Projects to Tackle Before Listing a House for Rent

Many people consider the idea of renting out their homes for a number of benefits. For some, they may want the benefit of passive income. Others see it as an alternative to selling during a slump in the market.

While it may seem like a rush to the finish line to list your home for rent, there’s a lot of preparation that goes into becoming a landlord. It’s important to ensure that you set your price right, but it’s equally vital to ensure that the home is in mint condition before you even put it out on the market.

Your home is a major investment, and it’s something that you should want to get the most from when you move on. Thus, you shouldn’t let minor flaws get in the way of your profits. Instead, add these projects to your checklist if you want to make a good first impression.

1. Paint for neutral ambiance

It may be difficult to paint over a hue you carefully thought out for your home. But if you’re going to put your house for rent, neutral colors are the most appealing choice and presentable choice. Prospective buyers will find it easier to picture living in a home when they’re presented with neutral walls like white, beige, or light grey. Bold colors are entirely a matter of personal preference, a decision which you can leave up to your tenant. Additionally, neutral colors can help make the home seem larger, cleaner, and lighter – an overall more appealing ambiance.

2. Fix the windows and doors 

One thing potential tenants will check on is if all the doors and windows open and close easily. Having to put up with a problem window that’s hard to open or a front door that slams unexpectedly could pose as an inconvenience to them, a cost they’ll already be worrying about without having moved in yet. Worn out doors and windows and take the fresh look out of a property and could even question safety.

3. Test for electrical issues

Test all light switches and electrical outlets for proper function and examine the outlets for any indications of damage such as burns on the surface of the outlet. Any burns on the edges of outlets or flickering lights should be an indication to have a licensed electrician check out the system and make any necessary repairs.

4. Update lighting

It’s best to bring a second set of eyes to examine your property, especially to check if the lighting is dated. Poor lighting could affect the presentability of a property. As a homeowner, lighting is heavily considered because it helps create a comfortable and cozy atmosphere for you and your guests. As a future landlord, you must consider that potential tenants will also think about lighting. The fixture doesn’t even need to look fancy; it just needs to be functional and unobtrusive.

5. Polish up the bathroom

Remodeling the bathroom entirely is not necessary. At a minimum, you should work on eliminating stains and discolorations. Scrub off areas with mildew and clean the faucets and showerheads. By being meticulous about keeping the bathroom pristine, it’s also an opportunity to check for leaks or any indications of a plumbing issue that must be addressed.

It’s an added expense on a landlord’s part to work on these projects, but over time, ensuring that a home is clean, presentable, and fully functional will make it rental ready.