In the past few years, renting a home has increased. Whether it’s because of the economy or people just wanting to live in a different area for a while, more and more people are choosing to rent their housing rather than buy.
But there are some things you need to do before your place is ready for rental or sale. Here are ten tips that will help with preparing your home for rental:
1. Clean Thoroughly
When preparing your house for a rental, the most important thing you can do is clean! You want prospective renters (or buyers) thinking about living in this space, so they don’t mind putting up their own money for this nice clean space.
So be sure to clean all surfaces throughout the whole house. And don’t forget the essential surfaces: the toilets and the tubs!
2. Declutter
This is especially important when you’re renting out a room in your home; you will want to make sure there is enough space for two people’s belongings, so be sure to get rid of things you no longer use.
Donate old clothes, shoes, kitchen items, etc., so your new renter does not have to go through boxes upon boxes of stuff just to find what they need. A neat house makes a cleaner environment for everyone involved!
3. Caulk and Seal Any Cracks in Walls or Ceilings
You don’t want prospective renters seeing any gaps between walls or ceilings that have been poorly patched up. Gaps can be a way of insulation and air escape, making the area seem colder/hotter than it really is.
Using caulk or even sheet metal to seal any gaps between walls will help make your place more desirable for renting.
A good idea would also be to use insulation on outside wall accesses if possible! This will help with sound pollution and keep out some heat or cold from entering into the inside space.
4. Repair Any Holes in Doors or Windows
Nothing says “I just moved out” like a door that has a huge hole smashed into it because of a baseball being thrown too hard by an irresponsible child down the street!
Inspect all doors and windows for damages, and if you find any, patch them up before the rental begins. You don’t want any prospective renters seeing damage like this because it can lead to a higher possibility of a break-in, which will cost you money in the long run!
You also don’t want your new renter thinking they need to replace or fix something that’s already been taken care of; make sure all repairs are done before the renter moves in.
5. Update Appliances (If Possible)
Not everyone has the cash flow to purchase brand appliances, so updating old appliances is one method to increase the appeal of your short-term rental.
Decide if it’s worth breaking your old appliance(s) to get a new one, or sell them for parts and use the money from selling them to get a new one! It may be a bit of an upfront cost, but it will make more sense in the long run.
6. Update Your Home Security System
One easy way to list off more benefits about your home is to mention the security system as a feature.
If you don’t already have one, set up an appointment with your local alarm company to install a basic system. This may seem expensive at first glance, but it can help save money in the long run by preventing or stopping any break-in situation.
Your renters will feel more secure knowing they are paying for their own protection within their monthly rent payment! Just make sure you mention this service as part of the house amenities when listing your rental property.
7. Replace HVAC Filters & Clean-Up Air Vents
Prospective renters will want to know that they have a clean place with fresh air coming through the vents, so taking some extra time out of your day to replace furnace filters is an excellent way for future tenants to appreciate you. Plus, new filters help lower dust/dander from entering back into the house from outside.
You can also add window blinds to any windows that are getting direct sunlight. This not only adds a nice feature to your home, but it also helps keep the rooms cooler by blocking the sun’s rays from heating up the rooms.
When preparing your home for rental, it’s important to remember that first impressions are critical. By following these seven simple tips, you’ll be able to make your house more desirable and easier to rent out.