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5 Simple Tips for Tenant-Proofing Your Rental Property

Anum Yoon
3 min read
5 Simple Tips for Tenant-Proofing Your Rental Property

When you rent a property, it’s important to take actions to keep it in the best condition possible as it goes from tenant to tenant. You should offer a safe home for your tenants, so keeping it in good condition serves both of you. Tenant-proofing your home doesn’t have to be a long process full of hard work and loads of money. There are several easy and budget-friendly things you can do to improve your home and tenant-proof it for years to come.

Choose Flooring Carefully

Do a little research and learn the best types of durable flooring for a rental property. You should also check your state’s laws about rental properties because some states require you to replace the carpet each time a tenant moves out.

You should avoid carpet if you can, but if you can’t, pick a darker color that won’t show dirt as easily. Avoid installing the carpet in bathrooms, kitchens, or entryways. If you have hardwood floors in your home, provide instructions for the tenant so they know how to take proper care of them.

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Install Proper Insulation

A properly insulated house retains heat, keeping it comfortable throughout the seasons to provide a good experience for your tenants. Additionally, proper insulation will save your tenants money on heating and cooling costs, which will be an appealing feature that will help sell your home. Plus, you save money on heating and cooling costs as you keep the home running in between tenants.

Properly insulating your house before you have tenants reduces the chance of them trying to add insulation themselves and causing damage. It’s a quick job for a professional and doesn’t cost too much if you decide to do it yourself, so be sure to take the time and add this task to your checklist.

Related: How to Get the Best Possible Tenants into Your Rental Property

Remember the Little Things

When you are installing extra convenience features, such as towel bars and shelving, take the time to find a stud and attach the object to it properly using wall anchors and long screws as needed. Otherwise, they could fall off or get pulled from the wall after repeated use, which will likely leave holes in the walls.

Additionally, you may want to consider eliminating any pull chains from your light fixtures. It’s easy for the pull chains to be pulled straight out from the fixture or strip the switch inside, which causes a need for repair. Instead of a pull-chain light, use one with a wall switch.

Consider hanging blinds over the windows in the home before you allow a tenant move in. You can choose inexpensive mini blinds that are easy to hang. If you install them for the tenant, you avoid a situation where a tenant installs them incorrectly.

Don’t Waste Money on Beautiful Landscaping

Rental properties don’t require gorgeous yards and landscapes. They will indeed create curb appeal that will attract tenants, but you shouldn’t spend too much extra money on beautifying the yard. Many tenants neglect landscaping and yardwork, so you could be left with dead shrubbery and flowers.

Instead, choose a few shrubs that require no maintenance and focus on maintaining a nice yard of grass for your tenants. Write it into your lease that they are responsible for lawn maintenance.

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Related: Landlords: Forget Being “Nice.” THIS is the Key to a Good Tenant Relationship.

Don’t Purchase the Cheapest Options

Some landlords go straight for the cheap builder’s stock for bathrooms and kitchens, but if you have the budget for it, you should opt for an upgrade. If you purchase medium-grade materials, you ensure they will last longer than their cheap counterparts and will provide you a good return on your investment.

If you are renting a home in a high-end neighborhood and want to appeal to high-end buyers, choose durable and high-end materials that will give you the most bang for your buck. Focus on the main features, such as the kitchen countertops and cabinets and the bathroom vanities.

These simple tips will help make your home ready for tenants and reduce future headaches and repairs costs. All of these improvements can make your home more appealing and may allow you to ask for a slightly higher rent than you could without these features, so keep that in mind as you plan your steps to making your home tenant-proof.

Any tips you’d add to this list?

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Note By BiggerPockets: These are opinions written by the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of BiggerPockets.