Having to find a rental home involved hitting the road to look at many, many rentals that were available in the area. As a potential renter, it was important to feel that we were getting a great value for the money that was being committed to rent. After looking for several days, a list of basic ideas for rental home maintenance and improvement (and basic cleanliness) began to take shape because of what was found in the search. Even if an owner’s budget is very small, there are things that can be done to improve the rental home’s marketability. For the homeowner, this would increase the chances of quick rental and greater return. For the renter, this would increase tenant satisfaction and eagerness to rent a particular home. Here is the list, going from least expensive to more expensive and essential to desirable.
- Deep clean everything! Clean until the floors, windows, tubs, showers, toilets, sinks, counters, cabinets, stove and refrigerator are sparkling.
- Cut the grass, trim the shrubs, weed and edge. Apply fresh mulch to natural areas. Remove debris and trash from the yard! Clean out the gutters.
- Clean the front doorway and porch area. Paint the door. Replace the hardware if they are broken or rusted. Make it inviting so the renter will want to stay!
- Clean the carpet and draperies.
- Apply fresh paint inside and out. If exterior paint is in good shape, it may only need a power wash to remove mold, mildew and water tracking on gutters and siding near the ground.
- Update! Homes with updates, especially in the kitchen and bath areas can ask a higher rent and remain vacant for shorter periods of time. Whatever the budget for updates, they will stand out.
Real Property Management has a wonderful process in place to get your ‘work list’ completed so that your rental home will display the extra attention you put into creating greater rental value for a prospective tenant. Call us today!