Getting your Home Ready to Rent!

by Jhannah Bardwell

6 August, 2024

Renting out your home can be a rewarding experience, providing a steady income stream and potentially increasing your property's value. However, to ensure a smooth transition and successful rental experience, there are several crucial steps to follow. Sarah Camillo, a property expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry, shares her top tips for preparing your home for rent.

Ensuring Compliance with Laws and Safety Standards

One of the first and most important steps in preparing your home for rent is to ensure it meets all local laws and safety standards. This includes:

Smoke Alarms: Make sure your smoke alarms are up-to-date and compliant with current regulations. Regularly test the alarms to ensure they are functioning correctly.
Pool Safety: If your property has a pool, ensure it has a valid pool safety certificate. This involves meeting specific safety standards for Queensland, such as having a secure fence and gate around the pool area.
Maintenance: Conduct a thorough inspection of your property to identify and address any maintenance issues. Fix any leaks, repair broken fixtures, and ensure all appliances are in working order. Regular maintenance not only keeps your property in good condition but also helps prevent future problems that could disrupt your rental income.
New RTA laws: As a property owner, it is good to stay informed of the RTA ( Residential Tenancy Authorities) who will be very involved in the renting process. RTA are a government body that provide tenancy information and support, bond management, dispute resolution, compliance and enforcement and education services. Recently they released new laws on the 6th of June which all property owners who are looking to get involved with renting should definitely revise.

NEW RENTAL LAWS COMMENCED 6 JUNE 2024

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Clean and Presentable

A clean and well-presented home attracts more potential tenants and can command higher rent. Consider hiring professional cleaners to deep clean the property, including carpets, windows, and all living areas.

Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms, as these are often scrutinized by prospective tenants. In some cases, renovation can elevate the properties value and mitiage old issues, sometimes spending money is the way to make money.

Preparing for Investment

Renting out your home means viewing it as an investment. Be prepared to:

Communicate Effectively: Open and clear communication with your tenants is crucial. Set expectations early on regarding rent payments, maintenance requests, and other important matters.
Have Patience: The rental process can take time, from finding the right tenant to dealing with occasional maintenance issues. Patience is key to managing your property effectively.
Make Peace: For a lot of owners it is hard to let a property they're attatched to be lived in by other people. This can make the renting process difficult, and stagger your income as a property owner. We highly reccomend that for owners who are atattched to their properties, either not renting out sentimental property or rather, detatching and accepting that the property will become an investment.
Find the Right Property Manager: A good property manager can make a significant difference in your rental experience. They can handle day-to-day management tasks, from screening tenants to handling maintenance requests, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of your investment with minimal hassle. Look for a property manager with a strong track record and positive references. We would highly reccomend Sarah, as her expertise and experience highlight her personalised service and attention to detail.

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Final Thoughts

Preparing your home for rent involves careful planning and attention to detail. By ensuring your property meets all legal and safety requirements, maintaining cleanliness, and viewing your home as an investment, you can attract quality tenants and maximize your rental income. With over a decade of experience, Sarah Camillo and the team at Rental Trends are here to help you navigate the rental process and achieve success as a landlord, by maximising your rental income and putting your property first.

For more information or assistance with renting out your property, contact Rental Trends today!

Or check out some of our other Informative posts!