Are you considering renting out your house? If so, it’s essential to make sure that your property is in the best condition possible. Making improvements to your home before renting it and getting the lease agreement signed can help ensure that you get the best return on your investment and that prospective tenants have an enjoyable living experience. In this article, we’ll outline some of the most important improvements you should consider making to your house before renting it out.
Inspect And Upgrade Your Appliances
Take some time to make sure that all appliances are in working order, and check key areas such as air conditioners, heaters, stoves, ovens, and refrigerators. Replacing outdated appliances with newer, more energy-efficient models can help increase the value of your property and improve its appeal to potential renters. Additionally, installing new appliances can reduce costly repairs that may be needed in the future.
Ensure all new appliances and upgrades comply with safety requirements and local laws before implementing them! Regular maintenance such as roof repairs, gutter cleaning, and HVAC system servicing can help ensure that your property has been in good condition for years. Additionally, these improvements can help keep energy costs low for tenants.
Painting Walls
A fresh coat of paint will give any property an immediate face-lift. Be sure to use colors that are pleasing but also neutral enough to appeal to a wide range of renters. Keep colors light, bright, and neutral – white is still one of the most popular colors amongst many renters.
Invest In Plants
Plants make a house a home, and there are few things guaranteed to help your would-be renters feel at home than plenty of houseplants dotted about the property; they will be choosing places to hang their pictures in no time!
Make Safety Improvements
If your house does not meet the current safety standards, it is important to make any necessary improvements before renting it out. This could include installing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors, replacing faulty wiring, and ensuring that all appliances are up-to-date.
Invest In Curb Appeal
Add some curb appeal to your house by planting flowers, adding a fresh coat of paint to the exterior, and making any necessary repairs. These improvements will make your house more attractive to potential renters.
Replace Carpets Or Flooring
Replacing carpets or flooring can be an instant face-lift, especially if the existing flooring is deteriorating and unsightly. You will also want to consider some attractive and durable flooring options like ceramic tile or hardwood, which may even tempt potential renters into signing a lease! Invest in quality flooring that is easy to clean, as this will help prolong its life over time.
Install New Light Fixtures
Installing new light fixtures can change the entire appearance of any room. It will brighten up the area and create a more pleasant living space for tenants. Plus, replacing old light fixtures with LED lighting can save money on electricity bills down the line!
Update Plumbing Fixtures
The plumbing system should be checked from top-to-bottom prior to leasing out your home; if it’s been a while since you had plumbing work completed, at least inspect everything for possible leaks or clogs wherever possible before having a tenant move in – this could cause irreparable damage down the line if not fixed properly upfront!
Update Your Kitchen
Kitchens typically take up more of a tenant’s budget than any other room in the house. Factors like age and fixture condition will also affect how much money your house commands per month in rent. Do your homework ahead of time by looking online at similar properties in the area that have recently been rented out – this will give you a good idea of what kitchen updates and improvements you need to make on yours.
Keep It Clean
Last but not least, make sure your house is clean and organized before you start showing it to potential renters. Deep-clean carpets, scrub bathrooms, and make sure all kitchen appliances are spotless. A little extra effort in keeping your house tidy will pay off big time when it comes time to show it off!
Why Improve Your Home For Renters?
All of the above can be a lot of work, and you may be wondering just why you need to go through all this trouble to make your home brighter, cleaner, and more suitable for renters.
The simple answer is that the more attractive and well-maintained your property is, the more likely it is to attract higher-quality tenants who are willing to pay more for rent. Did you know that we tend to make our first impression within the first seven seconds of meeting someone? This concept applies to homes as well.
If potential tenants walk into a home that looks like it has been neglected, they are less likely to want to rent it. By making improvements to your house and presenting it in its best light, you can attract higher quality tenants who will take better care of your property and be more likely to stay longer – and so it is well worth putting in the effort before you advertise.
Final Thoughts
It is important to make improvements to your house before renting it out, as this will make the space more attractive and increase its rental value. From making necessary repairs to adding curb appeal and updating plumbing fixtures, there are many small tweaks and upgrades you can make that will have a big impact on how your house looks and functions for tenants – and investing in these improvements now will pay off when it comes time to find the perfect tenant; future you will be singing your praises!
