Landlords have a responsibility to ensure their properties are in great shape before a new tenant moves in. Even if property managers use a tenant screening software to help them find the perfect tenants, nobody is going to want to live in an apartment or house with problems. This is why landlords need to make sure a few common problems are taken care of before their next tenant moves in. Let’s explore a few of these issues that need to be addressed.
Make repairs as needed
If the previous tenant caused any damage, or damage occurred over time, it’s crucial to get repairs done before the new tenants move in. Things such as holes in the walls, floorboards coming up, or broken windows can be more than just cosmetic issues. They can be safety issues, too. It’s also important to take care of damages so that when the new tenants move out in the future, they can be charged properly for any new damages if needed. Overall, making these small repairs is an important first step.
Do some cleaning
Tenants don’t want to move into a dirty house. This is why it’s always a good idea to do some light cleaning before move-in day — get the carpets cleaned, wash the windows, dust, and wipe down countertops. If landlords have the option, hiring a cleaning company is always a great thing to do to show new tenants how much they care about their happiness in their new home. Cleaning should always be done before a tenant turnover, especially if the house was left in poor condition.
Inspect the HVAC system
The HVAC system in the house should be routinely checked and maintained. After all, tenants aren’t going to be happy if the air conditioning or heat stops working. Landlords should take a good look at the system, or hire a professional, and check for reasons for AC repair or general HVAC maintenance. Doing this regularly will prevent getting a phone call from an unhappy tenant who is left without heat on a cold day.
Take care of plumbing issues
Like HVAC systems, plumbing systems should be checked, too. Drains should be cleaned if they’re draining slowly, leaks should be taken care of promptly, and old or rusted pipes should be replaced as needed. This is an important step in preventing plumbing issues down the line, which can often result in flooding and property damage along with upset tenants.
Check for safety hazards
The safety of tenants should always be a priority for landlords. Landlords should always do a thorough inspection of the property and take care of any safety hazards. Loose floorboards, smoke detectors that don’t work, and broken locks can all harm the safety of residents. It’s important for landlords to check for safety hazards to avoid anyone getting hurt and a possible lawsuit down the line.
Change the locks
One last thing that’s always good to do between tenants is to change the locks to the house. Even if old tenants turn in their keys, there’s always the possibility that they made copies and kept one or even gave a key to someone else. Landlords don’t want old tenants entering the house after new tenants have moved in, so it’s best to simply change the locks to prevent that from happening.
Tenant turnover can be challenging, and landlords often only have a short amount of time to prepare their property for new tenants. But keeping these concerns in mind and taking the time to prepare the property the right way will make for very happy new tenants.
To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.
