Spring is the perfect time to give your rental property a thorough cleaning and refresh before you start showing it to potential tenants. To make visitors feel welcome, you should take the opportunity to prepare the house and remove any dirt or grime that has accumulated between occupants.
Here are three areas to tidy and spruce up in your rental house to make it move-in ready.
1. Out in the Yard
Nothing makes a stronger impression on prospective renters than the exterior of a house. While curb appeal might sound like a buzz term for homeowners trying to sell, it’s an important aspect to keep in mind for landlords too.
The front yard will be the first area of the home renters will see when coming to view your property. So, if it’s currently looking shabby, it may be time to give it a makeover. Adding colorful shrubbery or new turf can give the lawn a healthy, lush look while enticing potential tenants.
Painting the front door can also make a significant difference on the rest of the exterior. You can use a complementary accent color to add drama or a matte black for a clean design and a modern look. A simple, fresh coat of paint in any color will notably improve the house’s facade.
If the windows are dusty and dirty from spring showers, take some time to wash them as well. Completing this quick chore makes the outside of the house look tidier and lets additional light into the rooms. New renters will appreciate crystal clear windows and a bright, sunny home.
2. In the Kitchen
A rental home’s kitchen is one of the most significant factors potential tenants assess when looking for a new residence. They don’t want to see an outdated kitchen with dirty or broken appliances. To prevent this scenario, you may need to spend some time and money on renovations.
For cabinets that are still in good shape but aren’t fashionable, painting can provide a quick facelift. This upgrade has been a trendy DIY for many years as paint is relatively cheap and can change the whole look of a kitchen in one easy step. Making updates to the home will also allow you to increase rent while improving the home’s aesthetic.
You can go a step further and replace the cabinet hardware with a new design that matches the rest of the house. Brushed gold or polished copper is especially popular, but you can go with the timeless look of nickel handles or pulls too.
The most expensive kitchen upgrade renters want is new appliances. Even though this is a pricey investment, there are several ways to cover the cost. Most manufacturers offer options like paying in installments, in-store financing, or accepting major credit cards. You could likewise use the house’s equity to secure a loan. A home equity loan gives you a lump sum and is tax-deductible if you use the money for renovations. Payments can be made each month or added to your mortgage for easier management.
3. In the Bathroom
The second most important room to prepare for new renters is the bathroom. Just like the kitchen, tenants will want a clean and tidy room that’s ready for use. Before showing the home, you should make sure that the toilet, shower, bathtub, and sink are functioning properly and looking spotless.
If the bathroom currently has an old toilet that leaks or runs constantly, you should replace it with a more water-efficient model as soon as possible. A continuously running toilet can be irritating. However, more importantly, it can also waste up to 4,000 gallons of water a day. Over a single month, that could raise the water bill by at least $180. This upgrade not only saves you money over time but can make the bathroom feel more modern and fresh.
Additionally, you might want to clean the tiles and grout if there are any mildew spots or stains. If the blemishes or marks can’t be removed, you may need to regrout the walls and floors. Discolored or crumbling grout will make even the nicest bathroom look old and dingy. Correct this issue by scrubbing the existing tiles, removing the old grout, and adding a new layer. It will make the bathroom look brand new and prevent water damage inside the walls.
Spring cleaning your rental property not only makes it ready for new occupants, but it’s also a great way to give the rental house an inspection while making any needed repairs. Ensuring that the house is tidy and well maintained before a showing will make it more attractive to prospective renters, meaning that the home won’t have to sit empty for too long. The sooner the new tenants move in, the quicker you can start collecting rent and re-investing in other properties.
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