A tenant will eventually need to move out. Perhaps their lease has come to an end and they want to move closer to work rather than renew their agreement. No matter the reason for a tenant moving, as a landlord, it’s your responsibility to re-rent the unit as quickly as possible to minimize financial losses. Re-renting a
vacant unit, however, can be a lengthy process. Among other things, you need to ensure that your property is ready and habitable for a new tenant.
The following is a guide to help landlords get their properties ready to rent so that they can
start the marketing process and land qualified tenants more quickly.
1. Replace Dated Items
With an occupied property, you’ll be limited in the frequency with which you can carry out inspections. But when it’s vacant, you’ll have all the time to do a comprehensive assessment. Go round the property and examine everything that may need to be replaced. Check the following:
- Furnishings and appliances - Do they look dated and need an upgrade?
- Light bulbs - Do you notice any flickering or are there any that won’t light up when switched on?
- Doors and doorknobs, and windows - Are they all working as they should?
- Flooring, curtains, and window blinds - Are they worn out or damaged?
If you notice issues, seek professional help whenever necessary. Some projects, like changing lightbulbs or batteries in appliances can be done yourself. However, for larger-scale projects turn to a trusted vendor.
2. Check for Damage that Exceeds Normal Wear and Tear
This is where a walk-through inspection comes in. This will help you document the property’s condition relative to when the tenant first moved in. Note any
excessive property damage and natural wear and teat. And by doing so, you’ll be able to know what deductions to make from the security deposit. If the tenant caused excessive damage, you can use part of the deposit to cover your financial losses. You must then notify the tenant of your intentions to do so within 30 days. Your Florida tenant will then have 15 days to lodge a dispute.
If you’ll not be making any deductions, then you must return the tenant’s deposit within 15 days after they move out.
3. Give the Home a Thorough Cleaning
If the house looks reasonably clean, you may choose to perform the cleaning on your own. However, if the property needs a lot of work, then a professional cleaning service may be necessary. You may also be able to charge the tenant for the cost of cleaning it.
A professional cleaning service will have the skills, experience, and proper equipment to get the job done right.
Having a clean space will not only entice new renters, but it will also establish how clean they’re expected to keep rentals as well.
4. Upgrade the Rental Unit
You’ll occasionally need to upgrade your rental property to remain competitive in the rental market. The right upgrades can also help you attract a tenant quickly and retain them for longer. The following are some of the upgrades that you can consider doing to your rental property:
- Repaint the walls - Most experts say that you’ll need to repaint your property every 5 to 10 years. Luckily, this is a relatively inexpensive upgrade.
- Spruce up
the curb appeal - Pressure washes the pavements and
paint the front door. You can also upgrade the outdoor lighting and install window boxes.
- Add extra storage areas - This is going to be an attractive feature especially if your target market is families.
- Replace the roof - Check for signs of damage or aging like saggy or droopy spots, or leaks in the house. If you notice anything, seek professional advice before jumping to any conclusions.
5. Ensure the Doors are Secure Against Unauthorized Entry
As a landlord, it’s your responsibility to ensure your home is secure. The Florida warranty of habitability requires it. This means you must ensure that no stranger has access to the property.
Always rekey your property once a tenant has left. This is a reasonable step to protect the new tenant and the property.
6. Check for Any Pest Infestation
As a landlord, you have a responsibility to conform to the state’s warranty of habitability. This, among other things, requires that you provide tenants with a safe rental unit that complies with all health and safety codes. Pest infestations are very unsanitary and could pose a risk to the tenant's safety. The following are some signs of a pest-infested the property:
- Complaints from current or former tenants
- Visible holes or sagging walls
- Grease marks and tracks
- Holes and gnaw marks
- Odd smells, sounds, or droppings
- Evidence of nesting
If you notice any of these signs, hire an exterminator right away. You may even want to schedule their services on a monthly or quarterly basis as a preventative measure.
7. Check the Functionality of the HVAC System
Florida is one of the hottest states in America therefore you’re bound by the law as a landlord to provide your tenant with a
functioning HVAC facility.
You must schedule detailed inspections to ensure the system is working optimally. The inspection should involve doing the following:
- Replacing air filters
- Inspecting for signs of leakage
- Checking the water pressure
- Assessing if clogging has occurred
- Replacing broken pipes
8. Get Rid of Mold
Growing mold is a sure turn-off for prospective tenants. Mold is a health risk, which can cause several health issues such as cough, eye irritation, nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, and wheezing.
Signs of mold typically appear where there is moisture. Therefore, make sure to check bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
Bottom Line
These 8 tips for getting your property ready to rent should help you re-rent your property quickly. For expert help or advice, Advantage Realty Services can help. We’re an established
property management company that provides investment property owners in Tampa with exceptional services. Get in touch to learn more!
