Fall seems to be a very popular time for lease agreements to start. It may be the cooler weather or the start of the new school year that prompts it. If you own a rental property, now is the best time to find tenants and get them in. But before you do, you will want to make sure your property is safe and welcoming for its new inhabitants.
Here is a short checklist of things you might want to do before giving your new tenants a set of keys to your rental.
• If it has been a while, have a building inspection completed. An inspector will know exactly what to look for and will advise you how to fix any problems that may arise. He can also be a great resource for other professionals in the area that may help resolve any issues your rental property has.
• If you do not have an inspector come in, do your own inspection. Check the plumbing to make sure nothing is leaky or broken. Test all the electrical outlets to make sure they are working properly. Walk the perimeter of the property to see if any trees need pruning or sidewalks need repairing. Clean the gutters to ensure proper drainage.
• Once all the big problems are fixed in your rental, move on to the smaller things. Mow the lawn. Clean the gutters. Sweep the floors. Repaint the walls if you need to. Replace any broken blinds or shades.
• Review your rental property insurance and your lease agreement to see if you need to make any changes to either before allowing new tenants to move in. If you have any questions or concerns about how much insurance you will need for your property, give us a call. We can certainly help get you the right insurance for the right price.