⚠️ Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. Readers should verify details and consult qualified professionals before making any real estate or rental decisions.
Getting a Florida property fully ready for rent involves several key steps. Having a property “rent-ready” means that the rental is in perfect condition to be listed on the market and ready for new tenants.
If you’re new to property management, start with our Beginner’s Guide to Renting Out a House in Florida for a step-by-step overview.
Taking the time and extra effort to fully prepare a rental before advertising can save time and money. It is crucial that potential tenants view a home only when it is 100% ready to move into.
Here are seven things to consider before getting a Florida rental house ready for renting out.
1. Improve Curb Appeal for Your Florida Rental Property
The rental-ready process can begin with curb appeal, as it is the first thing potential tenants see. An opinion may be formed based on how the home looks from the outside. First impressions are crucial for attracting potential tenants, especially when they are choosing a home to live in.
Focus on Landscaping
To ensure a property has curb appeal, start with the landscaping. If a property has grass, it should be maintained, trimmed, and fertilized on a regular basis.
Flower beds should be free of weeds and any debris. Trees and shrubs should be trimmed and pruned. The landscaping should not look like it’s in disrepair or a lot of work for tenants.
Clear Debris and Maintain Pathways
All trash and debris should be removed from the premises. The entire property should be free of any debris and eyesores.
The front driveway and front door should be clean, clear, and easy to reach. Pathways should be swept and kept tidy at all times. A well-marked path that is easy to get to the front door and is well-lit is important.
Final Check from the Street
Finally, stepping back to the street or sidewalk to look at the house provides a clear perspective.
This view helps determine if the property looks like one that good tenants would want to live in, confirming that good curb appeal has been created.
2. Walk the Walls to Inspect Your Rental Property Thoroughly
Professionals renting out a house often “walk the walls” to prepare a property for the Florida rental market. The idea is to enter the house through the front door and take an initial look. The paint and carpet should look nice and fresh, and the home should smell good before beginning the detailed walkthrough.
Begin the Walkthrough
Walking the walls involves starting on the right or left and following the walls through the entire property, making a complete circle back to the front door.
It is useful to write down everything noticed and note its location for later reference. This method provides a chance to check every square inch of the house.
Check Fixtures and Appliances
Look at every outlet, check every set of blinds, check the windows to ensure they are locked, and look at the screens to ensure they are in place and free of any holes or damage to the frame.
Look for cracks in windows or window frames. Unplug and check all appliances and make sure they are in good working order. Check each light switch.
Inspect Walls, Plumbing, and Safety Devices
Check the paint and make sure there are no dings, scratches, nail holes, or stains on the walls.
Turn on all faucets, look for leaks under each sink, and run the garbage disposal. Check the air filter, flush each toilet, test each smoke detector or CO2 detector, and check every system and every detail.
Take a look at every square inch of the property to make notes of what needs to be addressed during the walkthrough.
For guidance, refer to the U.S. Fire Administration’s smoke alarm safety recommendations or consult the Florida State Fire Marshal’s regulations.
Ensure Tenant-Ready Condition
The home must be ready for tenants to see. Walking the walls can catch even the smallest problems.
Addressing these issues preemptively avoids service calls in the first week after tenants move in, which benefits both the landlord and the tenant.
3. Make a Complete Maintenance and Repair List
The next step is to make a complete list of necessary repairs.
Note Every Repair, Big or Small
This list could include a burned-out light bulb, an outlet that wasn’t working, or an air filter that needs replacing.
The list should be complete, leaving nothing out. Even small items should be written down to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Ensure the Home is Tenant-Ready
Potential renters walking into a Florida home expect to be able to move right in.
They generally do not want to hear that a broken handle on the microwave will be replaced or that the walls will be repainted before they move in.
Everything needs to be pristine and in great shape when they first walk through the door.
4. Complete Your Maintenance and Repairs Before Renting
Decide What You Can Handle
When tackling a maintenance and repair list, it’s important to decide which items can be handled personally.
Landlords should be comfortable completing any tasks they plan to do themselves.
Hire Professionals When Necessary
If not, a list of licensed and insured professionals in Florida should be made to hire for these tasks to get the house ready for renting out.
If something is outside one’s expertise, hiring a professional can save time and money.
They will often get the job done faster and right the first time. Professionals are generally faster, which allows the home to be marketed faster, tenants to be placed faster, and rent to be collected faster.
Prepare Supplies for DIY Tasks
For items tackled personally, making a complete list of supplies from the walkthrough can save time by consolidating trips to the store.
5. Decide What Needs to Be Replaced in Your Rental Property
Consider the cost of continuing to repair an appliance versus buying a new one.
Factors to consider include the age of the appliance and how many times it has been repaired in the past.
Analyzing these questions and doing the math will help decide whether to replace any appliances.
A bonus is that new appliances will appeal to potential renters when they are looking at the listing and viewing the Florida rental property.
6. Deep Clean Your Florida Rental Property
First Impressions Count
Cleanliness is a critical part of renting out a Florida house.
When touring a house, potential tenants in Florida often first assess its cleanliness.
Good tenants are generally unwilling to step into someone else’s mess.
Hire Professionals for a Thorough Clean
Hiring a professional cleaning crew for a full deep cleaning can be beneficial.
This should include removing appliances from the wall and dusting under and behind them, as a surprising amount of mess can accumulate around appliances.
Maintain Cleanliness During Repairs
It is important to clean up after completing any repairs or when contractors are in the home.
Floors should be kept clean and the home smelling fresh at all times.
7. Be Careful and Consistent
Being careful and consistent is essential when getting a Florida house ready for renting out.
These steps are important and can save time and money.
A property that is ready for rent typically rents faster, to better tenants, and for more money.
A unit should not be vacant longer than necessary because something important to the property was forgotten or neglected.
Being thorough and consistent every time a tenant moves in or out of the Florida property can keep tenants satisfied from the beginning and helps start the tenancy relationship positively.
Conclusion
Ultimately, a Florida property will be ready to rent out with careful planning, consistency, and attention to minor details.
Landlords set the stage and stand out in the market for a smooth rental experience by improving curb appeal, completing maintenance and repairs, replacing outdated items, and inspecting the home thoroughly.
By doing this, quality tenants can be attracted, helping the property rent faster and even for better rates.
A professional and consistent approach ensures the rental is always tenant-ready, saving time, money, and stress in the future.
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