As a landlord, you want your rental property to be appealing to potential tenants. One term you'll likely encounter is "rent-ready," which signifies a unit that's prepared for immediate occupancy. But what exactly does this mean?
The Importance of a Rent-Ready Property
Imagine touring a potential apartment: lights flicker, blinds are missing, and there are leftover paint cans in the corner. Not exactly move-in ready, right? A rent-ready property creates a positive first impression for potential tenants. It shows you take pride in your property and care about the well-being of your residents.
Rent-Ready Requirements: A Checklist
While every landlord may have their own standards, here's a general checklist to ensure your rental meets rent-ready criteria:
Interior:
- Cleanliness: The unit should be professionally cleaned, sparkling like a hotel room.
- Move-Out Complete: Remove all personal belongings, including furniture, decorations, and toiletries.
- Fresh Paint: Walls should have a uniform, fresh coat of paint with no touch-up areas.
- Safety First:
- Carbon monoxide detectors (if applicable) should be securely mounted on each floor.
- Smoke detectors must meet Maryland state standards.
- Lighting: Ensure all light bulbs function and provide adequate light.
- Doors & Windows: All doors should open/close smoothly with working locks and doorstops. Windows should open, close, and lock properly with functional screens.
- Window Treatments: Vertical blinds (or mini-blinds) are required on all windows (except basements).
- Bathrooms: Caulking should be clean and free of mildew.
- Flooring: Carpets should be professionally cleaned and in good condition.
- Appliances: All appliances (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, kitchen, laundry, sump pumps, etc.) should be functional.
- Safety Features:
- Safety railings should be secure.
- Operational wood-burning fireplaces must be free of debris and have a proper screen or heat-resistant glass doors.
- Non-operational fireplaces should be permanently sealed with an aesthetically pleasing material.
- Climate Control: Thermostats will not connect to WiFi, but the unit should have central air conditioning and forced hot air heat.
- Showers: Units without shower doors must have a permanent shower rod (no tension rods).
- Vacant Properties: Homes vacant for over a year should have all main drain lines scoped and routed.
Exterior:
- Cleanliness: The garage floor should be swept, and the entire property should be free of debris.
- Lawn Care: The lawn should be neatly cut, trimmed, and maintained bi-weekly throughout the listing period. Landscaping should also be refreshed.
- Security:
- A Kwikset Key Control Deadbolt should be installed on the front door.
- Kwikset SmartKey deadbolts should be installed on all other exterior doors.
- Passage door knobs should be installed on all exterior doors.
- A permanently mounted four-digit numerical lockbox should be on the exterior.
- Mailboxes: Only mailboxes owned by the USPS are allowed with keys.
Beyond the Checklist
This list provides a strong foundation for ensuring your rental is rent-ready. However, it's not exhaustive. Here are some additional tips:
- Be Consistent: Maintain these standards between tenants to ensure a smooth transition.
- Hire Professionals: Consider professional cleaning services or property management companies to ensure a high-quality outcome.
By following these guidelines, you can create a rent-ready property that attracts qualified tenants and sets the stage for a successful landlord-tenant relationship.
If you have questions or would like to discuss property management services for your investment property, give us a call at 443.252.3385 or email us at info@bluedoor-pm.com today!
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