DIY Tips for Fixing Up Your Rental

When it comes to selling anything, presentation is key. The same applies for renting out property. No one wants to rent a shabby apartment or house that looks like it needs more than just a little TLC. There are many DIY options for fixing up your rental that are budget friendly and just as effective as having a professional come in.

Refresh Paint

Instead of hiring a professional company, repaint the walls yourself. It is fairly inexpensive and the experts at the hardware store will help you choose the best paint compound for your walls. If there are holes or gouges in the walls, you can purchase spackle and fill in the areas for a smooth surface. When you want to repaint your rental you want to stick with neutral colors such as white or beige.  Picking a color that’s bright and cheerful or otherwise, while it may seem appealing to you, might not be to another prospective renter.  Keep it simple, it’s just safer and allows prospects to envision their own space.

Replace Flooring

While it is not an absolute necessity to replace the flooring in your rental, it is still a nice addition, should the budget allow and the need be present. There are budget friendly vinyl squares or laminated wood to give the floor a professional look without having to break the bank. It takes a bit of work and planning to lay it out properly but it is worth it in the end.

Landscaping

A good rule of thumb to follow is to spend some time and money into landscaping the rental property. The first thing a potential renter is going to see is the yard. If the property is cluttered with broken down vehicles or just a lot of dirt and sand they will be deterred and may not even look in the house. Go to a local nursery, Home Depot, or Lowes and price-check things like grass seed, plants, shrubs, etc. If the grass is there but overgrowing, you will want to make sure that it gets mowed on a regular basis.

Appliance Facelift

When you are renting a property out, you may need to provide appliances.  If any items are broken, they will need to be replaced or repaired. If they are fully functional but do not match, you could consider purchasing new faceplates for the appliances to match the décor.

Stylized Light Fixtures

In the event that any light fixtures do not work, it is best to replace them. Many landlords are now springing to add light fixtures with ceiling fans or candelabras versus a traditional globe. Ceiling fans are great for circulating the air and minimizing the potential for mold growth and stale air.

Before Starting

Before fixing up your rental, you should clean the entire home or apartment thoroughly. Doing so will help you spot problem areas and may even reduce the need for new items like switch plates, doors, windows, etc.