When we say a property is rent ready, it means that it is safe, habitable, and ready to move-in. Tenants prefer choosing a property that is in good condition and ready to be used, rather than one that is not properly cleaned and maintained.
While making your house rent-ready, the main question you need to answer is – which improvements should you do immediately, and which ones can wait? The point is to have a home that a tenant would feel motivated to move into and rent, having top of the line upgrades and remodeling before renting does not always mean that you’ll have a greater return on your investment.
At Service Star Realty, we have assisted many Phoenix rental property owners in making their properties rent-ready. Let us walk you through the process of preparing your property for tenants, making use of tried and tested strategies that have always worked for our clients.
What are essential amenities for my residential rental?
Amenities add to the value of your rental home and the comfort of renters. Whether it is a single-family home or a multi-family unit, there are some common amenities that your tenants are going to look for. If you have them already, excellent. If not, it may be time to fix things up a bit.
A functioning refrigerator, washer and dryer, and ceiling fans are some essentials you can offer. In addition, establish that whatever amenities you have in the rental are in good condition. Ensure that there are no broken or missing blinds, and change carpets if there are any holes in them.
Offering any or all of these amenities will make your unit rent-ready, improve the value of your property, and distinguish it from the rest of the homes for rent in Phoenix.
Get the Essential Repairs and Maintenance Done
Look out for any broken appliances, knobs, faucets, and windows. Check that the smoke detectors are working properly. Solve maintenance problems like leaky roofs, busted light bulbs, or other items before showing your home as they can lead to serious inconveniences or even hazards for renters.
If you have a yard, ensure that it is well-maintained. Mow the lawn and trim overgrown shrubs to make your house look rent-worthy. Check for possible accumulation of water in the front and back yard as well, since it can be a breeding ground for pests.
Examine your HVAC system to make sure that it is in functioning order. It aids in maintaining the room temperature and keeping the indoors ventilated, and it is very important to make the house habitable.
Check if:
- The air filters need to be replaced
- The blower is dust-free
- The temperature settings are functioning correctly
- The unit needs a tune up
Make Sure The Property Is Clean and Looking Its Best
Your rental property should be hotel-clean, with repairs completed and the place looking neat. It doesn’t have to be completely renovated, but it should have the level of cleanliness you would expect in a hotel room. This means that every corner of the home has to be clean, dusted, and free of cobwebs inside and out.
All carpets and tile/grout should be professionally cleaned and stain-free. A professional clean is more thorough and will remove ground-in dirt, mud, and other residues better than a regular scrubbing or mopping.
Make the house as presentable as possible by putting a fresh coat of paint on the walls. This doesn’t always mean a complete repaint, but make sure the walls look good with no touch-up areas, cracking, or holes for example. Consider the paint color too as darker hues or multicolored walls may put off potential renters, it’s always advisable to use the same neutral color on all of the walls.
Check For Mold Before Renting Your Phoenix Property
Mold can adversely affect the appearance of the home. It usually grows on the walls, the roof, windows, doors, or any surfaces that have been exposed to excessive moisture. If you find it anywhere in the home, make sure you make it a priority to clean it.
Since molds are fungi, it can be tough to eliminate them with simple cleaning solutions. To get the best cleaning results with the least amount of effort, use either bleach, undiluted white vinegar, or any mold stain remover sprays. Though, your best option will always be to call a professional remediation company.
A habitable, rent-ready property is an essential requirement for any tenant. As the property owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your Phoenix rental is clean, well-maintained, and ready to move-in for new tenants.
If handling all of this on your own seems overwhelming, consider hiring a trusted Phoenix property management company like Service Star Realty. We manage well over 800 single-family properties in Arizona, and can help you with the best of our knowledge and experience to get your property rent-ready.
For more information, contact us at Service Star Realty.
Service Star Realty
2929 East Camelback Road #119, Phoenix, AZ 85016
(480) 426-9696
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