7 things to do before preparing your home to rent

Preparing your own home for other people to rent is not as simple as just moving out and putting a for lease sign out the front.

If it’s broke, fix it

From the letterbox to the back fence, carry out any repairs to make sure your home is in tip top condition. This also applies to anything like leaking washers, dripping taps, broken tiles or chipped paint. 

Clean

You want your property handed back to you in good condition, so set the initial benchmark high. Before you rent out your property give it a good spring clean and make sure it’s sparkling, this could include carpets, curtains and blinds, fly screens, windows, garbage bins and more.

Presentation

Prospective tenants are the same as prospective buyers – they’ll be more attracted to a well-presented property. Make sure you do your best to have it looking great for the photos and that it is tidy for any viewings.

Don’t forget the outside

Is the letterbox in need of repair? Are the gutters clean? Is the fence in good condition? Are there any pests or insects you need to deal with? 

Add value

New paint, carpet and light fittings can be a cheap but effective way to update a property. Your property manager or agent can best advise you on your particular situation.

Insurance

Let your insurance company know you’re no longer living there and arrange landlord’s insurance. 

The fine print

Think about whether any aspect of your property might not meet current regulations or safety guidelines. Such as pool fences, stairs, railings, balconies, blinds and curtains. Does the property meet electrical and water efficiency standards under your local Residential Tenancies Act? Check the laws with your property manager or real estate agent.