A Landlord’s Guide To Preparing A Property for New Tenants

Renting out a residential property is the most lucrative way to maximise returns on real estate investments. However, attracting potential tenants can be difficult in a cutthroat rental market, especially in Newcastle. Property owners need to put their best foot forward to enjoy consistent rental income.

Before putting your property on the market to maximise exposure, ensure you enhance its overall look and feel to attract more tenants quickly. How you present your property to the potential visitor can make a world of difference. That’s where high quality cleaning and maintenance play a pivotal role. It can actually make or break the deal.

Cleaning and doing necessary repairs between tenants is the best time to renew the home. Make sure you conduct the property inspection at the end of a tenancy, and you also have the right to withhold a bond, full or partial, if the tenant fails to return the property in a substandard condition (not in accordance with the state specified in the lease agreement).

Fret not! Here’s a complete guide to preparing a property for the next occupant. Make sure you stay vigilant, and you can also hire experts for a quality end of lease cleaning Newcastle to treat stubborn stains and grime.

Let’s Get Started!

1. What should landlords do after a renter vacates the property?

Under NSW tenancy laws, landlords and property managers are responsible to conduct a final rental inspection once the tenant returns the keys. So, you should schedule a final inspection to check for damages beyond fair wear and tear, cleanliness and any maintenance issues.

It is good to carry an entry condition report to compare the condition and make notes accordingly. This will give you a clear picture and help you make fair bond deductions without any disputes.

It is unfair to expect a professional level cleaning. You just need to ensure the property is in the same condition as at the start of the tenancy. Make sure you check every nook and cranny, including hard to reach spots, floors, walls, windows, kitchen appliances, lighting, storage areas and exterior areas.

Also check for mould and pest control, electrical faults, plumbing leaks, damage, etc. This will help you plan the preparations accordingly while reducing turnaround time.

2. Focus on Property Upgrades: Minor Repairs and Touch ups

Believe it or not! Tenants quickly become distracted if the property has maintenance issues, especially if a rental property is older. Plus, it is a landlord’s responsibility to ensure the rental home meets the minimum living standards. This covers electrical safety measures, proper ventilation, mould and pest free property, waterproof roofs and exterior surfaces, functional windows, doors and kitchen appliances, etc. Put extra efforts to clean an older property to reduce turnaround time.

If the damage is caused by the tenant’s negligence, the tenant is responsible for fixing it. However, if it is due to ageing or natural deterioration, you’ll need to fix it before advertising your property in the local market. Fix minor flaws, such as creaky door hinges, chipped paint, and loose cabinet handles.

This is also the best time to paint your walls (if required), fix any leaks, and call the pest control team to restore the property to a clean, hygienic condition for new tenants. It will help you attract potential tenants quickly at a higher rent price and minimise vacancy rate.

3. Thorough Cleaning of the Property

It is a tenant’s responsibility to clean the property before moving out at the end of a tenancy. They can even hire professionals for a guaranteed end of lease cleaning Newcastle for a hassle free retrieval of bond money.

If the property has cleaning issues, you must fix them between tenants transition. Here are a few hacks to consider:

• Dust top to bottom, including ceiling fans, walls, shelves, light fixtures and fittings, picture frames, switchboards, windows, baseboards, carpets, and floors.
• Use a damp microfibre cloth for wiping hard surfaces, and use a telescopic duster for hard to reach areas.
• Wash windows inside and outside using all natural cleaning products
• Vacuum blinds, upholstery and carpets
• Vacuum door tracks
• Degrease kitchen cabinets, an oven & BBQ, microwave, refrigerator, and stovetop
• Clean and disinfect the sink and faucets
• Unclog drains
• Refresh your bathrooms
• Disinfect high touch spots to kill e.Coli and other harmful germs
• Clean carpets: vacuum, blot and scrub stains

This cleanliness level sets a high standard for new tenants, encouraging them to maintain tidy conditions.

4. What is the Importance of Safety Checks and Compliance?

There is no denying that safety checks are the most crucial aspect when preparing a property for new tenants. This is the best time to check all smoke alarms. Ensure they are thoroughly cleaned, checked and meet NSW safety standards.

Don’t forget to check carbon monoxide detectors to prevent any gas related accidents. These checks are mandatory and imperative to tenant safety. Make sure you also check electrical system switches by hiring professional electrician to prevent electrical hazards.

Also, check HVAC systems and ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and in a tip top condition. These are some of the essential safety checks that will make your property stand out from others.

5. Pay Attention to the Outdoor Areas

Make sure you clean the yard, trim the grass, and remove moss & dry leaves to enhance the curb appeal of your property. Also, clean the garage, driveways, hallways, patio and other outdoor areas to leave a strong first impression on visitors. This will increase the conversion rate, helping you find the right tenant quickly.

6. Bonus Point: Do Necessary Preparations For Faster Turnaround

You can do the following things to attract potential tenants for a higher rent once the previous renter leaves the property.

• Hire a professional end of lease cleaning Newcastle to boost the turnaround time between tenants. Ensure you choose the right time to book experts.
• Click photos of your property from different angles or capture videos for marketing
• Regular touchups can make a difference.
• Research local market rent rates
• Create an appealing listing.

Infographic: How to Prepare a Property between Tenancies

Wrapping Up

Preparing a rental home between tenancies is a critical phase that will help you enhance the overall look and feel. From doing necessary repairs and safety checks to tackling accumulated dirt and stains, you can do it all to enjoy a higher return on investment in the long run.