It’s a given – the greater your occupancy rate, the higher your rental property profit, but alas, tenants do leave. The key is a quick turn-around, which requires a plan of action for preparing your property for the next tenant.
It begins with your rental agreements. Always include a damage/cleaning deposit and provide each tenant a ‘contract’ of what’s expected when they leave in order to have the deposit refunded. Clear communication is crucial. Provide a detailed list of their responsibilities. Take pictures to document the condition the property was in when they signed their lease agreement.
When they leave, always conduct a walk-through. If there are problems, retake pictures. Most of the time, tenants know when and why they aren’t receiving their deposit back, but should they fight it, you will have documentation.
Now it’s time for you to get to work. Clean. Clean. Clean. Well-Cared-For properties rent quicker and stay occupied longer.
Walls
Magic erasers are your best friend for cleaning marks left by renters. A consistent schedule for repainting is also essential. Painting all the walls in your property the same neutral color makes touch-ups and repainting a breeze.
Don’t miss the little stuff
Light switches, outlets, corners, blinds, ceiling fans – you get the picture. Taking the time to go through and cover these often-forgotten areas will add extra shine and attract new tenants.
Appliances
Clean refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, and any other appliances that come with the apartment/home inside and out. Check each one for wear and tear or malfunction at the same time. When it’s time, replace rather than clean.
Floors
Polish wood floors. Clean carpet spots before shampooing. Once again, when it’s time to replace, don’t hesitate. Buying high-quality flooring and carpet will cost less in the long run.
Bathrooms and kitchens
These two rooms are key to an attractive rental. Check for plumbing leaks. Clean soap scum and hard water stains. Hit all areas subjective to grease stains. Don’t forget the garbage disposal and the inside of the dishwasher, as well as exhaust fans, and under the countertop edge.
Outdoors is vital too
Invest in a power washer. Dirty sidewalks, driveways, porches, gutters, siding, windows, and doors can leave a poor impression. Clean up landscaping. When painted areas are worn, a fresh coat will make a significant difference.
A sparkling home – inside and out – is the key to maintaining a high occupancy rate. If you don’t have the time to do it well, hire professional cleaners. Getting a new tenant in quicker will balance the cost. Consider contracting your rental to a property management company.
Here at Rentals America, we treat your home as our own. We offer a full range of property management services to fit your needs as a landlord or homeowner. We tailor our services to ensure that you have the highest level of service for your home. Contact us today.
