Saturday, May 28, 2016

Rental Owner prep items

Below are some of the items that you as a rental owner should be ready to resolve prior to a new tenant moving in.  All of these items are minimal cost and will eventually have to be rectified even if you put a tenant in with them not working properly.


  • Lights - Do all of the lights in your house work?
  • Fans - Are all of your fans operational?  do they have all required blades?
  • Thermostats - your AC may work great, but if the thermostat doesn't work properly it won't make much of a difference.  Make sure the temp is measured correctly, and that the heat and air turn on properly when you move the temperature setting
  • Windows - do they all open?  do they leak? do they all lock?
  • Doors - do all doors shut properly?  Do all door handles twist properly?  Are all locks functional and have corresponding keys?
  • Exterior Spigots - Are they functional?  Are the handles in one piece?
  • Paint - has it been a few years since it was painted inside and out?
  • Doorbell - Is there one?  If so, does it work?
  • Smoke Detectors - Do you have the proper number and in the proper rooms?  Are they hardwired with battery back up or just battery operated?  Are the batteries up to date?
  • AC Tune up - when was your AC last checked out by a professional?
  • Water Heater - when was your last check up, when was it last flushed?
  • Leaky Pipes/Sinks - are there any active leaks under the sinks?  These could come from pipes, connections, or sink drains.
  • Pests - when was your last termite fumigation?  when was your last bug spraying?


*** not a comprehensive list

Top 10 Maintenance items as a Tenant


  1. Replace Air Filter every 30 days
  2. Replace refrigerator water filter every 90 days
  3. Mow Lawn and pull weeds as needed
  4. Ensure Tree debris is not sitting on the roof (sticks, leaves, etc) every 30 days
  5. Clean Gutters every 180 days
  6. Remove and Clean Kitchen vent under microwave or hood
  7. Pour bleach down Air Handler drainage tube every 90 days
  8. Ensure caulking around tub, sinks, and toilet are not cracking
  9. Drain water heater every 180 days
  10. Check under sinks for plumbing leaks