How to set up viewing a property for rent before tenant moves out.

Question

Hi BP community,

I currently have a property that is about to become vacant. Tenant will leave April 30th even though his lease expires May 31st. My main question is regarding interest in viewing the property, by future renters, and how to proceed. The property is currently listed for rent, I’ve had some interest stating that they would like to view the property. Obv, since the tenant is still residing there, it’s hard for me to figure out how exactly how to conduct viewing. I’m also out of state but my Dad is my boots on the ground. Any suggestions or help is greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Manny Vasquez · Answer

If you are on good terms with your existing tenant, try to come up with a "viewing schedule" that the tenant will allow. This could be on specific times and days of the week. Or, you could have a specific time and date, say Saturdays from 10 am - 4 pm. Channel all applicants to walk the property with your father at the agreed upon time and date. I would highly suggest that your father be present with the prospective applicants. DO NOT let the applicants walk the property by themselves, especially if your existing tenant still has their belongings at the property (this could create some messy situations).

Before renting out your property this next time and after you have done any repairs and "cleaned up" the property, I would highly suggest to hire a professional photographer to take pictures of the property. A video of the entire house would also help. This will greatly help you when renting out your property again in the future. I hope this helps!

Before renting out your property this next time and after you have done any repairs and "cleaned up" the property, I would highly suggest to hire a professional photographer to take pictures of the property.  A video of the entire house would also help. This will greatly help you when renting out your property again in the future.  I hope this helps!

Tracy Minick · Answer

I do I say it any better than Manny Vasquez. We take 360 images, full photos and a video to be able to show case the home to prospective tenants. I don't love letting folks view when an existing tenant is there because it is not a controlled environment, however if you have had a recent inspection of the property and you know it shows well and the tenant is amendable then "GREAT".

I would add that since your tenant is vacating early, they are still financially responsible for the lease until end of term. It is in their best interest to allow you to show it so that if you can secure a tenant prior to the end of their lease they will have a "rent refund".

Including a sample of our 360 imagery we use for marketing:

https://portfolio.zinspector.com/tour/OR4zL9dqx06EK7av4GRXljoGbmWA1PZw

V.G Jason · Answer

It's in the lease for them to allow us to let the property be viewed, and the property must be in condition to do. Also, usually I get an inspection done on the property right prior to letting them know we are not renewing or right after they tell us they are not.

Nadir M. · Answer

Is this an agreement that you had your attorney write up or just a written agreement between you and your tenant? Do you have an example of said agreement?

Thank you,

Lynn McGeein · Answer

@Nadir M. In event of request to leave early, we write up an early termination agreement and if home isn’t a wreck, it’s stated that we agree on 2 days (usually a Sat for 2 hours) to schedule appointments with prospective applicants.  I let tenant know they can be there or not, but to remove any thing valuable as I’ll be there but can’t be responsible for their personal property.  We usually only need one day so they’re not bothered again. If not, I’ll plan for following date. I make sure we have the termination agreement before advertising so they don’t decide later to stay to lease end, wasting my time, and it states liability for damages if they’re not out by new agreement date.

Bonnie Low · Answer

Great advice and I second the video walkthrough.

Nadir M. · Answer

Thank you for the information. Great point

Nadir M. · Answer

How do you suggest handling the tenant trying to leave the property a month early? Should I just keep his deposit if he’s not willing to pay another month or have him pay and give him the prorated price when property is ready to turnover or should I just let it go so that way, he can have the property as clean as possibly can be

thank you

Nadir M. · Answer

This absolutely helped and yes I do have a great relationship with my tenant. I will be going to visit the property this upcoming weekend and will walk through to make sure that it’s not a complete mess.

How to set up viewing a property for rent before tenant moves out.

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