Whether you are renting out your apartment to tenants for the first time or getting new tenants after your old tenants move out, you need to go into your unit and prepare it for the new people who move in.
Do a thorough inspection
Make sure you go through and through check the entire apartment and check if everything is broken and needs repairing or replacement, what needs cleaning and what other defects need to be fixed. Look for mold and mildew in hard-to-see places and write down everything that needs to be repaired. Once you’ve created your list, it’s time to get started.
Paint walls
A fresh coat of paint hides everything. Some states Landlords need to repaint their unit between new tenants, but even if your state doesn’t, it’s still a good idea and practice. This makes the apartment feel clean and like new. When your new tenants arrive, you have set the standard for the treatment of the unit. Plus, it’s a nice touch to start your relationship off right with.
Attach the floors
Carpeting can be a nightmare when it comes to rental properties. Therefore, it may be advisable to invest in hardwood, laminate or concrete floors. Hardwood and laminate are great options that have a classic and timeless decor style and make the room look richer but not impervious to scratches or chips. Concrete floors are particularly popular acid-stained concrete floorsand can be sealed to avoid chips and scratches. You can pick a color that goes with the decor or choose something a little more vibrant to make it pop and add visual interest to the room.
Check the devices
Everything may be clean and appear to be in good condition, but are your devices all and doing well? Normal wear and tear is expected, but defective or faulty equipment must be replaced before the apartment is rented to new tenants. Check the refrigerator, freezer, oven, stove, dishwasher, and any other work equipment that comes with the apartment, such as: B. a microwave or a toaster.
Replace burned out lightbulbs
Make sure all the light bulbs in the device are working and not burned out. Replace any existing parts and leave spare parts for tenants in case they burn out. It’s not necessary, but it’s another nice touch that can promote a good relationship between you.
Change the locks
Unless this is your first time renting out your apartment, consider changing the locks. Even if your previous tenants returned all of the keys, you won’t know if they made copies. So it’s better to be on the safe side. If your home uses a security code instead of a key lock, change the code for the new tenants.
Hire professional cleaners
This may not be required between tenants, but occasionally you may find a tenant who messes up the property a bit. If you don’t mind putting in some time and elbow grease, you can clean up the place yourself. However, if you prefer to get it done quickly, renting it might be a good idea professional cleaners so that the whole apartment looks flawless. It also helps set the bar for the cleanliness of your new tenants so you can let them know that when you move out you will expect them to be just as clean.