Simple Exterior Fixes and Cleanup Tips for Single-Family Home Rentals

The exterior of a rental home can tell tenants a lot about the entire space. An unkempt lawn or cluttered porch can deter many renters from your property. You’ll want to keep the space tidy and in working order to maximize your ROI. Failing to clean the yard space of your investment can even invite interior damage or pest problems. Most maintenance tasks are fairly simple for investor owned single-family homes that are rented out. Ensure you complete these tasks before inviting tenants to the property.

Deep Clean the Space

The home’s exterior makes the first impression on tenants during tours or when browsing online listings. If there is excessive clutter in the yard, overgrowth in the driveway, or dirty home exteriors, they’re less likely to feel welcome in the environment. Most exterior cleaning jobs are simple and affordable. Power wash the driveway and exterior of the home at least once a year, or between long-term tenants. Remove any broken, outdated, or unneeded clutter from the yard. Toss the swingset if it’s no longer in working order. Remove the potted plant that has been dead for several months. Clean out any gutters and wipe down the windows. Remove any signs of bugs or pests, such as spider webs or wasp nests. A clean and safe exterior will welcome new tenants and give you serious ROI.

Tidy Up the Greenery

Plants and trees can grow fast, especially between long-term tenants who don’t trim the trees. After each tenant moves out, tour the property and make sure plants or trees aren’t blocking any entryways or paths. Trim or cut unnecessary overgrowth, especially if limbs are dead or dying. If it looks as if a plant, vine, or tree may start growing where it shouldn’t, feel free to trim it ahead of time. You can also add some new greenery to spruce up the landscaping. Mow the lawn during the growth at least once every two weeks. You don’t want to incur fines from the city or suffer property damage due to unkempt landscaping. Hiring landscapers can help keep your lawn and garden in top shape.

Upgrade the Lighting

Outdoor lighting is an excellent exterior upgrade that enhances security for your property and its tenants. The elements can quickly degrade outdoor lighting. A fresh replacement bulb or style update is affordable and can significantly improve curb appeal and nighttime security. Consider LED or solar-powered options as well as lights with timers for added utility. 

Add Some Simple Storage Solutions

There is never enough storage in a rental property. Many tenants will need proper storage as they rent out your space. Single-family homes have a unique opportunity for additional storage and living space in the yard in many circumstances. A storage shed in the yard or a deck box near the patio space can make a world of difference for a tenant, especially if they are responsible for lawn care or exterior maintenance. If there are already storage solutions on the property, make sure they’re in working order. Clean them out from previous tenants and make sure they’re free of pests. Get replacement shed doors if necessary. Outdoor storage, especially in rental homes without a garage, will be much appreciated by tenants.

Repaint When Necessary

Dirt and tenant traffic can quickly wear down a rental home’s paint job, especially in busy areas like the entryway. Between tenants, be sure to touch up the paint after cleaning the surfaces as needed. Touch up doors, siding, and fencing as necessary. You may even want to update the colors of the home to reflect more modern trends. Earth tones and neutrals are popular choices; a vibrant accent color can add flair that some tenants are looking for. Professional painters can help you provide a smooth and even coat.

Replace Door Locks

Door locks can become difficult to operate due to wear and tear. Replacing the locks not only makes it easier for tenants to use but also enhances the property’s security. Some property owners choose to upgrade the locks to electronic to facilitate self-guided tours or easier entry for both tenants and landlords. Changing the locks or entry codes can ensure that only those you approve of have access with each new tenant.

Fix the Broken Features

Small repairs to the exterior may not seem like a major issue to you, but potential tenants may be deterred by smaller problems that add up over the course of the tour. A broken fence gate, a leaky outdoor faucet, or a flickering exterior light can indicate that the property isn’t being properly maintained. Take note of what needs to be repaired and make some quick fixes. These repairs will not only enable tenants to utilize the property to its full potential but also enhance the property’s appearance. You can always hire professional help with repairs if you lack the time to do them yourself; smaller repairs typically do not cost much.

Conclusion

When you own a single-family rental property, you don’t want to only focus on repairing and cleaning the interior between tenants. The exterior of the home is where most first impressions are made, and ignoring lawn maintenance or simple repairs can damage your property and affect your ROI. Clean up clutter and trash from the yard and prune plant overgrowth. Touch up paint when needed, and make small repairs, such as replacing light bulbs and changing locks. The simplest upkeep can often make the biggest impact.