When you contact Area Texas Realty & Management for a rental appraisal we will provide you with suggestions for achieving the maximum rental rate. We will also give you suggestions of any health or safety concerns, providing recommendations to ensure that you are not exposed legally.
When preparing your property for Rental our knowledge and experience is invaluable when assessing your Houston rental property.
The following are some of the suggestions give:
Smoke Detectors
Do your some detectors comply with current laws? Are they correctly positioned and in working order? If battery operated we suggest batteries be replaced before residential lease term starts.
Swimming Pool Maintenance
If your Houston rental property has a swimming pool, we recommend that you include a professional pool maintenance fee in the weekly rent. Most tenants are responsible for the provision of pool chemicals, and the cleaning of the pool.
Touch Up Paint
A fresh coat of paint goes a long way to making your property look its best. Painting is the single best way to improve the appearance and increase the value of your property.
Pest Control
Have you had a recent pest inspection? We recommend a pest control treatment be carried out annually. If you are vacating a property where a dog/cat has been kept, a flea treatment is recommended.
Exterior Cleaning & Curb Appeal
Area Texas Realty & Management recommends pruning back any overhanging trees/vines, weeding of garden beds, mowing and edging of lawns and removal of garden waste. Pressure cleaning of driveways and/or paving areas is also recommended.
Security
Ensure that the property provides adequate security to enable tenants to obtain contents insurance for their personal items. Also it is recommended that all locks are secure and all operate effectively with keys.
Windows and Doors
Ensure that all windows and doors (including cupboard doors), open and close easily. All locks and keys must be fully functional so that the premises are fully secure.
Keys
Ensure at least 3 sets of keys, security swipe cards & remote controls (if applicable) have been provided to your Property Manager including keys for window locks, garage, garden sheds and the letterbox.
Appliances
It is a legal requirement that any appliances left at the property for use by the tenant must be maintained in a working condition by the landlord. It is recommended that landlords retain the original warranty and appliance manuals and provide a copy for reference by the tenants.
Carpet Cleaning
We recommend that professional carpet cleaning be carried out prior to a tenant moving in. The tenant is required, at the end of their tenancy, to ensure that the carpet is left in as close as possible the same condition as when they moved in (fair wear and tear excepted). Having the carpets professional cleaned prior to the tenant moving in, sets a good standard.
Cleaning
It is very important that before the lease term begins the property be clean. We can arrange a pre-tenancy clean quote with one of our recommended cleaners if required. If we hand over the property with a high standard of cleanliness, we can ensure the tenants return the property to the same standard of clean at the end of the tenancy.
Upon inspecting your property, we will make recommendations as to any repairs/safety issues that may need to be addressed – prior to a tenant moving in.
