Should a Palm Springs Owner DIY the Make-Ready Process?

Moving into a rental property can be overwhelming for both the tenant and the property owner. Tenants need to know what to expect when moving in, while the owner needs to make sure that all of their bases are covered before the renter moves in. A good move-in process really begins before the previous tenant moves out. Then, a property owner must set time aside to perform a standard make-ready process before the rental property is ready for its next resident.

There is a lot that goes into a smooth move-in process, so should a property owner take on this project on their own? To help you avoid potential issues, our Palm Springs property management team put together some tips that will guide your move-in process.

What's Involved With the Make-Ready Process?

Prepping a home for the next tenant has multiple steps that a property owner shouldn't skip. A good first impression is important for the landlord-tenant relationship. Nothing exposes an unprofessional property owner like a dirty home that is not ready on moving day.

What does the rental-ready process include?

• Cleaning carpets. Carpet cleaning is critical, especially if your previous residents had pets.
• Paint and repair walls. Before painting, fill holes in the walls, replace damaged or stained carpet, re-caulk the bathtub and shower areas, replace broken tiles and repair anything that was unavailable while the previous tenant was still living there. 
• Deep cleaning. Bring in experts if you're not sure your renters will restore the unit to its move-in condition or if your last property inspection leaves you thinking, "yuck."
• Re-Key locks. Re-key the exterior doors. Don't forget to change the codes for the garage door and alarm system.

Perform these steps each time a renter moves out and before the next one moves in. Certain expenses can be deducted from the previous tenant's security deposit, so it pays to check those things before the next tenant moves in. 

Some properties will require just a few touch-ups here and there, while others will require more extensive work depending on the age of the property and how long the previous tenant lived there. If you get a head start with a walk-through before the tenant moves out, you can usually get all maintenance, repair, and cleaning crews scheduled and ready to go as soon as the rental property becomes vacant.

What Happens if a Palm Springs Property Owner Rushes the Make-Ready Process?

A rushed move-in process might seem like it makes sense financially, but it could become costly down the road. Here are a few potential items a property owner could miss if you cut corners:

• Safety hazards, like broken fence boards in the back yard or damaged window locks. A landlord is responsible to ensure that the property is safe for renters. 
• Simple routine maintenance items that could be performed before they turn into significant (and costly) emergency repairs down the road.
• The property could be less than ideal for a new tenant, which could lead the tenant to move out again when it's time to renew their lease.

Always take the time to do the make-ready process right the first time and save yourself from having to complete an unnecessary maintenance request down the road. 

When Does It Make Sense to Do-It-Yourself?

If you only have one or two properties, it could make sense to perform the make-ready tasks yourself. On the other hand, for a real estate investor with multiple properties, it often makes better sense to leave this critical task to property management professionals.

A property manager doesn't get paid if you aren't collecting rent either, so it's in their best interest to work quickly and effectively to shorten vacancy times. Also, property management companies know what to look for, especially when it comes to major repairs and items that must be replaced.

When it comes time to get a property ready, Palm Springs property management companies have the resources and contacts to make sure repairs are done right and in the most cost-effective way possible. 

If You Want to Grow, Leave It To the Pros

If you're a landlord that's ready to save time, money, and headaches on the move-in process for your rental properties, leave the make-ready process to property management professionals. The first impression is important during this stage because it sets the tone with current renters and might make them reconsider renting from you in the future.

While many property owners believe they can do these tasks themselves or hire contractors cheaper than professional managers, there are some disadvantages that come along with taking this approach. So, if you want to leave the day-to-day operations of your business to a professional property manager while you spend more time growing your real estate investment portfolio, partner with the best Palm Springs property management company! McLean Company helps Palm Springs real estate investors prepare for new residents and make an excellent first impression to build positive relationships with residents. Reach out soon to learn more about our property management services!