Apartment showings during bathroom rehab?

Question

All- I am about to take on a bathroom rehab in our rental, as well as cosmetic updates throughout (new paint, maybe paint the kitchen cabinets).  The question is, when should I list it?  The new paint job should hopefully only take a few days, but the bathroom will take 3-4 weeks. Painting cabinets might take a week if we choose to do that. I hoped to only have it off the market for 1 month, and get it rented while it is being worked on.  People usually look 1 to sign about 1 month before move in, so waiting too long to list it could leave us without rent for more than 1 month.  I know that this is a no-no for for sale homes, but what about for rentals?

My initial thought was to paint it as quickly as possible and photograph right away, so we are still at the beginning of the month when we start showings. I also have a 3d image of the new bathroom design that I intend to put in the ad.

Does anyone think the bathroom construction would turn people away? There is only 1 bathroom.  I planned to show off the tile and fixtures during showings to give people an idea of what it will look like.

James DeRoest · Answer

I'm with Sue on this one. We've shown units before they were ready, and you occasionally then get that tenant who is really picky - they cop an attitude that it's like they are buying a new house when they move in. Always on the phone "this ain't quite right" "that ain't quite right".

For the most part we don't do it as it takes a special tenant who can look past building debris and see their future home in your wreckage.

Having said that, our last few turnovers have been mid 'mess' but because we're getting recommended by our existing tenants, new tenants have no problems believing that we are good to our word. We haven't advertised in 6 months and would you believe it - we have a waiting list. How ridiculous is that?

Account Closed · Answer

I think a lot of tenants are leery of landlords who say something will be done before they move in.  At least any older tenants who have rented for a while.  Lots of tenants have had bad luck with landlords promising one thing and then not delivering.

Plus, I found that when I showed units before they were ready, the tenant would be really picky about a lot of things.  They'd be higher maintenance.  They look at the place as a junker and start noticing things they'd never normally notice and ask about lots of other things they think you should fix.  They think of the place as needing work.

"Oh, are you also going to be putting in new appliances?  Oh.  Are you also going to be changing out this carpet, it has a stain over here...."

I know I learned this the hard way as a tenant, and I would never rent a place with a promise something would be done ever again.  Especially any type of construction.  As a former homeowner who dealt with lots of construction, I know things never get done on time.

So, you'll eliminate a lot of great applicants by showing it when it's not ready.  And who will rent it anyway?  Young tenants who haven't been around the block yet.  Tenants who are desperate and will take anything.  And maybe some tenants who can't find the type of unit you are offering in that particular area, so they're willing to gamble you'll get the work done on time, and that it will be done right.

But, even then, I think you'll be renting to people who will be coming into the rental with an eye that is looking for problems and things to complain about.  So, just be ready for that.

Al Williamson · Answer

I like what @luka said.

But for me, I only like to show the final product and ask for top dollar.

Account Closed · Answer

Well done!  I had a waiting list too, after I found my law student niche.

Colleen F. · Answer

I just rented one before the kitchen was done and this is the second time.  I just told them what was going to be done. People are looking for a certain size unit in a particular area.  I don't think a bathroom reno is a big issue if the place is ok otherwise. Don't promise anything you wont for sure do. I think it is a good idea and just state in the ad under renovation and give them the availability date.  I think you still get market rent doing this.

Matt Turbitt · Answer

As long as it's only 1 project I would show it. If it's construction in 2 or 3 locations of the apartment I'd wait til it's just the one. In the past I've seen others play up the fact that things will be brand new and the tenants will be the first ones in. Renters live exclusivity. Ps assuming your not moving walls any reason you expect the bathroom to take so long? Gut to completion it's often a 1 week job, 2 max.

Luka Milicevic · Answer

@Mags S. yes. Had applications as if it was done.

Mags S. · Answer

@Luka Milicevic did anyone apply to rent before work was completed?   I'm with @Al Williamson and wait until finish product is ready to go, but Its the downtime, I'd like to reduce a little.

Luka Milicevic · Answer

I was showing tenants my property when renovations were happening. They were pretty close to done. I explained to them what it was going to look like and I had no issues. It almost seemed as though they were excited about being the first ones to experience the new renovations and the tenants that moved in told me they could tell I worked really hard to make a desirable place to live.

Whatever you do, make sure no one gets hurt by stepping on a nail or drills a screw through their hand!!!

Apartment showings during bathroom rehab?

Most Popular Reply