4 Must Do Tips To Get Your Property Ready To Rent… Plus A Few Helpful Ideas!

Preparing a property for rent means getting it logistically ready with a property appraisal and a property management company, but it also means ensuring the property itself is in good condition and ready for tenants to move in. If you’re getting an investment property ready to rent, here are 11 actionable steps to maximise tenant appeal and get the property leased faster at the best possible rental return.

Property Rental Preparation Checklist - Must Do:

1. Get a Rental Appraisal

A rental appraisal provides an accurate estimate of how much the landlord can charge for rent. An experienced property manager will assess the local market rental rate, the condition of the property and proximity to surrounding amenities to determine a weekly rental estimate. 

Rental appraisals are a free service offered by property managers like Townsville Rentals - so there is no reason not to get one early on in the process.

2. Check Utility Certificates

Landlords need to ensure that the property’s essential utilities (water, gas, electricity) are safe and ready for use. 

In Queensland, the water bill can be passed on to tenants if the property has a Water Efficiency Certificate issued by a licensed plumber. The Water Efficiency Certificate requires the rental property to have a water meter and water efficient devices such as aerators and flow restrictors in taps.

Properties with gas appliances (such as ovens or stovetops) need a Gas Compliance Certificate. 

The property must also obtain an Electrical Certificate of Compliance from a licensed electrician to ensure the electrical system is safe for use.

3. Arrange Smoke Alarm Checks 

Arrange smoke alarm testing for the property to ensure that the current smoke alarms are in working order and meet the Queensland Fire & Emergency Services requirements. Landlords must test and clean each smoke alarm in the property within 30 days before the start of a tenancy. Homes that are being converted to rental properties also must be equipped with photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms.

4. Get Pool or Spa Amenities Certified

Properties with a pool or spa must have a valid pool safety certificate before the residential lease is signed. Engage a licensed pool safety inspector to carry out the necessary safety checks and register the pool on the QLD Pool Safety Register.

Plus a Few Helpful Ideas!

5. Complete Building Repairs and Maintenance

Any repairs or maintenance jobs need to be completed before the property is listed for rent - including structural issues with the roof, walls and flooring, to minor lighting or cabinetry repairs. It is the landlord’s responsibility to provide a safe and secure environment for tenants. If the property has a recent building inspection report, it will highlight any critical safety issues that must be fixed.

Townsville Rental’s property managers will also identify areas of the property that should be fixed to make it more attractive to tenants. Given that the building’s condition is one of the main factors that tenants look at during inspections, it’s important that there is no obvious damage or structural issues to maximise rental value.

6. Get Landlord Insurance

Landlord insurance protects the value of the investment property - it is a safety net for any costs or loss associated with damage to the property or the contents provided for the tenants (appliances, furniture).

Landlord insurance covers property damage from unexpected events such as bushfires and storms and loss of income from irresponsible tenant actions such as vandalism and theft.

7. Tax Depreciation Documents

Landlords must have the necessary documents to claim tax depreciation on an investment property. Consider obtaining a tax depreciation schedule prepared by a quantity surveyor - this schedule can be used to claim depreciation on the investment property for up to 40 years.

8. Organise Bond Cleaning

A clean and pristine property is more likely to attract tenants. While it is possible to clean the property on your own, a professional bond cleaner will be able to conduct a full, more thorough clean of the property. Getting a professional clean also means that you can expect that tenants will leave it in the same condition and get it professionally cleaned before moving out.

9. Install Appliances

Appliances like refrigerators, built-in ovens, and washing machines are nice-to-haves that can significantly add to the tenant appeal of the property. Buying and installing these appliances in the property before and during tenant inspections offers greater convenience for potential tenants.

10. Landscaping

If the property has a front and/or back garden, landscaping services can enhance the appearance of the lawn and bushes, making the property more attractive and setting the standard for how the property should be maintained. Tenants do not want to deal with overgrown bushes and gardens, especially if the lease requires tenants to maintain the garden areas.

11. Document Everything

The entire property should be documented with photographic evidence to provide clarity in the event of tenant disputes or end-of-lease inspections. Property management services handle the documentation of the property’s condition and collate it into a condition report. Changes to the property from repair work are updated accordingly.

Townsville Rentals provides comprehensive property management services for landlords with properties in Townsville. We can connect you with responsible tenants and maximise your rental returns - get in touch with us to book a free rental appraisal for your investment property.