Hello, greetings from Colorado Springs! My name is Lance Kohler, and I’m the broker-owner of the Cornerstone Real Estate Team.
Today, I’d like to go over another landlord education topic: Rent-Ready Tips for Landlords.
I’m talking about the make-ready process, or what we call a unit turn—the time between tenants when one tenant has moved out, and you’re preparing the property for the next tenant. Here are some quick tips to help you get the best value out of your property:
1. Paint
Ideally, apply a fresh coat of paint during the make-ready process. While I understand you can’t do that every time, at least aim for quality touch-ups.
Sometimes, we walk into a property that’s been a rental for a while, and the walls look like a zebra or leopard due to dabbed-on paint from repeated patch jobs. If that’s the case:
- It’s best to paint the entire wall for a consistent look.
- If possible, paint the entire room to give the property a refreshed feel.
This not only looks better but gives the property that new home smell tenants love. Additionally, I recommend using high-quality paint (not flat paint) because flat paint tends to show marks and wear more easily.
2. Flooring
Check your flooring and address any issues:
- Hardwoods: Do they need to be refinished? Proper maintenance will help preserve their lifespan.
- Carpet: Ensure it’s clean and in serviceable condition. If the carpet is old, consider replacing it. Here in Colorado, our magistrate typically considers the lifespan of carpet to be about 7 years, so keep that in mind.
You might also consider upgrading to LVP (luxury vinyl plank) or LVT (luxury vinyl tile).
- It’s become very popular due to its durability, ease of cleaning, and long lifespan.
- While it’s more expensive than carpet initially, it lasts much longer and can be repaired by replacing individual planks or tiles as needed.
We’ve used it in both apartments and single-family rentals, and it’s been a great choice.
3. Cleaning
Your property should be spotless, inside and out.
- Exterior: Sweep or power wash areas like the garage, driveway, and sidewalks.
- Interior: Deep clean every room, including kitchens, bathrooms, and closets.
I like to say, “Hand off your property to the tenant in the best condition and as clean as possible because this sets the standard for how you want to receive it back.”
4. Health and Safety Items
Ensure the property meets health and safety requirements:
- Locks and Deadbolts: Verify that all exterior doors have functional locks and deadbolts. Ensure you have keys ready for the new tenant.
- Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
- Check local laws to confirm placement and quantity requirements.
- Ensure detectors are not past their lifespan (10 years for smoke detectors) and replace them if necessary.
- Make sure batteries are fresh and all devices are functional.
By following these tips, you’ll not only ensure your property is rent-ready but also create a great impression for your next tenant.
I hope this information was helpful—thanks, and make it a great day!