Preparing Your Livermore Investment Property for Rent ‖ “Do-it-Yourself”
Congratulations on learning California State and Alameda County rules and laws in regards to renting out your Livermore investment property; now it is time to get it ready to rent. This process is commonly called “make ready”, and includes many things most “do it yourself” new landlords do not think of.
Let’s start inside. Do you have the proper number of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as required by the State of California? Has your HVAC been inspected and serviced in the last twelve months? Have all filters been changed out in the last three months? Now how about those batteries in your smoke detectors and garage door openers? Have you obtained a Landlord Policy from your insurance company for your Livermore investment property?
Now that we have that covered, it’s time to get that home “make ready”. First step is to walk around, and perform an evaluation. Can the walls be touched up, or do they need a full repaint? Look at the caulking around tubs, sinks, toilets and window seals, and don’t forget to check the weather stripping. If a fireplace and chimney are present, have they been cleaned and inspected in the last 12-24 months? Also, pest control should be considered if there has been previous issues or creepy visitors in the past.
On to the next steps! Has every appliance been checked, and in good working order? Turn on all burners to ensure they work, check the refrigerator and freezer, dishwasher, and all faucets. Be sure to look under all sinks to look for any leaks that will need to be addressed prior to renting the property. Remember, all appliances and “personal property” such as washers and dryers, lawnmowers, etc., will have the same rule. Be sure to think over all personal items that are left on the property for use, as they must be maintained, and kept in working order.
Next, be sure to have the home professionally cleaned, and make sure any burnt out light bulbs are replaced. The last item you will want to consider in getting the interior ready, is to have the carpets professionally cleaned. The better condition you leave the interior of the home in, the more your tenants will treat your property with respect, and want to keep it clean, saving you time and money in the long run.
So now you might be giving yourself a pat on the back for a job well done? Not quite. Let’s not forget about the exterior of the home. Make sure the gutters are cleaned out, the lawn has been mowed and edged, and the weeds and any debris have been cleared out. You may want to consider a good landscape service to give some care to trees or shrubbery that have been neglected.
Depending on the condition of the home, these steps can take anywhere from 6-30 hours plus of time to complete yourself. To save time, you might consider professional services, but these will also come at a cost. Also, you need to be careful to check references and ensure the vendors can complete the job in your time frame. We wish you the best whichever direction you choose, but please do make sure your Livermore investment property is “rent ready”, as this will save you money, headaches, and time in the future.
Don’t have the time? Please contact us, and we would be happy to help make your property “rent ready”.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
