Preparing For A New Tenant
Do not despair if you are faced with a move-out. You don't need to spend a lot of time getting your property ready to rent. You can make a checklist, schedule each task, and start early. Many repairs and maintenance items can be done before your tenant leaves.
Before Your Tenant Leaves:
1. Conduct A Normal Walkthrough
When you get a notice from your tenant, make sure to inspect the unit and notify them of any issues. This is an excellent time to inform tenants about the responsibilities they will be taking care of, such as landscaping and cleaning. Keep a record of everything that falls under the landlord's jurisdiction. Confirm the move-out date of the tenant and arrange the final inspection.
2. Schedule Professional Services
Contact them immediately if you need the services of a plumber, electrician, or cleaning company to restore your property. While painting and other jobs will require you to wait for your tenant to vacate the property, a leaky faucet or a loose banister can be fixed before they do.
3. Purchase Supplies
You don't have to wait to buy paint and lightbulbs or new blinds if you want to rent the house. Please make sure you have everything assembled and ready to go when it comes time to move the items to your property.
4. Clean Up Your Yard
If your tenant doesn't take responsibility for lawn care, they can help to maintain it during their last week of the tenancy. You will need to mow the grass depending on the season, trim overgrown shrubs and trees, pull weeds, take out dead plants, and spray cracks in your patio, sidewalk, or driveway.
5. Wash The Windows And Check The Screens
Although tenants are responsible for cleaning the interior, it is usually the landlord who has to clean the exterior. You should also inspect the windows and replace any broken ones. You can complete these tasks quickly before moving out, regardless of whether you hire someone or do it yourself.
6. Change The Air Filters
Replace or clean the filters in your HVAC system. If you haven't done it in a while, consider a full-service furnace tune-up or duct cleaning.
After Your Tenant Has Moved Out:
7. Re-Key The Locks
You will also need to rekey the exterior doors. If applicable, you can change the codes for the alarm and garage door, and the tenant should return the garage opener. Collect keys for all other locking items such as mailboxes and gates.
8. Paint And Repair
You can fill the holes in the walls, repaint stained or damaged carpet, re-caulk around the tub and sinks, inspect for broken tiles, or make any other repairs that were not possible while the tenant was still living in the unit. You should have noted the issues during your informal walkthrough. Then you will purchase the needed supplies and finish the repairs in less than a day.
9. Get The Carpets Cleaned
Many landlords will include a clause in their lease stating the tenant will pay for the carpet cleaning costs at move-out. In this case, the tenant's security deposits can be deducted. Carpet cleaning should be done thoroughly, especially if pets were a part of your previous tenants.
10. Bring In The Cleaning Company
The pros can help you if you aren't sure that renters will return the unit in its original condition. You can either include this in your lease or you can deduct it from the deposit. The last renter's grime is something that no new tenant wants to clean.
You can make the rental turnover process enjoyable with a little planning. It won't take more than a few days to complete, and you will have your rental back in no time. This is how it works.
