Are you renting out your home for the first time? It can be both a wise and difficult move, especially in a busy place like Charleston, where the rental estate market can be very competitive, and renters are just as demanding of quality living spaces.
But preparing your property doesn’t have to be so difficult. With thoughtful preparation and an eye for detail, you can make your rental property make an impression for the right reasons.
Scott Properties of Charleston will walk you through what matters most when getting your home rent-ready without overcomplicating the entire process.
1. Start With a Fresh First Impression | Charleston Property Management
Curb appeal upkeep often goes ignored until it is the only thing turning away potential renters from an otherwise stunning estate. Before you list your home, take a walk around the outside of your home and examine it as though you were considering renting the place. Does anything look out of place or in need of repairs?
Even minor updates like pressure washing the concrete driveway or installing a new mailbox can go a long way.
2. Declutter, Then Deep Clean
A clutter-free space looks great for staging and photographs, which matters when your listing competes online. Remove personal memorabilia or bulky décor items to create open spaces, signaling welcome warmth and ventilation. Then, call in the deep cleaners to spruce up the place better.
Tenants tend to notice and appreciate these details, and a clean, spotless home sets the standard for how you would expect it to be treated.
3. Address Legal and Safety Details | Charleston Property Management
Before you hand over the keys to the new tenants, ensure everything in and out of the house is compliant with local codes. That includes functional smoke detectors, secure locks on doors and windows, and carbon monoxide alarms. If your home happens to be part of an HOA, ensure you are familiar with any rental guidelines, prerequisites, or restrictions they have set.
4. Price It Realistically
It is very tempting to increase the rental price, but that can be counterproductive if you want to keep your property empty for longer than you would like. It’s best to research similar homes in your area and compare what features or add-ons warrant a higher markup.
If unsure, a local property management company can offer a realistic rental analysis that aligns with current market prices.
Also, Read: What You Need to Know About Rental Income and Taxes
5. Compose A Clear Lease and Market Smart | Charleston Property Management
A good rental lease should be more than just fine print. It should outline most responsibilities and expectations regarding payment, property maintenance, and a tenant/landlord relationship balance. So be clear on lawn care, pet-keeping, or subletting policies.
6. Don’t Forget to Screen Potential Tenants
It is your home, so being cautious about who you rent it to is okay. A thorough tenant screening process can help avoid the turmoil of delayed payments or extensive property damage in the future. In addition to trusting your gut instincts, background checks, references, and credit scores are all cornerstones of a solid screening process.
From Prep to Payoff: Make It Count
Getting your property ready to rent doesn’t have to be a scary decision. If the process still feels overwhelming, talk to a Charleston property management professional at Scott Properties of Charleston, who can help relieve the burden and streamline the process to ensure nothing gets skipped.