It might be a good investment to own a rental property in Oklahoma, but you need to plan ahead for when renters move out. A home that is ready for tenants not only attracts good ones, but it also helps cut down on the time it takes to find new tenants and avoid expensive problems later on.
To make sure your property is really ready to rent before the next renter moves in, we have a step-by-step checklist here.
Step 1: Do a full inspection when you move out
The first thing to do is check out the property as soon as the last tenant leaves. Go through each room and write down anything that needs to be cleaned or fixed. Take pictures or videos with the date on them for your records. This keeps you from having problems with your security deposit and gives you a clear list of things to complete.
Step 2: Make a list of the most important repairs
Concentrate on repairs that make things safer, more comfortable, and more useful. Because summers are hot and winters are chilly in Oklahoma, HVAC systems should be checked first. Other repairs that are sometimes needed include:
- Plumbing problems or leaking faucets
Switches or outlets that don’t work - Floors that are cracked or tiles that are broken
- Roof leaks or damage to the outside
Step 3: Clean the walls and floors
Clean walls and floors are the best way to make a place look better. To disguise scratches or marks, paint over them with a coat of neutral paint. If the carpet is old and worn, you might want to replace it or upgrade it to vinyl flooring, which is popular among homeowners in Oklahoma because it lasts a long time and doesn’t need much upkeep.
Step 4: Clean each room thoroughly
Even if the last tenant left the house clean, you should contact a professional cleaning service or undertake a deep clean yourself.
- Kitchens: appliances, cupboards, and sinks
- Bathrooms: toilets, bathtubs, gaskets, and mirrors
Glass and frames for windows - Baseboards and vents
- A clean property shows potential tenants that you care about keeping it maintained.
Step 5: Look at the safety features
It is both your legal and moral duty to protect your tenants. Check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and change them if they are low. Check that the fire extinguishers are easy to get to and that the HVAC filters are new.
Step 6: Change the deadbolts or locks
Safety comes first. Change the locks or put in new ones before the new renters move in, even if the old keys have been returned. Installing smart locks or keyless entry systems, which are becoming more popular with tenants, could make things easier for you.
Step 7: Check the appliances and systems
Check that all of your appliances are functional, including the stove, oven, refrigerator, washer/dryer, dishwasher, and water heater. Check the pipes for leaks and make sure the hot water is flowing the way it should.
Step 8: Tell Important People About Your New Address
When you move into or get ready for a rental, you don’t just have to spruce up the house; you also have to make sure that crucial mail gets to the correct people. Tell your tenants to let their banks, subscription services, and the post office know about their new address. In Oklahoma, USPS lets them rapidly modify their address online.
Step 9: Go over the rules of the lease and how they are enforced
Make sure your lease is up to date and follows Oklahoma rental rules before you list it. Set guidelines for guests, pets, and how you want things to be kept up.
Step 10: Do a good job of marketing the property
Once the house is ready to rent, take good pictures and make a listing that looks good. Point out things like recent renovations, energy-efficient systems, or a good location. The better your marketing plan is, the quicker you’ll find someone to fill the job.
Extra Tip: Make the Outside Look Better
It’s important to make a good first impression, and the outside of your house is the first thing potential tenants will see. Take the time to mow the grass, trim the bushes, pick up trash, and pressure wash the walkways or drives. A clean entrance with good lighting and a newly painted front door may make your property stand out a lot.
Last Thoughts
A property that is ready to rent not only looks better, but it also sets the stage for a good connection with your tenants. If you put safety, cleanliness, and comfort first, you’ll get better tenants who are more likely to remain longer.
Visit Simple Property Management to learn more about managing rental properties in Oklahoma. They have tools to assist landlords get the most out of their assets.
We hope you found this blog on How to Get Your Oklahoma Home Ready for New Tenants, useful. For more Tips, check out this blog on Why Consider Moving to Oklahoma City OK, for more tips.
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