What is Rent Ready?
What Does It Mean for a Property to Be "Rent Ready"?
At Tiner Property Management Inc., we believe that one of the most important steps in minimizing vacancy and attracting high-quality tenants is ensuring your property is 100% Rent Ready before marketing begins.
Rent Ready means the property is safe, clean, fully functional, and move-in ready — not “almost ready” or “just needs a few things.” We know from experience that first impressions matter, and a property that shines from day one sets the tone for a successful tenancy.
Why Rent Ready Matters
The quality of your property determines the quality of your tenant. Well-maintained, move-in-ready homes attract respectful residents who value cleanliness, prompt maintenance, and take pride in where they live. Properties that are not fully prepared often sit on the market longer, attract lower-quality applicants, and may lead to disputes over unfulfilled promises or unfinished repairs.
Basic Requirements
- Property professionally cleaned, including floors, windows, bathrooms, and kitchen — we call it “hotel room clean.”
- All trash and personal items removed, both inside and out — no furniture, décor, toiletries, or leftover equipment.
- All appliances and systems fully operational, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and kitchen/laundry appliances.
- All locks and doors are working properly — keys must turn smoothly, and deadbolts must be secure.
- All windows must open, close, and lock with clean, undamaged screens.
- Freshly cleaned carpets and walls free of mismatched touch-ups or patchy paint — repaint corner to corner when needed.
- Blinds or window coverings are installed on all bedroom windows and back sliding doors.
- Light bulbs are installed and working in all fixtures.
- Functional safety features:
- Smoke detectors (on each floor, in hallway outside bedrooms and inside each bedroom)
- Carbon monoxide detectors (within 15 feet of each bedroom, wall-mounted only)
Exterior & Landscaping
- Lawn mowed, trimmed, and free of weeds
- Garage swept
- No exterior clutter or debris
- Landscaping should be fresh and tidy
Important Notes
- Do not show or advertise the property until it is 100% rent ready. Prospective tenants often lack the imagination to “see past” dirt, clutter, or incomplete repairs.
- Avoid promises about “future” fixes — instead, let the property speak for itself. “What you see is what you get” builds trust and avoids unmet expectations.
Want Help Getting Rent Ready?
We offer guidance and referrals for professional cleaners, handymen, and service providers to help you meet our Rent Ready standards quickly and affordably. If you're unsure whether your property qualifies, reach out to our team at (916) 974-6000 or info@tiner.com