How to utilise the time between renters…
The days or weeks that your property sits vacant between renters can feel like an eternity. But they also offer an opportunity to enter the property, assess your investment and make any improvements necessary.
So what should you be doing? Here’s how to maximise the time between renters.
Spend time at the property
Spending some time at the property is a great way to identify any maintenance issues that might otherwise be missed.
While you’re there, test things like taps, windows, appliances, blinds and other inclusions that might look good at a glance but don’t quite function as they should.
This is also a good opportunity to undertake some preventative maintenance on items that might be subject to general wear and tear such as sliding door rollers or rusting gutters.
And don’t forget to look around while you’re in the property, assessing things like privacy and security to ensure the home feels comfortable, livable and safe.
Obvious maintenance
This is a great time to carry out general maintenance and complete any jobs that have been waiting to be done.
In fact, it’s a prime opportunity to carry out work such as appliance servicing, painting, pool repairs, landscaping or fencing.
Some jobs are much easier for tradespeople to tend to when the property is empty and you can save money and inconvenience by getting them done while no-one is residing at the property.
Undertaking repairs between rentals also allows you to be on hand to inspect or make alternate decisions as any potential questions arise.
Any major improvements
Thinking of a new gazebo or shed? This is the perfect time to access the property unimpeded to add any major additions such as extending the outdoor area or revamping a bathroom for increased rental returns.
After all, big jobs like excavating, drainage or footing works can be carried out more easily on vacant properties, especially if there are any particularly difficult to access areas.
This could also be a good time to replace roof sections on older houses or carry out external painting.
Major improvements will enhance the appeal of your property and go towards increasing its capital growth.
Gardening and landscaping
Planned and carefully considered landscaping is a great way to create a welcoming feel at the property, while ensuring the garden is neat, tidy and low-maintenance.
The period between renters is the perfect time to bring this plan to life, especially if works such as tree removal, earthworks or retaining are required.
These sorts of jobs are much easier to complete when the property is vacant and help ensure the home looks fresh and clean once it has been completed.
During this process, it’s also a good idea to consider any drainage issues, ensuring any runoff is not pooling and water flows freely down natural causeways or into drains.
