In a perfect world, our tenants would all be reasonable, rational people who need only the slightest bit of assistance now and then. In reality, though, even our best tenants can wreak havoc on our properties. Scott Safadi of Cal Bay Property Management recommends taking on the attitude that the best offense is a good defense. By taking the initiative to tenant proof your property, you can protect your investment and minimize the amount of work you'll need to do to prepare for your next renter to move in.
So how do you go about tenant proofing your property? Some advice is common sense: don't invest in white carpeting and allow dogs to live on site, for one. Other tips are less obvious. Here are three ways to get started:
Don't Go Cheap
When you're fixing up a property to rent, it's tempting to select the cheapest option for fixtures, decor and appliances. As anyone who has ever had to replace cheap materials can tell you, though, this is strategy may end up costing more than you expect. You'll end up replacing things more quickly than had you purchased something mid-range. Plus, the fastest way to convince your tenants to treat your rental with care is to provide nice surroundings.
Strategically Place Vinyl Flooring
In most rentals, carpet is the status quo. While there's nothing inherently wrong with carpeting, it's become passe in recent years. Still, ripping out carpeting and replacing with flooring can be pricey. Rather than replace an entire apartment worth of carpeting, strategically place vinyl flooring in spots where carpet is more prone to be stained. The entry way by the front door, the kitchen and the bathrooms should all have vinyl or wood flooring.
Opt for Glossy Paint
Matte paint is affordable and looks great - at least at first. After six months or so, though, the matte paint will be showing off every scratch, scrape and bump. Alternatively, glossy paint can be wiped clean. Scuffs can be wiped off of any wall with a little elbow grease. Rather than repainting between each tenant, instead invest in a slightly more expensive and hardy glossy paint.
- Scott Safadi, Cal Bay Property Management
In a perfect world, our tenants would all be reasonable, rational people who need only the slightest bit of assistance now and then. In reality, though, even our best tenants can wreak havoc on our properties. Scott Safadi of Cal Bay Property Management recommends taking on the attitude that the best offense is a good defense. By taking the initiative to tenant proof your property, you can protect your investment and minimize the amount of work you'll need to do to prepare for your next renter to move in.
So how do you go about tenant proofing your property? Some advice is common sense: don't invest in white carpeting and allow dogs to live on site, for one. Other tips are less obvious. Here are three ways to get started:
Don't Go Cheap
When you're fixing up a property to rent, it's tempting to select the cheapest option for fixtures, decor and appliances. As anyone who has ever had to replace cheap materials can tell you, though, this is strategy may end up costing more than you expect. You'll end up replacing things more quickly than had you purchased something mid-range. Plus, the fastest way to convince your tenants to treat your rental with care is to provide nice surroundings.
Strategically Place Vinyl Flooring
In most rentals, carpet is the status quo. While there's nothing inherently wrong with carpeting, it's become passe in recent years. Still, ripping out carpeting and replacing with flooring can be pricey. Rather than replace an entire apartment worth of carpeting, strategically place vinyl flooring in spots where carpet is more prone to be stained. The entry way by the front door, the kitchen and the bathrooms should all have vinyl or wood flooring.
Opt for Glossy Paint
Matte paint is affordable and looks great - at least at first. After six months or so, though, the matte paint will be showing off every scratch, scrape and bump. Alternatively, glossy paint can be wiped clean. Scuffs can be wiped off of any wall with a little elbow grease. Rather than repainting between each tenant, instead invest in a slightly more expensive and hardy glossy paint.
- Scott Safadi, Cal Bay Property Management
