8 Changes that Need to Happen Before You Get New Tenants

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When landlords are changing apartments out between tenants there are basic maintenance items that will need to be done to ensure the unit is ready for the next tenants to move into. Doing these routine maintenance items is key to keeping the units all looking neat, clean, and in top shape for the next tenant who is going to move in.

The following is a checklist of 8 things that need to be done between each tenant moving out and the next one moving in:

  • Repair Any Damage Caused By Previous Tenants: If there is anything that needs replaced or repaired you will have to take care of that before welcoming new tenants into the rental unit. This will include things like a hole in the wall or a broken window. Maintenance of the unit will be necessary before the next tenant moves in to help ensure that the next tenant can live safely and healthfully in their new home.

 

  • Clean the Property: Paying a professional to come in and clean the unit will be necessary before the next tenant is able to move in. It will help get rid of any dirt and grime left behind from the last tenant and make it sanitary for the next tenant to move into the property. This especially includes areas like the tub, toilet, sinks, refrigerator, and oven as well as washer and dryer and any other appliances that are in the unit for the new tenant to use.

 

  • Deep-Cleaning the Carpets: Having a cleaning service come in and helping deep-clean the carpets will help remove all the dirt and grime that was left behind from the previous tenants. It not only keeps the unit clean but helps preserve the life expectancy of the carpet to have it cleaned on a regular basis. It also provides a nice, clean place for the new tenant to move into.

 

  • Checking for Insects/Bugs: This might sound weird but many parts of the country have issues with a whole variety of insects at various times of the year. Ensuring that the unit is clear and free from bugs especially around windows and doors is vital before a new tenant moves in. Nothing will turn someone off faster than finding a dead bug or bugs in their new rental!

 

  • Check Heating/Plumbing/Electric: Ensure that all utilities in the unit are working properly before allowing tenants to move in. This means they will be able to turn on the heat or air conditioning unit to keep the temperature comfortable or are able to turn the oven on to cook a meal. The tenant will need to be able to use electric plugs in the walls safely meaning there is no risk of sparking or other issues that can cause electronics to overheat or risk of the tenant getting shocked or otherwise injured. Checking all this to make sure it’s in order between tenants is vital to avoiding a future issue once new tenants have moved in.

 

  • Review The Entire Lease with the Tenant: Go over each lease section by section when the tenants sign it so they understand what is allowed and what is not while they are renting the unit. This will include what quiet hours are in the neighborhood or this may include things like how many vehicles they may park on the premises or how many people are allowed to stay in the unit and for how long if they are not listed on the lease. It will also make it clear how many pets or what kinds of pets are allowed in the rental. Having them sign each section as you review it can help eliminate the questions and misunderstandings about how tenants are expected to conduct themselves.

 

  • Change the Locks: Changing the locks before new tenants move into the unit is vital to keeping them safe and ensuring that people from past rentals don’t have a key to this person’s residence. Keeping everyone safe is the best bet and changing the lock with each tenant is the best bet.

 

  • Collect Security Deposit & First Month’s Rent: Security deposits cover you as a landlord in case there is damage to your property. Requiring rent to be paid up front ensures that you are not going to have people living there not paying rent, so collecting it UP FRONT is in your best interest.

These are just 8 of the great tips that landlords can use to help ensure that their their tenants are moving into a clean and comfortable rental and are ready for them to live in and enjoy while they are staying at one of your properties.