Tenant proofing a rental

[Justin Glass]

Hey guys. I am planning on remodeling my current residence. It is a small 3/1.5. In the next 5 years we will probably be upgrading to a larger house to make room for some more children. My house is paid for so I plan on renting it out. 

My question is what are some things that I can do to make my house more "tenant proof"? What kind of floors, blinds, interior things maybe exterior things, anything that makes the house better set up for a rental?

[Richard C.]

On the exterior, anything concrete I would pressure wash and then stain a light gray and seal.  Any little random strips of grass should be replaced with mulch beds or gravel paths instead, as they tend to not be maintained well.  Make sure outside spigots work, or people will run hoses out the windows and leak water all over your floors (get over any idea that you can prevent them from using water outside by removing spigots; people are going to do what they need to do).  Make sure the deck or porch has a fresh coat of stain/sealer when you move out.  If oil stains on the garage floor are going to bother you, consider painting with an epoxy coating.