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If you own a rental property, it’s important to keep it clean to ensure an attractive and comfortable living space for your tenants. Keeping your property in top condition can keep existing tenants happy, attract better potential tenants, and preserve or increase the value of your investment.
Since spring symbolizes rebirth, now is a great time to clean and refresh your rental property, especially if you plan to list it soon. Here are some tips for not only deep cleaning your property, but also maintaining it so future cleanings are easier.
Create a list
It helps to have a comprehensive list of everything you need to pay attention to before starting the cleaning process. This will help ensure you don’t overlook anything important.
After you create your list, prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency. This way, you can focus on your most critical tasks first, ensuring you have enough time to complete them. Prioritizing your tasks can also help you effectively allocate the time and resources you need to get everything done.
Make sure you have outlined in your lease which cleaning responsibilities fall to the landlord and which to the tenant. This way, you can use the checklist to track progress and responsibilities, ensuring that all parties are meeting all their responsibilities.
Finally, the inventory provides documentation that the property has been properly maintained and cleaned. You can review the inventory with your tenants, document the condition of the property, and make sure you and your tenants are on the same page.
go beneath the surface
In addition to the obvious cleaning tasks of dusting, vacuuming carpets, mopping floors and wiping surfaces, investing the time in deep cleaning your rental property can yield significant returns, both in terms of tenant satisfaction and the longevity of your property.
Focus on areas that are often missed during daily cleaning, such as behind appliances, inside cabinets and along window tracks. Small things like fixing leaky faucets and loose doorknobs, replacing shower curtains and batteries for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can go a long way.
Larger projects such as deep cleaning or replacing carpets, power washing windows, and a fresh coat of paint can liven up a rental property. Be sure to clear out your outdoor space, replace dead plants and trim overgrown trees and hedges.
Check electrical appliances
An important part of any cleaning or maintenance job is to carefully inspect appliances—including refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, washers, and dryers—to make sure they are working properly and up to code.
Equipment failure can create safety hazards such as electrical fires, gas leaks, or floods. They can also consume more energy than necessary, resulting in higher utility bills for both landlords and tenants.
Repairing your appliances for optimal performance can save you money on energy costs and reduce the chance of property damage. Replacing the air filter in your HVAC system is also important to improve energy efficiency and air quality. Well-maintained appliances can increase the overall value of a rental property, thereby increasing rental rates and property value.
Declutter and Detox
Tidying up a rental property can increase its value by improving its visual appeal and creating a positive living experience for tenants. A clutter-free environment looks more spacious, reveals the functionality and architectural character of the space, and makes tenants feel more comfortable in their home.
Start by cleaning high-traffic areas such as entryways, living rooms, and kitchens, removing any items that are broken, unnecessary, or no longer in use. Then clear out closets, cabinets, and storage areas to maximize space. Consider organizing items into containers, baskets and bins to keep things tidy and improve accessibility.
While you’re busy decluttering, look for ways to detoxify your possessions, too. Conduct a thorough assessment to determine the source of toxins like mold and the most common culprit—mold. Inspect the home for signs of water damage, leaks, or any source of moisture that could lead to mold growth. If mold is found, use an appropriate cleaning solution to clean and remove it.
When to call a professional
While many of the tasks and projects detailed above can be performed by landlords, in some cases it may be necessary to hire a professional cleaning or repair service, especially if you own a larger property, have a complex situation, or are pressed for time.
If you’re not sure how to properly diagnose or fix a problem, or the repair requires specialized equipment, it’s best to consult a professional who has the expertise and experience needed to properly handle the problem.
Likewise, a professional should be consulted in any situation that poses a safety hazard, including gas leaks, electrical faults, severe water damage, and widespread mold infestations.
follow the rules
It’s always better to be proactive than reactive when it comes to cleaning and maintaining your rental property. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help catch small problems before they escalate into big ones.
Therefore, regular cleaning and maintenance procedures can go a long way toward solving problems early and avoiding costly repairs or replacements later on.
Routine cleaning and maintenance not only saves time and money, it can also preserve or increase property value and attract qualified tenants. Providing a safe, comfortable and functional living environment keeps tenants happy, who are more likely to renew their lease and recommend the property to others, thus reducing turnover and vacancy rates.
Ryan Barone is co-founder and CEO of reddy rentalsan award-winning rental management software that changes the way landlords and tenants manage their rental experience.
