Tenant Proofing Rental Properties

[Peter Lee]

I wanted to know what are some of the things you guys do to a property before your tenant's move in?

I'm looking for way to make the property as low maintenance as possible.
Here are some of the things I've picked up along the way.

1) One Color Satin / Egg Shell neuter color paint ie (Tan)
I've even thought about doing a semi-gloss, but unsure if tenant's would like. Every time a tenant moves out, the walls are always pretty dirty. This help out quit a bit.

2) Tile flooring, at least 16x16 the whole house except bedrooms, stairs, and hallways if 2 story. 12x12 is fine if savings is big enough. Ceramic or Porcelain? I usually just go for the Ceramic as it's usually cheaper, it might not be as strong, but i think it's strong enough.

3) Desert Landscape because I live in the desert so tenants are ok with that. I have the landscaper put in that thick plastic cover to minimize any future weeds.

4) Install new plumbing fittings / valves, i especially like the quarter or half turn valves since it's easy for the tenants to do.

5) Install Door Stops, I've had many dings. I don't like the ones you install at the bottom of the doors, as tenants always seem to knock them off.

6) Install Closet Door Bumpers

So, what else do you guys do?

[Kyle J.]

Peter Lee - And for more ideas on how to "tenant proof" your rentals, you might try reading a book called "The Section 8 Bible". Even if you don't rent to Section 8 tenants (I don't and I read both Vol 1 & 2 of this book), it's a good read.

It's written by a couple guys who have hundreds of Section 8 properties and their goal is to reduce maintenance calls/costs as much as possible. They really have it down to an art. You may not agree with everything they suggest, but I guarantee you'll get a couple ideas from the book and more than a few laughs when you read about some of the things they do.