Getting ready to rent
First impressions matter, and getting your property rent-ready is one of the most important steps you can take to attract great tenants, minimise vacancies, and maximise your return. A well-presented, compliant home sets the tone for the tenancy and helps you avoid any costly issues down the track.
To ensure your property is ready for market, here are some essential factors to consider:
IS YOUR PROPERTY‘ REASONABLY CLEAN’?
The Residential Tenancies Act( RTA) requires landlords to provide a property that is‘ reasonably clean.’ However, what qualifies as‘ reasonable’ can be open to interpretation. We recommend starting strong with a professional clean before advertising. This not only attracts quality tenants but sets a clear standard of care from the outset.
DOES YOUR PROPERTY MEET MARKET EXPECTATIONS?
Consider how your property compares to others currently for rent in your area. Does it align with what today’ s tenants expect at the price you are targeting? Small updates in presentation or functionality can often make a big difference to rental performance.
ARE ALL APPLIANCES, FITTINGS AND CHATTELS IN GOOD WORKING ORDER?
Everything provided with the property, from heat pumps and dishwashers to curtain rails and remotes, must be operational at the beginning of the tenancy. Addressing any of these maintenance issues early prevents disputes and ensures a smoother start for all parties.
ARE THE GROUNDS AND GARDENS TIDY AND USABLE? Street appeal matters. Lawns, gardens, and outdoor spaces don’ t need to be lavish, but they do need to be clean, safe, and well-maintained. Presentation plays a key role in shaping first impressions and sets the tone for tenant expectations around ongoing upkeep.
IS YOUR PROPERTY FULLY COMPLIANT? Before any new tenancy begins, your property must meet all updated legal requirements. Noncompliance can lead to delays in signing a tenancy, financial penalties, or unnecessary tenancy disputes. Key compliance areas to consider can include:
• Healthy Homes Standards( HHS), covering heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture drainage, and draught stopping
• Building code and council consents
• Landlord insurance requirements
• Smoke alarms
• Methamphetamine risks.
Compliance documentation is now required to form part of every tenancy agreement. If you’ re considering purchasing a new investment property, we recommend speaking with a Ray White property manager in advance to help avoid hidden costs and compliance-related delays.
EXPERT SUPPORT WHERE YOU NEED IT
Our team of trained property managers can assess your property’ s readiness and provide expert advice on what’ s required. Whether you’ re looking for fullservice management or support with key steps, we offer flexible options that let you stay involved while relying on our expertise where it matters most.
For more details on legislation and compliance requirements, see the Property Management Legislation section on page 15.
LANDLORD INFORMATION GUIDE 9