Posted over 7 years ago

Collection of How-To Harden a Rental Property

This is a collection of suggestions from many many people through out BiggerPockets. I'm making a list for simplicity.

These are in no order of importance

Paint walls and ceilings 1 color
Smartkey locks for easy re-keying between tenants
No carpet! Tile / Vinyl / Hardwood / Laminate
Double up on door knob stoppers (Easy target for kids to mess up)
- Door knob stoppers (plastic circles)
- Normal springy stopper
Replace plumbing with Pex (If you were going to replace)
Removing sprayers in kitchen sink
3 ring binder with basic instructions in for tenants and the Very important Numbers, such as plumber and electrician.
- Pre-arrange with plumbers, electricians for terms, conditions.
Smoke detectors with 10 year batteries
Cage all of our A/C
Remove ice makers from freezer
No fiberglass/plastic shower inserts as they crack and break
Cheap plastic blinds (it's going to get ruined anyways..
Limit/remove trees to make it mower maintainable
With furnace install get the filter rack installed ($10 - 25 extra)
No dish washer for lower rental units
- If you do install, use Dish Washer Inner Protection
Replace bathtub drains with PVC
Apply Polyurethane Varnish under all laminate / countertops / cabinets
Grease all parts of any new faucet install
- Two years down the road, it won't take more than 10 min
Drop of loctite on the screws of deadbolt handle and door knobs
- Use the blue, the red one is too strong
Change front door locks to deadbolt so it's impossible to get locked out

During Vacancy

Beware dog sign up when it's vacant
Timed lamps
- Add perimeter motion sensor light
Curtains to hide the interior
Go speak with a police officer about getting more patrol
SimpliSafe.com - Alarm Monitoring
- SAFENOW in your order and you'll get 10% off

Couple things to do

Sources

Thanks for posting this, John. I'm going to keep it for future reference. I'm a wannabe investor who just joined SJREIA. I think I saw you at the newbie meeting in Bellmawr this week. I'm a licensed realtor so if you ever need comps or anything, feel free to reach out.

Kathy Hinlicky, almost 7 years ago