Is Your Rental Property Ready?
Before you hand over the keys to new tenants, it’s essential to ensure your property is safe, compliant, and move-in ready. A well-prepared rental not only protects your investment but also attracts responsible tenants and minimizes future maintenance headaches.
Our Landlord Checklists cover everything from emergency exits and smoke detectors to structural integrity and essential repairs. Whether you’re a first-time landlord or an experienced property owner, this guide will help you meet safety standards, avoid legal pitfalls, and provide a comfortable home for your tenants.
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Resources
Landlord Safety Checklist
Two Forms of Exit
There must be at least two ways to leave the premises in the event of a fire or other emergency. It can be windows or doors, but the windows have to be big enough for an adult to get through.
Smoke Detectors
Make sure smoke detectors are installed and working. If they are battery-operated, the batteries should be replaced every six months. Check with your county ordinances on smoke detectors in rental properties.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia require landlords to install carbon monoxide detectors, we recommend installing at least one carbon monoxide detector in each bedroom or sleeping area.
Stair Railings
All interior and exterior hand railings should be sturdy and in good working order.
Lead Paint
In buildings constructed before 1978, you’ll need to test for lead paint. Lead paint is dangerous because it forms dust as it deteriorates which is toxic, especially to children under six years old. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP Rule) requires that professional painters or contractors hired to remove lead paint are certified by the EPA (or an EPA authorized state) in lead paint removal.
Mold Detection
Mold can pose a serious health threat to tenants and cause expensive damage to your property. Inspect your property thoroughly anywhere there is moisture including the bathrooms, sinks, basement, and attic. Though not all mold has a detectable scent, smell the walls in the bathroom and basement. If it smells musty, you may have mold.
Landlord Repairs Checklist
Everything in the rental unit should be in good working order including heating, plumbing, electricity, ventilation, air conditioning, and appliances. No matter who pays the utilities on the property, they should all be working.
Plumbing
All interior and exterior hand railings should be sturdy and in good working order.
Electricity
Check that every outlet, light switch and overhead light and ceiling fan are working. Replace any bulbs or bad wiring.
Heating
Change the air filters. Turn on the heat and check every vent for any blockages. Test how long it takes to start and how long it takes to heat the space.
Ventilation and Air Conditioning
If you are providing air conditioning, make sure the unit(s) are blowing cold air and working properly. Check for leaks and add Freon if needed. (Read more: Troubleshooting Common Air Conditioner Blower Problems)
Walls
Repair any holes in the walls, and repaint. When a tenant moves out is the perfect time to freshen up the place with fresh paint. Bright, clean walls are more attractive to prospective tenants and show your property in its best light.
Locks
Protect yourself from liability and get the locks re-keyed or replaced before a new tenant moves in. You don’t want a former tenant to have access to the property.
Yard
How does the property look from the outside? Are the shrubs in need of a trim? Does the lawn need to be mowed? Are their weeds and debris? Clean up the yard for curb appeal.
Windows
Check that the windows are working and the glass isn’t cracked or broken. Be sure that the windows lock securely. Repair or replace any screens.
Floors
Check tile for missing grout and wood floors for any damage. Replace or repair as needed.
Landlord Cleaning Checklist
It’s best to have a top-to-bottom interior cleaning done by professionals who can deep clean every area of the rental property. If you want to do it yourself or give the cleaners a checklist, here are the areas on which to concentrate.
Kitchen
The stovetop, oven, microwave, and refrigerator should all be spotless. Cabinets and drawers should all be free from debris. Replace all shelf liners in cabinets and drawers and scrub the floors.
Carpets & Floors
Have the carpets been professionally cleaned or replaced? No one wants to move into a home with dirty carpets and floors. Make sure all the carpets and floors are spotless.
Windows & Sliding Glass Doors
Clean windows let in more light and make the whole place look brighter than dirty windows. Put a shine on them.
Bathrooms
Every inch of every bathroom needs to be spotless. Sinks, bathtubs, showers, tile, faucets and floors should be immaculate.
Exterminate
Call a professional exterminator or spray pesticide yourself before the tenant moves in. Bugs bring problems, so keep them out.
Now that your property is ready to rent, all you need are the tenants.
If you’re ready for professional help marketing your property and finding tenants, we are experts and happy to help.
