issues from cropping up unexpectedly after move-in.
Even if the previous tenant left the property in decent condition, you should always conduct a deep clean before handing over the keys to a new tenant. A spotless home sets the tone and shows that you care about maintaining the property in good condition.
Start by cleaning all floors, carpets, and rugs. If carpets are stained or have absorbed odors, it’s worth having them professionally cleaned. In bathrooms and kitchens, make sure you disinfect all surfaces, including sinks, toilets, showers, countertops, and appliances.
Don’t forget about often-overlooked areas like baseboards, vents, and window sills. Dust and clean light fixtures, ceiling fans, and blinds, and make sure the windows are cleaned inside and out.
A thorough cleaning not only makes the property more inviting but also helps ensure your tenant starts off with a hygienic living environment. You want them to feel at ease when they move in, and cleanliness plays a huge role in that.
To ensure your tenant’s safety and peace of mind, you should always rekey the locks or replace them before a new tenant moves in. You never know who may have a spare key from the previous tenant, and rekeying the locks is a simple, affordable step to take for added security.
In addition to rekeying, check that all windows and doors are secure and in good working order. Install fresh batteries in any smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and ensure that any security systems are functioning properly, if applicable. If the property has outdoor lighting or security cameras, check that they’re working and provide your tenant with instructions for their use.
Your rental property likely includes appliances like a washer, dryer, refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher. Make sure that all appliances are functioning properly before the tenant moves in. Run a test cycle on the dishwasher and washing machine, check the stove burners, and confirm that the refrigerator and freezer are cooling as they should.
It’s also helpful to provide clear instructions for the use and maintenance of these appliances. Some tenants may be unfamiliar with certain models or features, so offering a simple guide can save you time answering questions later on. You might also include tips for proper use, like how to clean the lint trap in the dryer or how often to defrost the freezer, to ensure the appliances remain in good condition.
Before your new tenant moves in, prepare and organize all of the necessary documents. These include the lease agreement, move-in checklist, and any disclosure forms required by law, such as lead paint disclosures or information about safety procedures.
Go over the lease agreement with your tenant, ensuring they understand all the terms, including rent payment schedules, maintenance responsibilities, and any rules about pets, guests, or noise levels. Both you and the tenant should sign the lease, and each party should have a copy for their records.
A move-in checklist is essential for documenting the condition of the property before the tenant moves in. Walk through the property with your tenant and note any existing issues or areas of wear and tear. This checklist will protect both you and the tenant when it comes to the return of the security deposit at the end of the lease.
It’s a nice touch to leave some essential supplies for your tenant when they move in. This could include things like a few rolls of toilet paper, cleaning supplies, or basic household items like light bulbs or batteries.
You don’t need to go overboard, but providing a small welcome package shows that you’re attentive and helps make the move-in process a little easier for your tenant. It also encourages tenants to maintain the property from day one.
Before your tenant moves in, make sure to take detailed photos of the property to document its condition. This is a crucial step for protecting yourself if any disputes arise about damage or repairs during or after the tenancy.
Take photos of every room, including close-ups of appliances, floors, walls, and fixtures. (Pay special attention to areas that are more prone to wear and tear, such as carpets, windows, and doors.) These photos will provide a record of the property’s condition, which can be used if there are any disagreements about the return of the security deposit or potential repairs at the end of the lease.
Be sure your tenant has clear contact information for any emergencies or maintenance issues that may arise during their stay. Provide them with your preferred method of contact, whether that’s phone or email, and make sure they know how to reach you after hours if necessary.
You should also provide contact details for any service providers, such as plumbers, electricians, or HVAC professionals, in case they need assistance with an urgent repair. Having this information readily available can save both you and your tenant time and hassle when an unexpected issue occurs.
At Green Residential, we’re proud to offer comprehensive property management services for landlords and real estate investors in the Houston market – as well as surrounding areas. If you’re interested in taking a hands-off approach to property management, we would love to discuss some of our different options with you! Contact us today for a free property analysis!
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