If you are renting out an investment property you should be aware of your responsibilities as the lessor.
If you engage a property manager to ensure you are compliant and ready to be a landlord, make sure they are qualified and experienced.
A properly-prepared home will achieve a better rental income and attract a better calibre of tenant.
Being prepared will also ensure the rental process is stress-free.
There are certain things that as an owner occupier you would be happy to live with, however they wouldn’t be acceptable in a rental situation.
Before renting your investment property, make sure all repairs are complete. From dripping taps to
chipped paint on walls. Now is the time to fix it.
And if you are leaving appliances, make sure they are in clean and good working order.
If you want your property handed back to you in good condition, then deliver it to the tenant in good condition.
Just as you would if you were going to sell, before you rent out your property give it a good spring clean and make sure it’s nothing short of sparkling.
A deep clean before renting should include carpets, curtains and blinds, windows, flyscreens, bins, doors, door and window tracks, ceiling and exhaust fans, lights, skirting boards, drains, sinks and window sills.
And make sure you look beyond the front door. Does the letterbox need fixing? Are the gutters clean? Is the fence sturdy? Are there cobwebs under the pergola? Does the garden need weeding?
And don’t forget to alter your insurance to a landlord-appropriate policy.
A good property manager will be able to advise you on getting your property fit for tenancy.
They will advise on aspects of your property that might require attention from a legal or safety perspective. Is your pool fence adequate? Do your smoke detectors meet regulations?
Are your balconies and blind cords safe? Does the property meet electrical and water efficiency standards under your local Residential Tenancies Act?
Property managers must be registered real estate representatives working for a licensed real estate agent who is in charge of the agency. You will quickly realise that there is more to property management than simply putting a “for lease” sign in the front garden of your investment property.
If you are looking for a Property Management Company in Perth, contact JPG today and speak to one of our property managers to see how we can help you