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Expert Advice: The Ultimate Rental Checklist, Landlord Edition

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Expert Advice: The Ultimate Rental Checklist, Landlord Edition

April 27, 2018

With the rise in online rental sites such as Airbnb and VRBO, it’s easier than ever to snap a few photos, create a listing, and rent out your house or apartment. The tricky part comes after the tenants arrive and the questions start rolling in: Where does the trash go? How do you work the TV remote? Why does the Wi-Fi keep breaking?

Julie and I have rented out our Wellfleet, Massachusetts, house over the years, and in my role as landlord, I’ve developed an appreciation of what tenants need for a successful stay. And on the flip side, we’ve rented flats in Rome and London through VRBO and learned what the experience is like from the tenant’s perspective. Here are some simple, affordable ways to keep both camps happy.

the front door of our guest cottage in wellfleet; see a spring green door with  17
Above: The front door of our guest cottage in Wellfleet; see A Spring Green Door with Farrow & Ball Paint.

Create a House Information Checklist.

This is the document that will save you the most time and reduce tenant aggravation. And it doesn’t have to be in a hotel-style three-ring binder—all you need is a page or two that spells out the operating instructions for your house. Keep it on your computer and print it out (and maybe laminate it) as needed. This way, it’s a living doc that you can update.

Here are the key topics to cover.

mugs at the ready for renters; for more of this kitchen, see kitchen of the wee 18
Above: Mugs at the ready for renters; for more of this kitchen, see Kitchen of the Week: A Streamlined Cape Cod Classic. Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista.
  • Parking: Are there permits, restrictions, or limits that should be explained?
  • Garbage and Recycling: What day does it go out? Do the bins need to be put in a particular place and later stowed somewhere else? What are the rules for recycling?
  • Linens: If you’re providing linens, explain where they are kept and what to do with them at the end of the stay.
  • Bathrooms: If your house empties to a septic system be sure to tell your tenants about what can go in the toilets. Leave any special instructions for the showers, and make sure you have good shower liners in place.
  • Washer and Dryer: Any important instructions or restrictions, such as high-efficiency detergent only?
  • Wi-Fi and Internet: Spell out all necessary passwords. If your Internet router is hidden, let your tenants know where to find it (see more on this topic below).
photograph from tales from truro: an untamed landscape channels thoreau&#x 19
Above: Photograph from Tales from Truro: An Untamed Landscape Channels Thoreau’s Cape Cod, over on Gardenista.
  • Lawn and Garden: Is it OK to pick the tomatoes? Are there timed sprinklers that will soak everything left out on the lawn overnight?
  • Fireplace: Is the fireplace off-limits? If OK to use, any special instructions for operating the flue and getting a fire going?
  • Outdoor Barbecue: If gas, is there propane in the tank? Where is the best place to refill? Does the grill need to be moved away from its current location to be safely used?
  • Local Emergency Contact: If you won’t be available, whom should tenants contact in case of a household emergency? Consider paying a local handyman to handle these requests directly.
  • Neighbors: Anything that the tenants should know about the people living around you?
  • Pets: Do you allow them? If so, are there any rules that should be followed?
  • TV and Media: Supply easy-to-follow operating instructions for the TV, stereo, and other media devices.
  • Keys, Locks, and Alarms: How will your renters get keys to the property? Is there a particular way you want the house locked? Are there any alarms that require instructions?
  • Exit Checklist: Provide a concise list of what you would like the tenant to do when leaving. Be sure to cover lights, keys, heat, and garbage.
summer essentials. photograph from a chic fixer upper on fire island, budg 20
Above: Summer essentials. Photograph from A Chic Fixer-Upper on Fire Island, Budget Edition.

Make sure your house is renter-ready.

Get these five details in order and you’re all set.

1. Wi-Fi strength and reliability.

Having top-quality Internet and Wi-Fi service is a must for any property that’s rented regularly. Too many times of late, my family and I have arrived to find spotty coverage and a limited number of allowed simultaneous connections. In all cases, the problem could be traced to an old router. Fortunately, reliable routers keep getting better and less expensive: I recommend the NetGear R6250 ($106.95 on Amazon) or any of Apple’s wireless routers. For a small investment, solid Wi-Fi ensures content tenants.

make sure to provide ample instructions on how to use the remotes. photograph b 21
Above: Make sure to provide ample instructions on how to use the remotes. Photograph by Matthew Williams for The Organized Home.

2. TV and music.

Make sure you provide clear instructions on how to use the TV remote—it’s the rare renter who is able to figure this out without your guidance (and at least one email SOS). As for music, nearly everyone now travels with their audio collection in their mobile or laptop. Getting that music piped into the house’s sound system in your rental should always be a snap. But often a critically important cable is missing: the one that connects the back of the stereo to the headset jack of the portable device. This is an under $10 cable that can make or break whether favorite tunes get amplified during your renter’s vacation. When I rent a house, I always pack a cord. A newer, more complete travel option to consider is a compact Bluetooth speaker, such as the Jawbone Mini JamBox ($79.99). Light enough to travel in your backpack or handbag, it provides sound for big rooms—no cables required.

3. Cleaning service.

For weekly or longer rentals, it’s a good idea to hire a weekly cleaning service to come into the house and clean for the tenants while they’re there. This gives you some extra eyes to check out how things are going and also ensures that the house is kept up on a regular basis. Many owners call out the cleaning service as an extra but required fee; others just include it in the overall cost of the rental.

tuck prized ceramics safely away. photograph by heidi swanson, from secret 22
Above: Tuck prized ceramics safely away. Photograph by Heidi Swanson, from Secrets from the Swanson Kitchen, SF Edition.

4. Locked cabinets or closets.

Make sure your valuables stay out of harm’s way: Put locks on a block of cabinets or a closet or two. As Julie says, “If it can be broken, it will be broken.” For finishing-touch advice, see her post 7 Essentials for the Bath, Landlady Edition and Alexa’s High/Low: 6 Essentials for Stocking the Rental House.

 rosa rugosa, lilac leaves, and queen anne’s lace greet visitors in 23
Above: Rosa rugosa, lilac leaves, and Queen Anne’s lace greet visitors in The Soulful Side of Old Cape Cod: Justine’s Family Cottage.

5. A welcome bottle of wine and flowers.

Not essential but worthwhile; it will make a good first impression and keep your tenant in a positive frame of mind should they encounter any problems during their stay.

Looking for a rental apartment or house for your next vacation—or to get your own vacation house ready for the summer? Check out:

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on July 14, 2014.

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Frequently asked questions

What should I include in my rental agreement?

Your rental agreement should include the names of all tenants, rent payment terms, move-in and move-out dates, rules for behavior and parking, and any regulations regarding pets.

Should I require renter's insurance?

While you can't force a tenant to purchase renter's insurance, it is strongly recommended. Renter's insurance protects the tenant's belongings in case of theft, damage, or loss.

Who is responsible for repairs and maintenance?

Repairs and maintenance are typically the landlord's responsibility unless the tenant caused the damage. However, it's always a good idea to clearly outline these responsibilities in the rental agreement.

Can I raise rent during the lease term?

In most cases, no. You can only raise rent once the lease term ends and the tenant agrees to a new rental agreement. There are laws in place to protect tenants from unfair rent increase during the lease term.

Can I evict a tenant without cause?

No, you must have a legal reason to evict a tenant, such as non-payment of rent or violation of the rental agreement terms. You must also follow the proper eviction process outlined by local and state laws.

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