[Saecularis Angel...]

In a bit over a year, DH and I expect to be moving out of our home, and hope to rent it out. It was a very neglected rental property for a long time before we bought it, and it was honestly a dump. Structurally sound, but sadly in need of much work and TLC.

So we've been gradually fixing it up, but the emphasis here is very much on the gradually. I've walked around today and made a list of everything I'd like to do before renting it, and it's a looong list. I'm not sure we'll be able to do it all in the time we have (or on our budget)!

So I'm wondering how to prioritise. What's most important to people who rent? That the garden is low-maintenance? That all the windows have fly screens? That all the cupboards close properly? Something I haven't even thought of? What do you look for, or what turns you off a property?

[♥~Bodhichitta~♥]

For me I like a property which isn't too dark inside - so feels light and airy.

And security screens are a must for me.

Apart from that I am not too fussy :-). The cottage I am renting now doesn't have a lock up garage, and really only 2 useable bedrooms, but that's fine for DS and I.

[Sofia*]

In Perth - availabiliity! Everything else is a bonus.

But, in the spirit of actually saying something helpful:

- light. My DH automatically says "no" to houses that are dark in the main living areas. Adding a skylight isn't too pricey and makes a world of difference.
- easy care. We aren't gardeners, so something that requires minimal maintenance suits us.
- fresh. Even if it's an older property, something that looks fresh and clean is going to be more appealing. In practice, this probably means painting, or maybe just a bit of a scrub. Especially in the bathroom.

Good luck!

[aratiaw]

- Low maintenance garden is a plus for sure. Even then a lot of tenants won't do much, maybe just mow when it becomes necessary, i.e. don't get too sentimental about your garden, or include garden maintenance in the rent.
- Fly screens, yes.
- The basics in good working order, e.g. windows open & close properly, locks are working properly, no water damage in kitchen cupboards, carpets not festy,
- Storage
- Dishwasher or space & connection for one
- Internal laundry with space for a large machine.
- Decent window coverings (HATE vertical blinds!)

This post has been edited by aratiaw: 07/12/2012, 01:28 PM

[~chiquita~]

What I look for,

Built ins in bedrooms (no built ins I don't look)
Easily maintained gardens and lawns.
Fly screens, security doors.
Relatively modern bathroom and kitchen. If older must be clean and in good condition.
Natural light - lots of it.
R/C air con.

[Studybug]

I might be a tad picky .

Inside:
- no carpets (or minimal newish carpet) due to mod to severe allergies
- working locks on doors and windows
- space for dishwasher
- oven in good condition
- heating/cooling are much loved by us, even if only fans in the bedrooms tho not a necessity if areas of house are easily cordoned off
- I thoroughly check for signs of mould on ceilings and in bathroom. I don't want to spend any more of my life scrubbing black mould from hard-to-reach places due to ventilation problems in the roofs of rentals
- nice amt of daylight able to filter in
- the hot water system is now on my list of things to check as this is always the thing that LLs let go for as long as possible I'm assuming due to costs. In over 10 years of renting, we've had an issue with at least 5 systems in disrepair and LLs refusing to fix or replace them. So if it looks newish, all the better. May I gently suggest a kitty that at all times contains enough funds to cover replacing a broken hot water system?
- a linen cupboard and/or bedroom cupboards are also much loved by us

Outside:
- low maintenance garden. After our last place with grass that grew into a jungle every 2-3 wks, we'd happily pay a tad extra rent if gardening was included.
- fully fenced, or backyard fenced.
- an outdoor living space is a winner with us. Doesn't have to be huge or fancy, an uncovered deck/slab is better than none at all.
- security screens where possible
- car space
- clothesline

So...hope I haven't scared you lol.

Basically, any features that help minimise our electricity bills and contents insurance.

eta: almost forgot - storage space for random stuff we accumulate as we live, either downstairs or a small/medium shed

This post has been edited by Studybug: 07/12/2012, 01:57 PM

[Guest_- Poppy -_*]

1. Big back yard with lawn and fencing for toddler and dog.

2. Aircon/ heating

3. In a safe area

4. Wardrobes and cupboards

5. How secure it is, locks on windows, doors, security screens, carport/garage etc

6. DH would love a big shed but thats a want not a must.

6. That everything is in working order no leaking toilets, a hot water system/ stove that works etc

Everything else im cruisey about the way I see it, its not my house I dont care if its old or dated or the paint is peeling. Its not my job to maintain the house ive just got to keep it clean and tidy and report and maintence issues to the real estate agent.

[Saecularis Angel...]

Thanks for all the replies, this is very helpful.

So...hope I haven't scared you lol.

No, not at all. For example, I was wondering whether ripping up the remaining (old) carpet and exposing the floorboards underneath was better than leaving the carpet there (can't see us being able to afford new carpet), so that's the kind of insight that's helpful.

[~elle~]

How important are BIR"s - we only have them in the master bedroom. I've been debating whether we should get them done now or later for the other bedrooms.

This post has been edited by ~elle~: 07/12/2012, 02:15 PM

[Saecularis Angel...]

How important are BIR"s - we only have them in the master bedroom. I've been debating whether we should get them done now or later for the other bedrooms.

We had one put in the second bedroom, but the workmanship was shoddy on the doors and fixing it is one of the things on my list!