Ten Tips on Showing Your Rental Property to Prospective Tenants

Showing rental property can be an emotional roller coaster for landlords. There's the excitement of getting the inquiry from a prospective tenant, the anticipation of the first showing, and the disappointment when you don't hear back. Following are ten tips that can help entice prospective landlords and present your rental property in the best light.

Keep Up the Grounds

Whether it's the parking lot and minimal landscaping of an apartment complex or the front and back yards of a rental home, make sure that the grounds are maintained on a regular basis. Nothing will scare away prospective tenants faster than an ugly yard, no matter how pretty the inside is.

Warn Current Tenants 

If you'll be showing your rental property while it's still occupied, make sure to warn the current tenants when you're bringing someone by to see it. That way, there won't be dirty dishes overflowing in the sink or dirty underwear slung over the couch.

Scrub the Home

Even if the exterior of your rental property is beautiful, the interior must be wonderful too. Scrub the floors, countertops, bathtubs, baseboards, walls, carpets and surfaces until they gleam, and don't forget to Windex those windows. Even if the house lacks architectural accents or upgraded appliances, a clean home is an inviting home.

Know the Selling Points

Most rental homes have bedrooms, bathrooms and ceiling fans, but what does your rental property have that sets it apart from all the others? Tell prospective tenants about the upgraded appliances or custom crown molding to entice them to explore it further. The more you touch on unique attributes, the better your chances.

Replace the Carpet

Unfortunately, carpet doesn't hold up well in rental properties, and must usually be replaced after every tenant. Sometimes, steam cleaning is sufficient to remove stains, but you don't want to show nappy carpet to prospective tenants. It's better to put in fresh, cheap carpet than to show a rental property with ugly carpet.

Add Furniture

When it comes to showing your rental property, you might have better luck if the dwelling is at least partially furnished. This gives prospective tenants an idea of how it will look with their stuff and can improve the overall appeal. It gets rid of echoes in areas with ceramic tile, for instance.

Adjust the Thermostat

A pleasant atmosphere is crucial when showing your rental property. Make sure the thermostat is set in advance at a comfortable temperature. You'll want a reprieve from the scorching sun in summer, and a cozy enclave in the dead of winter. This might mean paying for electrical service until you can rent out the property.

Shed Some Light

The property will look much better if lights are illuminating all of the shadowy corners. Prospective tenants will be wary of a house they can't see, and natural light isn't always sufficient. Add a few lamps or turn on overhead lights to make sure every nook and cranny is visible. This way, tenants know you aren't hiding anything.

Step Outside

It's always a good idea to give prospective tenants the full tour. For example, if the property has a sun deck and pool in back, you don't want to skip that important selling point. Make sure they see everything.

Come Prepared

Have a copy of the lease and rental application ready for prospective tenants to see. This says that you are ready to rent right away, and will encourage renters who are currently sitting on the fence. Have extra copies for other applicants or occupants.

Follow these steps when showing rental properties and you will surely motivate the most "warm" tenants to lease your property, making it a beneficial situation for everyone.