Property Standards

The following property standards serve as a set of guidelines aimed at streamlining the process of preparing investment properties for rent. While each investment property possesses its distinct characteristics, these standards are designed to provide our clients with a reference point to better understand the ideal condition for a rental property.

Nexus has formulated property standards with the aim of aiding our clients in achieving the following objectives:

  1. Mitigate their exposure to liability as owners of investment properties.

  2. Safeguard and maintain the value of their assets while curbing expenses associated with delayed maintenance.

  3. Establish a competitive edge within the growing rental market.

  4. Cultivate a secure and hygienic living environment for tenants, thereby fostering long-term occupancy.

Exterior

  • It is essential that all trash, debris, and personal belongings be completely cleared from the yard, sheds, garage, and common areas (in multiunit properties). Please note that any personal property left behind will not be the responsibility of Nexus. We kindly request your cooperation in ensuring the thorough removal of such items to facilitate a clean and organized environment.

    1. Ensure that trees and shrubs are properly trimmed, avoiding any overhanging branches above the roof, driveway, or pathways. Remove any low-hanging branches, replace dead shrubs and trees, and address irrigation needs while also grinding down stumps when necessary.

    2. Maintain flowerbeds and gardens by keeping them free of weeds and well-maintained.

    3. Keep the lawn in optimal condition by regularly mowing it to maintain a lush green appearance.

    4. Verify that automatic sprinkler timers are functional, and all sprinklers are in good working order. Address any issues with broken or leaking valves or sprinkler heads promptly.

    5. Remove potted plants, flower boxes, and garden boxes from the premises.

    1. Ensure that fencing and gates are in a state of good repair and functioning correctly, or consider their removal if they exhibit any issues such as missing slats for wooden fences or the absence of a top rail for chain-link fencing.

    2. Wooden decks must be structurally sound, free from wood rot, and feature a secure walking surface devoid of significant gaps, potential tripping hazards, deteriorating wood, or any protruding nails or screws. Decks should also receive proper treatment, either through staining and water sealing or a coat of paint, to prevent exposure of bare wood.

    3. Verify the stability of railings, confirming that they can support the weight of an adult. For wooden railings, ensure they are adequately painted or stained and water-sealed, with no exposed wood. If stairs consist of three or more steps, they must include a handrail for added safety and support.

    1. It is essential that rain gutters remain in optimal condition and devoid of any debris. Rain gutters are necessary above doorways and pathways to manage water runoff effectively.

    2. Downspouts should be well-maintained and positioned to channel water away from the foundation and concrete walkways to prevent both basement water damage and potential winter slip hazards.

    3. The soffit and fascia must exhibit no openings that might serve as entry points for insects or rodents into the attic area. For wooden soffit and fascia, it is imperative that they are coated with paint, leaving no wood exposed or susceptible to rot.

    4. The siding, stucco, or brick exterior of the property should remain in excellent condition, devoid of any holes or missing sections. In cases of wood siding, a coat of paint should be applied to ensure no exposed wood is left exposed.

    5. The roof must remain free from any signs of leakage, with no areas left uncovered by shingles or other suitable roofing materials.

    6. Clearly visible house numbers should be affixed to the property, ensuring they are easily seen.

    1. Ensure the windows are in a state of good working condition, free from any leaks, with all panes securely in place. They should have functional locks and operate smoothly for opening and closing, accompanied by intact screens devoid of any holes. Additionally, windows should be kept clean, free from dirt and cobwebs.

    2. Window wells must be maintained free from any debris, refuse, or weed overgrowth.

    3. Exterior doors should meet the standards of proper exterior doors, not of the hollow-core variety, and should feature adequate weather stripping. Furthermore, exterior doors ought to be equipped with properly functioning deadbolt locks.

    4. Verify that the garage door functions smoothly, opening and closing without difficulty. Automatic garage doors must be equipped with safety sensors for added security.

    5. Confirm that sliding glass doors are in optimal working order, gliding effortlessly and locking securely.

    6. Inspect the mailbox to ensure it is in good condition, devoid of rust, and securely fastened to the building or the ground, with stability. It should possess a suitable door or lid to protect mail from inclement weather and be appropriately labeled with clearly visible address numbers.

  • Exterior Cement Maintenance: When it comes to the exterior cement surfaces, such as driveways, patios, and sidewalks, it's imperative to ensure a safe environment for all. To achieve this, we recommend addressing any issues promptly. First and foremost, these surfaces should not pose a tripping hazard of more than 1 inch in height. Additionally, it's essential to keep an eye on cracks; they should not allow weeds to grow through them, as this affects the aesthetics and can lead to further deterioration. Should you encounter deteriorating cement that might pose a potential liability, we strongly advise replacing or repairing it as necessary. By maintaining your exterior cement surfaces in good condition, you enhance safety and contribute to the overall appeal and value of your property.

    1. Ensure that exterior light fixtures are equipped with appropriate covers and functioning bulbs.

    2. Avoid any exposed wiring, junction boxes, or other electrical installations that do not adhere to safety standards and could pose a liability.

    1. Each carport/garage will receive a designated number and be allocated to a specific unit.

    2. Storage units will be assigned a unique number and linked to an individual unit.

Interior

    1. Ensure that the unit undergoes cleaning as per Nexus’s vendor cleaning checklist.

    2. Make certain that the unit is devoid of trash, clutter, and personal belongings.

    3. Verify that the carpets are in a satisfactory, clean state, free from noticeable wear or stains, and without any loose or raised sections. The carpets must undergo professional cleaning using a truck-mounted system, or if they cannot be adequately cleaned, they should be replaced with carpeting approved by Nexus for investment properties.

    1. The paint should exhibit a well-maintained, clean appearance. There should be no signs of faded or mismatched paint due to patches or touch-ups. Walls that feature an excessive number of nail holes will undergo repainting. The paint on doors and trim should remain in pristine condition, free from chipping or unsightly scuff marks. In cases where walls exhibit significant markings or nail holes, the entire wall will be repainted, without resorting to touch-up painting. Any required painting will be carried out using the paint approved by Nexus for investment properties.

    2. Wallpaper should be in excellent, clean condition, devoid of any tears or rips. Should it fail to meet these criteria, it will be removed and replaced with Nexus's approved investment property paint color.

    1. The condition of vinyl, tile, laminate, and wooden flooring should align with the property's age, exhibiting no significant cracks, scratches, tears, or excessive wear. Furthermore, the condition of grout should be well-maintained.

    2. Carpets must be kept in a clean and well-maintained state, free from notable wear and unsightly stains. Additionally, there should be no instances of loose or bunched-up carpeting, and no visible tears, fraying, or exposed tack strips.

    3. For carpets, professional cleaning is required, and if a carpet is beyond cleanability, it should be replaced using Nexus's approved carpet for investment properties.

    1. Ensure that light switches and electrical outlets are in proper working condition, free from damage or paint.

    2. Every light switch and electrical outlet must be equipped with an undamaged cover; cracked or broken covers are not permissible.

    3. Maintain the cleanliness of light switch and outlet plate covers, avoiding paint on them. Replace covers as needed.

    4. Light fixtures should be both functional and clean, with no cracked glass or burnt-out bulbs.

    5. Each kitchen and bathroom must feature at least one operational GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet.

    6. In each living area and bedroom, install a functioning smoke alarm, with exceptions for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. On each floor, install a carbon monoxide (CO) detector.

    7. Ensure there is no exposed wiring, junction boxes, or any other improper electrical installations that may pose a fire hazard.

    1. It is recommended that windows and sliding glass doors be equipped with either white blinds or shutters instead of curtains. These blinds should be in good, clean condition and operational. They should be installed in areas requiring privacy, such as bedrooms, living rooms, family rooms, kitchens, hallways, etc. Exceptions may apply to spaces like laundry rooms or bathrooms featuring frosted or privacy windows.

    2. Interior doors should maintain a clean appearance without any cracks or holes. They should operate smoothly when opening and closing, and door stops should be in place to safeguard the walls. Closet doors should remain on their respective tracks and function properly.

    3. There should be no exterior locking doorknobs on interior doors.

    4. Bathroom doors should be equipped with suitable locking doorknobs that do not have external keys.

    1. Ensure that cabinets and drawers operate smoothly and are in excellent condition. Check the stability of cabinet and drawer pulls and hinges to ensure they are securely in place and not loose.

    2. Cupboard shelves should be both clean and firmly fixed.

    3. Assess the countertops to confirm they are free from significant burn marks, scratches, or delamination, ensuring they remain in good condition.

    4. Verify that mirrors are firmly attached to the wall and do not display any signs of cracks or damage.

    1. All plumbing fixtures must operate seamlessly, free from any drips or leakage.

    2. Sinks must possess fully functional drains with pull mechanisms, and they should remain leak-free.

    3. Tubs must be equipped with functional drain plugs and exhibit clean caulking, ensuring there are no instances of slow drainage.

    4. Showers should either have a functional curtain rod or a well-operating shower door that effectively contains water, preventing any leakage. The showerhead should perform its function without issue, and a drain cover should be present. Slow drainage in showers should be absent.

    5. Toilets should be maintained in a clean and fully operational state. There should be no exposed bolts at the toilet base. Toilet seats must be securely fastened and devoid of staining or signs of wear. Additionally, toilets should not display any tendency to run or leak.

    1. Ensure that bathrooms are equipped with an adequate number of towel bars and a designated toilet paper holder. Please refrain from leaving used plungers or toilet cleaning brushes inside the bathroom spaces.

    1. Handrails must be firmly anchored and are mandatory for staircases with a vertical ascent of three steps or more.

    1. Ensure all appliances are both clean and fully functional, with no missing or damaged components, and no adhesive tape left inside refrigerators.

    2. Every unit must be equipped with a refrigerator, oven, and stove. Units designed with designated spaces for microwaves or dishwashers should also include these appliances as part of the standard requirements.

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