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