Prepare Property for Rent

Replace fire extinguishers to prepare for the next Tenant/Tenant-Buyer.

They have limited lifespans and it is probably cheaper to just buy new ones than to have them serviced.

Replace the batteries in all smoke alarms and Radon detectors to prepare for the next Tenant/Tenant-Buyer.

Clean the property.

Make sure the property is in great condition; it sets the tone for the condition you want the Tenant or Tenant-Buyer to treat and maintain your property. If you're OK with dirty windows and floors, they won't care about that or other things either.

Things to clean probably include:

• Kitchen including behind and underneath appliances like the strove and refrigerator
• Clean inside refrigerator, oven and microwave
• Bathrooms
• At a minimum vacuum the carpet (ideally have the carpets cleaned if needed)
• Sweep and pressure wash the garage and driveway
• Clean windows inside and outside
• Mow the lawn, trim shrubs and neaten landscaping
• Clean out the gutters

If there were things on your Home Inspection that have not been fixed yet, complete all repairs prior to putting your property up for rent.

Make sure the property is in great condition; it sets the tone for the condition you want the Tenant or Tenant-Buyer to treat and maintain your property. If you're OK with a dripping faucet, they won't care about that or other things either.

Have the AC and furnace serviced prior to renting your property.

Make sure you look under all sinks and around all toilets for possible leaks. Fix leaks immediately if they exist.

Call your Insurance Agent and make sure you have a landlord insurance policy (not an owner occupant insurance policy) on your property that you are having be a rental.

Tenants with pets represent an exceptionally large percentage of tenants.

So, accepting pets and having a property with a fenced in yard can help attract a larger pool of tenants which may help you to get higher rent.

Plus, you may also be able to collect additional pet rent on your properties.

For more information on fence laws in Colorado (and possibly getting your neighbors to contribute to the cost of adding a fence), check out this special report.