How to Prepare Your Property for a New Tenant

If you have an upcoming move-out, it can feel overwhelming to get the property ready for a new tenant. Thankfully, with a little organization, it doesn’t have to be a lengthy process. If you make a list, schedule each task, and start early, many of the steps can be taken care of before your current tenant even moves out. Here’s an overview of how to efficiently prep your property.

Before Your Current Tenant Moves

  1. Conduct an informal walkthrough
    As soon as you receive notice that your current tenant’s notice, schedule an informal walkthrough of the property. The walkthrough will allow you to check for any maintenance that needs to be done, as well as let the tenant know if there is any damage or maintenance that they’ll be responsible for. Make a list of all the maintenance that you’re responsible for. Confirm the tenant’s official move-out date and schedule a final walkthrough.

  2. Schedule services
    If you found issues during the informal walkthrough that need to be addressed by a professional service, such as an electrician or plumber, it’s best to contact them as soon as possible. While you’ll have to wait for some jobs to be completed after the tenant moves, leaky faucets or faulty outlets can be repaired while they’re still at the unit.

  3. Purchase any supplies you’ll need
    If you know you’re going to need new blinds or other supplies to get the rental prepared, you don’t need to wait. You can purchase them all ahead of time and have them ready to take to the property after the tenant vacates.

  4. Take care of yard maintenance
    If your current tenant isn’t responsible for yard work, you can take care of it during the last week of their tenancy. Depending on the season, you can mow the grass, prune overgrown trees and shrubs, pull weeds, and spray out the cracks in the sidewalk or driveway.

  5. Wash the windows
    While tenants are generally responsible for cleaning the interior of the windows, the exterior is typically the landlord’s responsibility. While you’re washing the windows, you can inspect all the screens to see if any of them need replacing. This should be completed shortly before the current tenant moves out.

  6. Check the air filters
    Check the filters in your HVAC system and replace them as needed. You may also want to consider a full-servicing on your furnace or duct cleaning if you haven’t had one done for a while.

    After Your Tenant Moves

  7. Re-key the locks to the property
    Once your tenant has left, you can change all the locks on the property. Be sure not to overlook things like the garage door and alarm codes. Make sure to collect the garage door opener or keys for other locks, such as mailboxes or sheds.

  8. Paint the property and make the necessary repairs
    Be sure to fill any holes in the walls before painting and replace damaged or badly stained carpet. Make any other repairs that you weren’t able to do while the tenant was still living in the unit. If you’ve already made a note of all the repairs that were needed during the informal walkthrough and have the supplies you need, this step can be completed very quickly.

  9. Have the carpets cleaned
    Many landlords have a provision in the lease or rental agreement that states the tenant is responsible for cleaning the carpets during their move-out. If you have such a provision in your lease, the cleaning costs can be deducted from their security deposit. A thorough, professional carpet cleaning is essential to making the unit clean and move-in ready, especially if the former tenant had pets.

  10. Hire a cleaning company
    If your previous tenant didn’t do a thorough job cleaning when they moved, hire a professional cleaning company to get the place spotless. This is similar to carpet cleaning in that you may have a provision in the lease that allows you to deduct the costs from the tenant’s security deposit.

With a little planning and organization, getting the property for new tenants can be a quick and manageable process! Once your property is move-in ready, you can focus on finding a new tenant. While this process can be time-consuming, our tenant screening services make it easy. Since 1985, Tenant Screening Center has been providing landlords and property managers with reliable tenant screening reports, including background checks, credit checks, criminal and eviction history, and more. Save time and money with our accurate reporting while making the most informed decision possible.


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