Preparing Your Rental Property

• Before putting a property on the market for rent have it professionally cleaned.  This will reveal any work that might need to be done to the floors, windows or walls. 

• Make all the needed repairs so that your property is as attractive and marketable as possible and note any damage that will not be repaired.

• If your property has a septic tank we recommend pumping it before new tenants.

• If you are renting a furnished property we recommend placing  expensive furniture and family heirlooms in storage. Replace them with functional and attractive less expensive items. This will limit your losses and protect your valuables.

• Smaller items, including china, crystal, photos, and any personal items should be put in storage.

• A washing machine and dryer are amenities tenants want. These amenities  make your property more attractive to a perspective renter.

• It is also helpful to know your average monthly utility and heating costs as tenants want to know.

• Install smoke detectors on all floors and a carbon dioxide detector near the main heat source.

• Place one or more fire extinguishers in the house. They should be in an easy to access area fully charged and ready for use with how to use instructions.  

• We also suggest that you establish and maintain public liability insurance. This insurance will cover all risks arising from the rental of the property, and will protect the owner.

• It is also essential that the owner establish a fire insurance policy.