Preparing for First Renter

[Chad Nash]

I own a home and my plan is to move out and begin renting it very soon. Is there any easy checklist or resource of everything that needs to be done/checked while prepping for a renter (both in terms of physical readiness like cleaning the home, etc. and in terms of paperwork)? Having no experience, I just want to make sure that I check all the boxes, do it right, and don't miss anything. Thanks in advance for any assistance.

[Drew Sygit]

Quote from @Chad Nash:

I own a home and my plan is to move out and begin renting it very soon. Is there any easy checklist or resource of everything that needs to be done/checked while prepping for a renter (both in terms of physical readiness like cleaning the home, etc. and in terms of paperwork)? Having no experience, I just want to make sure that I check all the boxes, do it right, and don't miss anything. Thanks in advance for any assistance.

 Check with your local municipality for any landlord or rental requirements.

@Amit Patel gave you some great advice on cosmetic stuff!

Here's HEALTH & SAFETY issues you may want to address to avoid potential tenant lawsuits:

Smoke Detectors with sealed 5+ year batteries. 
- Pro Tip: write the install date on the edge of the detector in permanent marker.

Combo CO & Smoke Detectors on every floor.
- Pro Tip: write the install date on the edge of the detector in permanent marker.

Handrails on every stairs with more than 3 steps. 
- Pro Tip: when installing on walls, either mount handrail brackets on studs or install 1x3 on the wall via studs and then connect brackets to that. Otherwise, tenants will pull them out of drywall.

GFCIs within 6 feet of water; kitchen, bathroom, exterior of house
- Pro Tip: Also install in garage. You only need to install at the beginning of a circuit, all other plugs in series after the GFCI will be protected if you wire them correctly.

Double up on doorstops! Tenants will put door handles thru walls.
- Pro Tip: do NOT use rigid door stops in baseboards, only spring-type. Also add a bumper-type where door knob will hit wall. 

Tenant-Proofing Tips:
1) Put rubber matts under kitchen & bathroom sinks to protect them
2) Minimize fancy landscaping, majority of tenants will NOT take care of it.
3) Replace exterior lockable doorknobs with passage handsets and install deadbolts. Will keep tenants from locking their keys in the house and calling you to let them in after the bars close.
4) Do not install blinds in bathroom windows, the cords rot. Install opaque window film instead.