People moving out, people moving in … rental properties see a lot of activity when it’s time for new occupancy. Preparing a rental property for a new tenant takes time, money, and a little sweat equity for the owner, especially if he or she is a DIYer.  

Property owners who rent out a house or apartment are typically responsible for the big-ticket items that keep the home running—things like major appliances, plumbing, windows, air conditioning, and furnaces. 

So, before placing a “for rent” sign in the yard, inspect the home for gas leaks, plumbing damage, insect and mice infestations, and anything else that can affect the health and welfare of new tenants.

Check these projects off your rental property to-do list. 

1. Clean, and Clean Some More

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Previous tenants may run a vacuum and wipe up the kitchen after moving out, but new tenants want to move into a sparkling “new” place. 

When prepping for a new tenant, clean the carpet, windows, floors, binds, drapes, and all surface areas. Dive into the cracks and crevices. Remove dust, dirt, mold, and grime from vents. Clean the refrigerator! 

While disinfecting surface areas is an easy DIY job, hiring a professional cleaning service may be worth the money.

2. “Homework”

Unless you have a management company to handle all the maintenance issues, rental property owners are responsible for (almost) every little thing that crops up in the home. 

Inspect, repair, or replace appliances, lights, toilets, faucets, plumbing, and anything else in the home that needs an upgrade. Refresh the home by painting bathroom cabinets and linen closets. Paint the kitchen, living room, and bedroom walls as needed.

Keep track of regular scheduled maintenance—a monthly or bi-monthly report lets tenants know that you (or your management company) care about their health and safety. 

3. Technological Upgrades

For older homes especially, it’s time to upgrade the property’s technological know-how. Artificial Intelligence (AI) rules the world these days, and just about everything can be controlled with a cell phone app. 

Rental properties with smart home devices allow tenants to see who’s at the door (with a video doorbell camera), turn on lights (with voice control), and lock the doors (with a tap of a cell phone).   

Wi-Fi is a necessity these days—if the house or apartment doesn’t have it, contact a tech specialist to get the home ready for tenants. With so many people working from home since the pandemic, houses or apartments with dedicated spaces for offices are a draw—and they need Wi-Fi.  

4. Staging

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Showing off a clean house or apartment that looks “lived in” but not cluttered is a way to get potential tenants interested in living there. 

If the apartment is completely empty, make sure it is very clean. If the home has the current tenant’s belongings, ask him or her to remove personal items like photographs and religious statues. 

Too much stuff makes it hard for new tenants to envision themselves in the space when occupied by someone else.

5. Security, Privacy, Lighting

Living in an area with other people close by can be unsettling to some tenants, especially if they have children. Outdoor lighting with motion sensors brighten up the property. Solar-powered light sticks brighten driveways and walkways. 

A privacy fence keeps nosy neighbors from looking into the backyard.

6. Lawn Care

Speaking of the backyard (and front yard), keeping the home’s lawn and surrounding grounds in top shape is important. 

If the rental lease agreement indicates that tenants are responsible for mowing the lawn, the property should look good upon first glance. 

A trim, green, and weed-free lawn shows tenants what they may be expected to do (depending on the lease). 

If the management company is responsible for the home’s perimeter, a well-maintained yard shows that the home hasn’t been neglected.

In Conclusion

Getting your rental property ready for a new tenant is more than just tossing about a dust rag, here and there. In today’s expensive high-rent housing market, no tenant wants to feel like they’re getting someone else’s leftovers. 

If you’re a DIYer, make a list of what needs to be done. (Better yet, let someone else worry about all the ins and outs of renting out property, and hire a management company). 

But in any case, put yourself in a renter’s shoes and prep the property as if you are moving into it.