While tenant turnover can be stressful, this transition is also an opportunity to make necessary changes around your rental property. Whether your former tenant left the apartment in pristine condition or caused some wear and tear, the unit needs to look its best for the next occupant. This will keep your new tenant happy and show that you are an attentive landlord.
Once you screen your new tenant with an online program such as Turbo Tenant and complete the lease signing, it’s time to get ready for the apartment move-in. The following are some essential improvements that you should make to restore the property and give your tenant a fresh start.
Thoroughly clean the property
Even if your former tenant was generally clean, you want the rental property to be spotless when the new renter moves in. Be sure to clean the fridge, oven, microwave, and inside all of the cabinets. Scrub the bathroom and ensure that all of the floors are clean. Rent a carpet cleaner or hire a professional to shampoo the carpets, which is especially important if the former tenant had pets. Move appliances and clean underneath. If you don’t have time to completely clean the property, consider hiring a professional to do so.
Paint the walls
Never underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint. Painting all the walls in the unit can refresh every room, cover any scuff marks, and make the entire apartment look brighter. Keep in mind that some cities, such as New York City, require landlords to repaint units between tenants. So, be sure to look into your local laws.
Make repairs
Walk through the apartment and note which repairs you need to make, even if the former tenant didn’t report any issues. Pay particular attention to any health and safety concerns. These might include broken locks, windows that don’t open properly, outlets that don’t function, holes in the wall, and leaks. Remember that it’s your job as a landlord to provide a healthy and safe living environment, so you should take care of all of these issues before your new tenant moves in. You might need to call a professional such as residential electrical services to do this.
Replace old appliances
If the stove, refrigerator, and other appliances in the unit are outdated or require frequent repairs, this is a great time to replace them. Schedule delivery and installation as soon as possible, because it may take a few days. You want everything to be in place and fully functioning when your new tenant moves in. They will appreciate your making the effort to update the appliances, and this gesture will start your relationship on a positive note.
Schedule an inspection
It can be difficult to spot all of the issues in your apartment at face value. Unless you’re an expert, you may want to schedule a home inspection. The home inspector will check the electrical, home exterior, plumbing, and other fixtures that you might not think to inspect yourself. You want to ensure that the home is safe and in top condition before a new tenant moves into your apartment. Again, be sure to leave enough time for this inspection to take place. You want to give yourself enough wiggle room to make any repairs or hire a professional to do so before the new tenant starts their lease.
By taking the time to make repairs, clean the apartment, and update any appliances, you will provide your new tenant with a positive living experience. You will also ensure that you’re compliant with local housing laws. Just be sure to keep your tenant updated on this work, so they know what changes are being made.
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