Process for turning primary into rental

[Callie Currier]

Hi,

I’m in the process of buying a second home and turning my primary into a rental. I’m currently fixing a few things on my primary to get it ready to rent. I’m a little overwhelmed on the to do list, details of lease agreements and where to get one, as well as tenant screenings. Do I need an inspection on my primary before renting it out? Do I take pictures of everything before renting in case there are damages when the lease ends? Trying to do my due diligence, but not sure where to start and what exactly to do. Also, I have a pool and fireplace so I want to cover myself on the lease agreement. Sorry, it’s a lot. I need a checklist of some sort. TIA!

[Callie Currier]

Quote from @Erick Armando Gonzalez:

Hi Callie,

Congrats on purchasing your second home and transitioning your primary into a rental! It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed during this process, but I’m here to help guide you through it.

1. Inspection: While not always required, it's highly recommended to get a home inspection before renting. This ensures that your property is safe and up to code. It can also help identify any potential issues that you might want to fix before a tenant moves in, which can save you time and money down the road.

2. Lease Agreement: When it comes to lease agreements, using a solid, state-specific template is key. You can find reliable lease agreement templates through legal platforms like Rocket Lawyer or LawDepot. Since you have a pool and fireplace, it’s essential to include specific clauses addressing the use, maintenance, and liability related to those amenities to protect yourself legally. You may want to consult a real estate attorney to ensure your lease covers all necessary details.

3. Tenant Screening: Screening tenants is critical to ensure you’re getting responsible renters. You’ll want to check their credit, rental history, and criminal background. Platforms like Zillow, Avail, and TurboTenant offer tenant screening services that can streamline this process for you.

4. Photos: Yes, taking photos of everything before your tenants move in is a smart move. Thorough documentation helps if there are any disputes about damages at the end of the lease. It’s best to take clear photos of all rooms, appliances, and any amenities, as well as any existing wear and tear.

5. Checklist: Here’s a quick checklist to get you started:

• Get a home inspection (optional but recommended)
• Fix any outstanding repairs or issues
• Create or customize your lease agreement (covering pool/fireplace)
• Set up tenant screening processes
• Take detailed photos of the property
• Secure proper insurance (consider rental-specific policies)
• Establish a move-in/move-out inspection process
• Clarify utility responsibilities in the lease
• Consider a property manager if you prefer hands-off management

Don’t worry, you're on the right track by doing your due diligence. If you need further assistance or want to discuss property management services, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help!

Best regards,

Erick Gonzalez

Thank you so much, Erick! This is the type of info I was hoping to get. I’m supposed to close in 2 1/2 wks so I’m trying to get my home repairs done on my current home  and try to make the transition smoother. I will definitely look into those platforms for the lease and tenant screenings. A friend of mine recommended Zillow as well. Would a real estate attorney be able to let me know what maintenance and things are typically the responsibility of the tenant vs landlord? These are some of the details I’m unclear on.