What Is Rent Ready?

“Rent Ready”, “Move-in ready” or other similar terms mean the rental is ready for an occupant to move in. Every property owner has their own idea of what condition a rental property should be in so we’ve created our standard list to ensure we are providing a safe, clean and well maintained home for our residents.

Checklist For Rent-Ready Requirements

In order to comply with both internal and government (state/city) rental housing requirements, every property must meet the below list in order to be listed, advertised and considered move-in ready.

Interior Requirements:
  • The unit has undergone professional cleaning to achieve a standard of cleanliness akin to a hotel room.
  • The unit is void of any personal belongings or items, including furniture, decorative items, toiletries, shower curtains, tissue boxes, kitchenware, bathroom items, building materials, soap dispensers, and pictures, among others.
  • All painted surfaces exhibit a uniform and fresh appearance, with no touch-up areas or mismatched paint.
  • Carbon monoxide detectors have been securely mounted on each floor, if applicable.
  • Smoke detectors meet the standards set by the state of Maryland.
  • All light bulbs are operational and provide adequate illumination.
  • Doors open and close smoothly, and door stops are installed on all doors. Locks work properly.
  • Windows must open, close, and lock properly. Window screens must be in good condition.
  • No curtains on windows
  • All windows (except basement windows) should have vertical or mini blinds.
  • Bathroom caulking is clean and free from any mildew growth.
  • The carpet has been professionally cleaned and appears in good condition.
  • All mechanical components, including HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical systems, kitchen appliances, laundry appliances, sump pumps, water softeners, sprinkler systems, gas fireplaces, and water filtration systems, are functioning as intended.
  • Safety railings are securely in place.
  • If operational, wood-burning fireplaces are free of debris and have either a fireplace screen or heat-proof glass doors. Non-operational fireplaces have been permanently sealed on the interior with an aesthetically pleasing material.
  • Thermostats will not connect to WiFi
  • Unit has Central Air Conditioning and Forced Hot Air Heat
  • All showers without doors must have a permanent shower rod installed (no tension or adjustable rods)
  • Homes that have been vacant for a year or longer have had all main drain lines scoped and routed
Exterior Requirements:
  • The garage floor has been thoroughly swept.
  • There is no exterior debris on the premises.
  • There are no lawn equipment items present, such as mowers or tools, unless there is an expectation that the tenant will mow the yard.
  • The lawn has been neatly cut and trimmed (and will be maintained on a bi-weekly schedule throughout the listing period).
  • The landscaping around the property has been refreshed.
  • A Kwikset Key Control Deadbolt has been installed on the front door.
  • Kwikset SmartKey deadbolts are installed on all other exterior doors.
  • Passage door knobs are installed on all exterior doors.
  • A permanently mounted, four-digit numerical lockbox has been installed on the exterior of the home.
  • No mailboxes with keys except where the USPS owns the mailbox.

This list is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all items that must be done to meet the Rent Ready standards but it does list the most important and often overlooked items.