Getting a property ready to rent is about more than giving it a clean, taking a few photos and putting it online.
Before a tenant moves in, take a step back and look at the property properly. Is it clean, safe, functional and in good repair? Does it present well?
Start with the basics
When you own a property, you can become used to the little things that aren’t quite right. I always recommend checking the property from top to bottom before advertising it.The property doesn’t have to be brand new, but it should be properly looked after.
Look at the things that are easy to overlook when you live with a property or have owned it for a long time – leaking taps, faulty lights, damaged screens, sticking doors, tired paintwork, overgrown gardens or an air conditioner that hasn’t been used for months.
Dealing with small issues now can prevent them from becoming larger issues down the track.
Make sure it meets Queensland’s requirements
Queensland rental properties must meet the Minimum Housing Standards when a tenant moves in and throughout the tenancy. These standards cover things such as safety, security, weatherproofing, locks, mould and damp, privacy, plumbing, bathrooms, kitchens and laundry facilities.
The RTA’s current information on Minimum Housing Standards can be found here:
Queensland RTA – Minimum Housing Standards
A few tips when preparing your property
Keep it neutral. If the property needs painting, I generally recommend sticking with neutral, timeless colours. A fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference, but the aim isn’t to impose a particular style on the tenant. Neutral colours give tenants a clean, fresh starting point and allow them to bring their own furniture, artwork and personality to the home.
Don’t over-improve. Preparing a property for rent doesn’t necessarily mean spending a lot of money. Sometimes fresh paint, new light fittings, updated window coverings or some work in the garden can make a noticeable difference without undertaking a major renovation.
Fix the little things. A loose handle, dripping tap, broken blind or damaged screen might seem insignificant, but these are the things tenants notice. Dealing with them before the tenancy starts can prevent unnecessary maintenance issues later.
Think about what you want maintained. If there is a particular standard you want to maintain at the property, consider whether it is better to arrange the service as part of the tenancy. This might include regular lawn mowing or garden maintenance, or a pool service where you want the pool and equipment regularly checked and maintained. Having these services in place can help protect the property and ensure important equipment is not neglected.
Keep the garden manageable. A property can look fantastic when it is freshly landscaped, but it is worth considering how much ongoing maintenance it will require. A neat, well-maintained garden that is practical for a tenant to look after is often a better long-term option.
Don’t forget presentation. Good cleaning, tidy gardens, clean windows and a fresh-looking property can make a significant difference to how a tenant sees the home.
Set the standard from the beginning
One of the reasons I think preparation is so important is that the condition you hand the property over in helps set the standard for the tenancy.
A tenant is required to return the property at the end of the tenancy in the same condition it was in at the beginning, allowing for fair wear and tear.
That makes the entry condition of the property particularly important.
If the property is clean, well maintained and presented properly when the tenant moves in, there is a clear standard to work from throughout the tenancy and when the tenant eventually moves out.
What you do to prepare the property now can therefore set the benchmark for each tenancy that follows.
It is not about expecting a property to look exactly the same years later — properties naturally experience fair wear and tear, gardens become more established. It is about starting with a clear, accurate record of the property’s condition and maintaining a reasonable standard throughout each tenancy.
Think beyond getting the property advertised
Getting the property ready isn’t just about taking good photos and finding a tenant.
It is about starting the tenancy with the property in good condition and making sure the things that could cause problems later have been dealt with beforehand.
A little preparation can save a lot of frustration.
I think the best approach is simple: make sure the property is safe, compliant, clean, functional and properly presented and then make an informed decision about what, if anything, is worth improving.