🏠Rent-Ready Property Checklist
Before we can market your home, it must be fully rent-ready — safe, clean, and functional.
A rent-ready home photographs better, rents faster, and attracts higher-quality residents.
Please review this checklist carefully and complete all must-do items before your GPS inspection date.
đź’ˇ Definition:
“Rent-ready” means your property is professionally cleaned, maintained, vacant, and free of personal items, with all systems in working order.
Our standard is simple: If you would live in it happily, it’s ready for a resident.
🏆 CATEGORY 1 – SAFETY & FUNCTIONAL SYSTEMS (MUST DO)
Task | Details |
GFCI Outlets | Test and replace if not functioning. All outlets near sinks or water sources must be GFCI protected. |
Electrical Outlets & Covers | Confirm all outlets work, covers are secure, and no loose wires are visible. |
Lighting | Verify every fixture has working bulbs. Replace burned-out bulbs with consistent warm-white light. |
Smoke & CO Detectors | Install, test, and replace batteries. Detectors are required on every floor and near bedrooms. |
HVAC System | Replace furnace filter and schedule furnace/AC service if not done within 12 months. |
Thermostat | Confirm thermostat functions and is set to a reasonable temperature for showing. |
Plumbing & Drains | Check for leaks under sinks, behind toilets, and at faucets. Verify drains run clear and stoppers work. |
Caulking & Seals | Replace or refresh around tubs, showers, sinks, and toilets to prevent water damage. |
Ventilation | Test all bath and kitchen fans. Clean or replace filters if clogged. |
Doors & Locks | Ensure all doors latch, lock, and open smoothly. Add doorstoppers to prevent wall damage. |
Windows & Screens | Verify all open and close properly, with locks and intact screens. Replace torn screens. |
Window Coverings | Blinds or curtains must be functional and in good condition. |
Exterior Safety | Check porch railings, handrails, and exterior lights for sturdiness and illumination. |
Pest Control | Treat for pests if any activity is visible before listing. |
Asbestos & Hazardous Materials | If your property was built before 1980, and there’s any potential asbestos-containing material (e.g., old floor tiles, popcorn ceilings, insulation, or duct wrap), have it professionally tested and abated if confirmed positive. |
🔧 CATEGORY 2 – REPAIRS & GENERAL UPKEEP (MUST DO)
Task | Details |
Paint & Touch-Ups | Touch up scuffed walls and trim; use neutral colors for consistency. |
Appliances | Verify all appliances are clean and fully functional (stove, fridge, dishwasher, microwave, washer/dryer). |
Microwave Vent Filter | Clean or replace the vent filter above the stove. |
Closet Doors | Ensure closet sliders or bi-folds open smoothly. |
Garage Doors & Openers | Test openers and remotes. Replace batteries if needed. |
Exterior Condition | Inspect siding, trim, gutters, and roof visually for obvious damage. Report concerns to your Pod Leader. |
Water Heater | Confirm pilot light is on and temperature is set between 120°F–125°F. |
Furnace Room or Utility Closet | Clear storage items and ensure easy technician access. |
🧹 CATEGORY 3 – CLEANING & PRESENTATION (MUST DO)
Task | Details |
Professional House Cleaning | Must be professionally cleaned before listing. Submit receipt if using your own vendor. |
Professional Carpet Cleaning | Required for all carpeted areas. Submit receipt. |
Windows & Glass | Clean interior windows and mirrors; exterior windows where safely accessible. |
Blinds & Surfaces | Dust blinds, windowsills, ceiling fans, light fixtures, baseboards, and vents. |
Kitchen Deep Clean | Clean cabinets, countertops, appliances, sink, faucet, and vent hood. Remove grease buildup. |
Bathroom Deep Clean | Scrub tubs, showers, toilets, and sinks. Polish faucets and mirrors. Replace moldy caulk if needed. |
Laundry Room | Clean dryer lint trap and behind appliances. Wipe washer door seals. |
Garage | Sweep floor, remove all trash, and clear corners. |
Yard & Landscaping | Mow and edge lawn, trim bushes, weed flowerbeds, remove debris, and sweep sidewalks. |
Curb Appeal | Clean porch and patio. Replace dead plants and ensure clear access for photos. |
🌿 CATEGORY 4 – ITEMS TO LEAVE AT THE HOME (OPTIONAL BUT HELPFUL)
Keep These | Purpose |
Small container of matching touch-up paint | For wall scuffs between tenancies. |
One extra light bulb per major fixture | For quick replacement. |
One extra furnace filter | Helps residents match the correct size. |
Appliance manuals (if available) | Leave neatly in a kitchen drawer or folder. |
🚫 CATEGORY 5 – ITEMS TO REMOVE (MUST DO)
Remove | Reason |
Furniture, décor, or personal items | Prevents damage liability and ensures neutral staging. |
TVs, TV mounts, or wall brackets | Eliminates damage risk and simplifies turnover. |
Gardening tools, lawnmowers, hoses, etc. | Remain the owner’s maintenance responsibility and must be removed unless agreed otherwise. |
Extra or secondary appliances (e.g., garage fridge, deep freezer) | Any left appliance becomes owner’s repair responsibility. |
Construction materials, chemicals, or paint cans (except small touch-up) | Must be removed for safety and compliance. |
✨ CATEGORY 6 – “NICE TO HAVE” UPGRADES (RECOMMENDED)
Task | Why It Helps |
Gutter Cleaning & Dryer Vent Cleaning | Reduces maintenance calls and fire risks. |
Pressure Wash Driveway & Walkways | Enhances curb appeal and listing photos. |
Fresh Mulch or Gravel | Adds a clean, finished look. |
Updated Fixtures or Handles | Small upgrades increase perceived value. |
Neutral Repaint | Creates brighter photos and broader appeal. |
🚀 CATEGORY 7 – FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS (WHEN BUDGET ALLOWS)
Project | Impact |
Upgrade to LED Lighting | Energy efficient and modern. |
Replace carpet with LVP | Durable and popular with residents. |
Add Smart Thermostat | Improves comfort and energy control. |
Fence Repairs or Rebuild | Adds privacy and family appeal. |
Exterior Repaint or Roof Tune-Up | Protects long-term property value. |
đź“‹ FINAL CHECK
Before GPS’s listing inspection, confirm that:
âś… The property is vacant and free of personal belongings.
âś… All systems and appliances work properly.
âś… The home and carpets have been professionally cleaned (keep receipts).
âś… Yard and exterior are neat and maintained.
âś… Utilities remain active for inspection, photos, and showings.
âś… All locks are rekeyed and secure.
Need Help Finding Vendors?
If you need help scheduling cleaning, maintenance, or repairs, contact your Pod Leader.
They can connect you with GPS-vetted contractors for:
- Professional house and carpet cleaning
- Handyman and maintenance work
- Painting and touch-ups
- Landscaping and yard cleanup
- Furnace, dryer vent, or gutter service
We’re here to make your home shine before listing.
The cleaner, safer, and more move-in ready your home, the faster it rents — and the happier your residents will be.
âś… Pro Tip
Print this page and use it as a checklist — mark each task as you complete it and note dates for receipts (cleaning, carpet, HVAC, etc.).
Keep a digital copy for your records in case questions arise during turnover.
Please See our Guidelines Below for Making Your House Rent Ready for New Residents!
As property managers or landlords, we should take several steps to get a property ready for rent. “Rent ready” means the property has been professionally cleaned, repaired, or remodeled and is in rentable condition for new tenants. Keep in mind, most people take care of nice things… the cleaner the better. 🥰
The objective is to minimize the vacancy period of your property. Maximizing the returns on your investment property requires strategic decision-making, with a focus on the competitiveness of the market to effectively position your home. The following “Handyman Checklist” and “Cleaning Checklist” will give you a good idea of things to consider when preparing your home.
To reduce your vacancy time, we take on properties that are rent-ready. Please ensure to follow the list to get your property ready before our inspection date. We can recommend contractors and professional cleaners to get your property ready.
Rent Ready Checklist
- Verify GFCI works properly (if applicable).
- Check all electrical outlets for proper operation, tighten as needed, and covers installed.
- Ensure caulking is good around all water sources (counters, sinks, faucets, tubs, toilets, diverters).
- Check plumbing under sinks for leaks or needed repairs.
- Verify all sink and drain stoppers are installed and working properly.
- Verify all bath and kitchen vent fans work properly.
- Clean / replace microwave vent filters (if applicable).
- Clean / replace furnace filters.
- Schedule furnace or AC service if it has not been done within 12 months
- Install/test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Verify all light bulbs are installed and working.
- Confirm all doors operate properly (bedroom, closet, including kitchen and bathroom closets)
- Bedroom closet doors/sliders operate properly.
- Verify all doors have door stoppers to protect walls.
- Repair and or replace window screens as needed.
- Make sure window locks work properly.
- Make sure window blinds function properly.
- Touch-up paint as needed.
Items that Can be Kept at the house
- Touch-up painting extra paint
- Extra lightbulb
- Extra furnace filter
Items that Need to be Removed from the house
- Furniture
- TV
- TV mount
- Decoration in the house
- Any personal items
- Gardening tools that you don't want to keep
- Lawnmower
- Extra appliances, such as the fridge in the garage - all these will be extra items for owners to repair if broken
Cleaning Rent Ready Checklist
Your home and carpets need to be professionally cleaned prior to listing. We also prefer that gutter cleaning, dryer vent cleaning, and furnace/AC servicing are up to date prior to us listing your property.
If you choose to use your own professional cleaners, please submit a cleaning receipt during onboarding to verify that the property has been professionally cleaned before listing.
Front / Entry / Outside:
- Sweep entry and walkway.
- Sweep the patio and walkway.
- Yard clean-up. Cut and edge lawns, remove overgrown plants and make sure watering systems are operational. During spring and early summer, grass may need to be cut every two weeks. In this case, we may need to schedule additional yard service.
General:
- Wipe dust webs from corners and walls throughout.
- Check walls for washable stains and remove them.
- Clean tops of all ceiling fans and light covers.
- Clean blinds and window seals as needed throughout.
- Clean windows inside and out that you can safely reach.
- Clean all door edges as needed.
- Clean light switch covers as needed.
- Clean the tops of baseboards throughout.
Kitchen:
- Clean out all cabinet drawers and shelves.
- Clean underneath sinks.
- Clean all appliances inside and out.
- Clean underneath the microwave.
- Clean the vent filter above the stove.
- Clean sinks and faucets.
Baths:
- Clean out all cabinet drawers and shelves.
- Clean out underneath sinks.
- Clean air vent cover/filter.
- Clean tubs, toilets, sinks and fixtures.
Laundry / Garage:
- Clean lint trap.
- Clean out the garage and remove trash as needed.
We hope this information is useful and has pointed you in the right direction to prepare your home for rent. Please let us know if you have any questions at all! We are here to help and we look forward to working with you!
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