TIP OF THE WEEK
for the week of August 23, 2010
THERE ARE NO DO-OVERS WHEN SHOWING A RENTALOnce you have prospective residents come calling, it's important that you don't lose them over something like a little "dirt". Early in my landlording career I learned a valuable lesson about the importance of cleanliness and first impressions. I had just arrived at my rental property for a management inspection when a rental prospect asked to see a vacant unit. The rental prospect was a local college student who was looking for an apartment with her mother. I told my manager to go ahead and show the rental unit, and I would follow along if they didn't mind.
I followed along and observed the prospective tenant and her mother as they were given the rental tour. The yard was very well maintained and the manager was doing a great job getting to know the prospect's needs.
Everything was going great, and it seemed almost certain that the prospect would become our newest tenant. When we began to show the rental unit, things immediately went south. The entryway had a few cobwebs and there were small signs of dirt in various parts of the home. The interior of the home had not been inspected or touched up for at least one week.
I could immediately sense a 180-degree shift in the interest of this young lady and her mother. Up to that point, they had been very positive and been talking about how soon she could be approved and move in. Suddenly, they stopped asking questions, barely answered any, and became very noncommittal.
The lesson I learned? That the cleanliness of the rental unit is paramount, and that you should never show a rental unit without having gone through it yourself just prior to the showing.
Cleanliness sells. And the primary people you want as renters are the ones who will only accept dirt in their home as a temporary condition. Pay particular attention to the kitchen and baths. A dirty or grimy kitchen and bath can be a real turnoff to a potential tenant. Be sure that you clean and regrout the title, completely caulk round all countertops and bathroom fixtures, and clean the single dirtiest spot in most rental properties - the shower door track. Another final touch is to install a new toilet seat and place a paper sanitary ring around the toilet indicating that it has been professionally sanitized.
It's important to also understand that if a rental unit doesn't smell clean, it won't matter how diligently you've cleaned it. Use a pine oil or lemon disinfectant and cleanser to neutralize any bad odors from the prior tenants. Baking soda in the refrigerator and drains, plus a lemon in the garbage disposal can suppress any bad odors. I understand that for many rental property owners, the thought of cleaning up after someone else is too much to bear. Luckily, there are many local cleaning services in every city that will do a great job for a very reasonable price. Remember: You don't have to do everything yourself. Missing out on a potentially good tenant will cost you far more than the cost to have someone do a thorough cleaning. **************The above tips are shared on the MrLandlord.com website and in the Mr. Landlord newsletter from website contributors, Jeffrey Taylor (founder) and real estate authors featured in our newsletter. To receive a free sample of Mr. Landlord newsletter, call 800-950-2250 or visit their informative Q&A Forum at MrLandlord.com, where you can ask landlording questions and seek the advice of other rental owners 24 hours a day.
Share your landlording or management tips with us, and if we share your tip on our web site, we will give you a free six-month subscription to the MR. LANDLORD on-line version of the newsletter that will be emailed to you each month. Send your tips to editor@mrlandlord.com.
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