Owning a rental property (or properties) in Birmingham can be a very good investment. The rent you receive from your tenants can be a great source of income or can supplement your income. When a tenant moves out and vacates the apartment, you will need to prepare the unit to make it attractive to potential renters. There are several important things that need to be handled before you start showing the unit and we’ve put them together just for you.
Clean the Unit
Many tenants don’t clean before they move out. They are so busy packing and preparing for the move that they don’t take the time to clean. This means that it is up to you. When the tenant moves out, you will need to wash the walls, floors, windows, and all of the appliances. You also need to give the bathroom a good scrubbing. If you don’t have the time or energy to clean the unit yourself, you can hire a cleaning service or skip worrying about it altogether and hire a Birmingham property management company. If the unit isn’t spotless, it will be difficult to rent the unit.
Paint and Repair the Walls
Each time you rent a unit, the walls should be repaired and, if necessary, painted. If there are nail holes in the walls, they need to be filled in. You should also fill in any cracks. When repainting the walls, it is best to use neutral colors. Bold colors look great, but you can’t be sure that the walls will match potential tenants’ preferences or styles. A fresh coat of paint in every room will breathe new life into the unit.
Have the Carpets Cleaned
Over time, carpets can get dirty from spills and normal wear and tear. Because dirty carpets can instantly turn off potential renters, it is essential that you have the carpets cleaned before showing the unit. If the carpets are stained beyond repair, you should consider replacing them. This will cost you extra money, but it will most likely be worth it in the long run.
Clean Out the Garage
If there is a garage area, make sure that the previous tenant removed all their belongings. Garages are usually where junk is usually left behind, and if not cleaned, it can leave a bad impression for potential renters.
Clean Up the Yard
Before you start showing the unit, make sure that the yard looks nice. If a potential tenant pulls up in front of the building and it is a mess, they might worry about what the inside looks like. Before showing the unit, ensure that the grass is cut, and trash and debris have been removed. The building’s exterior needs to look just a nice as the interior.
Change the Locks
Just because your previous tenant returned the keys, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t more out there. Your previous tenant could have made a spare key and given it to a friend or family member. It’s always a good idea to change the locks to the unit and the exterior doors.
If you want to attract quality tenants, you need to ensure that the unit looks its best. Specialized Property Management Birmingham can help you avoid any issues or headaches that may arise. We take care of getting the property cleaned and ready to list, and we also screen potential tenants to find the best ones for your property.