8 Tips for Getting Your Property Ready to Rent

September 19, 2023

Want to rent out your home but feel overwhelmed when thinking about your to do list? That's completely understandable. From home repairs to screening tenant applications, it's quite a process. Here are eight major tips for getting your property ready to rent.

1. Decide who will manage the property

Deciding who will manage the rental property is one of the first major decisions to make. However, it is not etched in stone. If you decide to try renting out the place yourself and find it not conducive to your life, you can hire a property management company. When choosing a property management company, it’s important to consider their availability, fees, and services. There are misconceptions owners have about renting their home, and starting with a good property manager is always an important first step.

2. Safety first

Under Washington law, landlords are required to keep the premises fit for human habitation. This law encompasses a large array of home repair projects and safety issues for tenants. Examples cited within the law include ensuring structural components of the property are in working order. Landlords must ensure that there are locks, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, and that major electrical and plumbing fixtures are in working order, just to name a few.

If you choose to be the landlord, it is important to have a good working understanding of landlord-tenant laws in your state in regards to safety. If hiring a property management company, it is important to ensure they also follow applicable laws.

3. Make repairs and check all major appliances

While preparing a house for rent, make any necessary repairs to the property before renting it out. This could be something as simple as repairing a broken fence to fixing a leaky roof. Your home should be in good working order. Also, check any heating and cooling systems as well as any other large appliances to ensure they’re working properly. No one wants to deal with a broken refrigerator or a late night call about water damage.

4. Clean, clean, clean

Cleanliness impacts the condition of the home, and helps make a great first impression when potential renters are viewing it. To ensure your property is spotless, make sure every nook and cranny is clean. Base boards, windows, carpets, and light fixtures are all good places to start. Property management companies may hire a cleaning service to conduct a deep move-in/move-out clean. The exterior of your home should also be well maintained. So, time to mow the lawn, rake those leaves, and/or prune those trees.

5. Pictures matter

Once your property is ready for rent, photos are a key component of marketing your home and tracking its condition. Be sure to keep a visual and written record of your property's condition before and after tenants. Additionally, new tenants should complete a move-in condition report. The photos will also be useful for ensuring both parties agree on the condition of the home. Some property management companies may include professional photos as part of the services they offer to market your property. Pictures really provide a first impression since most renters view homes online, and you want to make sure you're accurately capturing it.

6. Properly price your home

If you don't want your investment property to sit on the market, you need to make sure you price it correctly. Of course, you also want to rent it for the highest possible rate, but a data-backed approach is key. Knowledge of the local housing market is a defini te value o f a property management company. They can properly price your home because they're keenly aware of rental rates by zip code, and they know about the current supply and demand in your area. Watch our brief video to learn about Kitsap County's rental market. If you have any questions, you can contact us. One of our Property Managers would be happy to speak with you.

7. Carefully screen applicants

When it comes time to select applicants, a property management company can be beneficial in ensuring all Landlord-Tenant laws are followed. If you are managing the property yourself, it is important to familiarize yourself with and follow all Washington state laws and federal laws such as the Fair Housing Act.

8. Prepare a system for tracking income and expenses

Once you've found tenants, it’s time to create an income and expense tracking system for tax purposes. Windermere Property Management offers clients a tenant portal and owner portal. If you’re managing the property yourself, there are Excel worksheets and other online financial platforms for tracking purposes.

Deciding to become a landlord is a personal and financial decision. Renting out your home can be an incredible asset to your investment portfolio, if done correctly. Whether you want to take the challenge on yourself or you want to work with a company like Windermere Property Management, following these tips will help you achieve success

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Managing Expectations When Renting Your Home

August 19, 2025

Renting out your home often comes with a mix of emotions and expectations. Managing your expectations as the owner and those of your tenants is a crucial part of the rental process. Here are some tips to help you achieve successful outcomes. Understanding the Rental Market Before renting out your home, do your research. Look at your local rental market. Are there a lot of homes for rent in your city? What about in your neighborhood? Do they sit unoccupied or are they rented out quickly? What is the average rental price for a home that is similar to yours? It’s important to set competitive rental prices while understanding supply and demand. If you work with a reputable property management company that has local expertise, they will know the market well and will properly price your rental. Preparing Your Home for Rent Ensure your home is rent-ready by prioritizing safety. As a landlord, you will be required to keep the premises fit for human habitation . This Washington state law encompasses many safety standards and home repair projects. For example, landlords must make sure that carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are in working order, as well as major electrical and plumbing fixtures and appliances. Now is the time to make any necessary repairs and deep clean your property. Whether you are renting your home furnished or unfurnished, everything should be in good condition. Check out our article for tips on preparing your property for rent . Additionally, you may want to consider some budget-friendly upgrades to enhance your home before you rent it out. It can increase the value of your home and attract more attention. Setting Realistic Financial Expectations While an investment property can be financially beneficial, we highly recommend calculating potential rental income and expenses. It’s important to understand the costs of property management and maintenance. Also, you’ll want to prepare for potential vacancies and financial fluctuations. Consider the legal side of rental properties as well. Every landlord should be familiar with local, state, and federal fair housing laws . For instance, Washington has specific laws about how security deposits are assessed, held, and returned to tenants. Increasing the rent or terminating a lease requires adherence to specific guidelines. Therefore, you’ll want to take time to do your research and consider these legal factors when pricing your home for rent . If the legal side of property management or the time required to effectively manage a rental seems overwhelming, you may want to utilize a property management company. While this does come at a cost, it can be beneficial , saving you time and money by offering professional marketing, preventative maintenance, built-in tenant screening, and property managers who are well-versed in landlord-tenant laws. Check out our local experts here at Windermere Property Management . Communication and Relationship Management After screening potential tenants, conducting credit checks, and calling references, it is essential to foster positive landlord-tenant relationships with your new renters. This begins with clear, open communication. Setting expectations with tenants from the start paves the way for transparency and builds trust. Renting out your home requires both project management and relationship management. This means that you are ready to handle sudden, needed repairs, answer contract questions, and deal with unexpected issues in a prompt and professional manner. Long-Term Planning It’s wise to set long-term goals for your rental property from the start. Renting out your home for a couple of years while you’re living elsewhere comes with one set of expectations and requirements, while renting it out as passive income for the next 10+ years is very different. Additionally, if you plan to sell it within the next few years, you will also have certain objectives to meet regarding upkeep and preserving or increasing its market value. Your local rental market may also change, so creating a plan that is both proactive and flexible is the key. If you have any questions, our property managers are here to assist you.