Welcoming new tenants to your New Jersey rental property requires a smooth transition, especially if you’re hoping for a pleasant and profitable tenancy. Your new residents chose your property because they were easily able to imagine themselves living there, and now it’s up to you to provide the kind of rental experience that will make them want to renew the lease agreement and stay where they are.
Preparing your property to be “move-in ready” is critical. Not only does this process reflect professionalism, but it also sets the tone for your relationship with your tenants.
First impressions matter so much, and a well-prepared property shows that you care about providing a safe, clean, and inviting rental space. It also sets the standards for how you want to have the property returned when your tenants eventually move out. Give them a reason to keep the home clean, well-maintained, and in good condition.
We’ve been New Jersey property managers for ages, and we’ve prepared many properties in advance of a new tenant moving in. Here’s our guide to doing it well.
Clean Out Your New Jersey Rental Home
| Learn from this story…
A property owner decided to rent out the home they owned instead of selling it when they moved out of state. When their New Jersey property manager arrived to take some marketing photos, the home was still full of the owner’s stuff. Towels were in the bathroom. Old mail was stacked up on the counter in the kitchen. It’s impossible to rent out a home effectively when there are still someone else’s things in the home. No, you cannot use a cupboard in the bathroom to keep your own belongings. No, you cannot use the garage to store your skis. When you decide to rent out a property, it has to be empty. Another story… A tenant moved out from a rental home and when the property manager went to conduct the move-out inspection, there was a large sleeper sofa in the living room. When the tenant was contacted, he explained that it was just too heavy to move out, and he thought that maybe the new tenants would like to use it for themselves. New tenants do not want to use your former tenant’s old furniture. Trust us. |
A clean, well-maintained space not only enhances a property’s appeal but also sets the tone for a positive landlord-tenant relationship. An important yet often overlooked aspect of this process is cleaning out any personal belongings left behind by a former tenant. Failure to handle this step properly can lead to complications, delayed move-ins, and a poor first impression for incoming tenants.
Here’s why it matters:
Imagine walking into a new rental only to discover random belongings shoved into closets or left lying around. It gives an impression of neglect and poor management, immediately souring the tenant’s experience. A clean, clutter-free space, on the other hand, communicates professionalism and respect for renters.
Abandoned items aren’t just inconvenient—they can create hazards. Food left behind can attract pests, while forgotten electronics or batteries may pose a fire risk. Ensuring everything is cleared out keeps your property safe and habitable for tenants. |
A well-prepared property attracts tenants quickly. If you leave behind your own personal items or possessions from a previous occupant, it slows down the process of getting the property leased, reducing your potential revenue.
Make Sure Everything is Well-Maintained and Functional
Completing all repairs prior to your tenant’s move-in date should be a priority.
If you need an explanation, here’s why:
- Tenants Expect a Functional and Comfortable Home
Your tenants are not moving into an investment property. They’re moving into a home—a safe, comfortable space to live. If they walk in on day one and encounter a leaky faucet, broken door hinge, or a malfunctioning appliance, it immediately creates frustration.
Tenants want assurance that their new home will meet basic functional expectations:
- Plumbing works without issue.
- Electrical systems are safe and operational.
- Major appliances (like the fridge or heater) are in proper working order.
- Cosmetic issues (peeling paint, damaged flooring) are resolved to provide a clean, welcoming look.
By ensuring everything is repaired and in working order, you’re setting the stage for a rental experience that feels fair and worthwhile for your tenant right from the start.
- Avoid Starting the Lease With a Flood of Maintenance Requests
Nothing causes unnecessary friction more than multiple maintenance requests piling up within the first weeks of a lease. If tenants feel they’re constantly reporting issues as soon as they’ve moved in, it can damage the trust between you as the landlord and them as the renters.
While maintenance is unavoidable over the life of a tenancy, completing pre-move-in fixes minimizes tenant complaints early on. This shows your tenants that you’re proactive and committed to their comfort.
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Pro Tip: Conduct a thorough property inspection prior to any move-in. Address common issues like HVAC servicing, small leaks, or loose fixtures before they turn into tenant concerns. |
- Set a Standard for Property Condition and Care
When tenants move into a property that’s well-maintained, they’re more likely to care for it in the same manner. The flip side? If they see unaddressed repairs, they might assume carelessness and treat the home with less respect.
By presenting a property that’s in peak condition:
- You set an expectation for how the home should be treated.
- You create clear benchmarks for the tenant’s responsibilities during their occupancy.
- You make move-out inspections and subsequent tenant transitions smoother, as tenants are aware of how they’re expected to return the property.
Landlords who uphold maintenance standards find that they often attract higher-quality tenants who value the home as much as they do.
- It Protects Your Property Investment
Your rental property is one of your most significant investments, and keeping it in good repair protects its long-term value. Delayed repairs can escalate into larger issues, costing you more down the road. For example:
- Ignoring a small roof leak can lead to water damage or mold.
- A faulty heating system may result in further mechanical failures or hazards.
- Broken windows or doors compromise safety and security.
Treating repairs as preventive maintenance ensures both tenant satisfaction and property longevity.
- Strengthen Your Landlord-Tenant Relationship
A landlord-tenant relationship thrives on mutual trust and respect. Completing repairs before move-in sends a powerful message to tenants—you care about their experience. This gesture often sets the tone for positive interactions throughout the lease.
This focus on tenant satisfaction can also translate into business benefits. Happy tenants are more likely to renew their lease and take better care of the property.
Don’t forget that neglecting certain repairs could pose legal liabilities. Many local housing codes require landlords to maintain specific habitability standards. Completing all necessary work before a tenant moves in helps ensure you’re meeting these legal obligations.
Start on the Right Foot With Your Tenants
Making all repairs before a new tenant moves in isn’t just good practice—it’s essential for building strong landlord-tenant relationships, protecting your property, and ensuring everyone starts the tenancy on a positive note.
Invest in Cost-Effective Upgrades and Updates
Preparing your New Jersey rental home for new tenants is a good opportunity to increase the value of your property. Give them a modern, updated space that they’ll be happy to call home.
Investing in cost-effective upgrades not only maximizes your property’s appeal but also contributes to longer tenant retention and fewer vacancies in the future. This is a win-win for both you and your tenants.
The best updates and improvements will depend on your budget and your property, but these are some of our most recommended, practical, and budget-friendly updates you should consider before welcoming your new tenant into their home.
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Freshen Up with a Coat of Paint A fresh coat of paint is one of the most affordable ways to instantly brighten up your rental. Opt for neutral, modern colors like soft grays, whites, or beige that appeal to a wide range of tenants. Repainting high-traffic areas or a room with chipped or outdated colors can leave your property looking refreshed and well-maintained. Tenants are drawn to clean and updated spaces. A fresh paint job signals that the property is well-cared for, setting the tone for a positive rental experience. |
Let There Be Light Good lighting can make a world of difference. Swap out old, dated fixtures with more stylish, energy-efficient options like LED lights. Modern pendant lights or sleek overhead fixtures can transform the ambiance of any room. Our best ideas:
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Replace Worn-Out Flooring If the floors in your rental are showing their age—stained carpets or scratched hardwood—it may be time for an upgrade. While hardwood floors might be a significant investment, consider using cost-effective options like floating vinyl plank floors or laminate, which mimic the look of hardwood for a fraction of the price. Durable and easy-to-clean floors, like laminate or luxury vinyl, can reduce maintenance costs long-term while enhancing the property’s style. |
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Improve the Kitchen and Bathroom Kitchens and bathrooms will be a focal point for your new tenants moving in. This is likely where they’ll do their immediate unpacking. While a full renovation might not be in your budget, small updates can go a long way in creating an appealing, modern look. Budget-friendly kitchen upgrades:
Bathroom updates to consider:
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Add Energy-Efficient Appliances Outdated appliances not only look unappealing but also consume more energy. Upgrading to energy-efficient options like a modern refrigerator, stove, or washer/dryer set adds significant value to your rental. Tenants appreciate the convenience of updated appliances and the reduced utility costs that often come with them. Bonus Tip: If replacing all appliances isn’t feasible, start by upgrading the one that has the most wear and tear or is least energy-efficient. |
Enhance Curb Appeal First impressions matter most. Small outdoor touches can make your rental property stand out in the neighborhood and create an inviting atmosphere. Cost-effective improvements:
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Investing in these upgrades now means fewer repairs and requests in the future. Additionally, when your tenants move into to new, renovated features, they’ll take better care of your property and stay in place longer.
Let’s Talk About the Cleaning
We have personally never met a good tenant who was willing to move into someone else’s dirt.
Nothing says “ready for a tenant” like a sparkling clean property. Don’t clean up after your former tenants have moved out; wait and have the cleaners come in once all of the repairs and updates are done. This means you won’t have to have the cleaners come back again before the move-in date for your new residents.
Cleaning your rental property before a new tenant moves in isn’t just a nice gesture—it’s a standard for professional property management. By putting in the time and effort to prepare a spotless living environment, you’re investing in tenant satisfaction and the longevity of your rental.
It’s worth hiring professional cleaners to ensure the property looks its best. Professional cleaners have the experience and tools to tackle stubborn stains, odors, and hard-to-reach areas. This can save you time while ensuring the property meets tenant expectations. Your cleaning crew will sanitize high-touch areas like counter tops and toilets. They’ll pull appliances away from the wall to dust and sweep behind them. They’ll clear all the dust off the ceiling fan blades and the baseboards.
Rental property owners in New Jersey need to put together a strong list of vendors and service providers. Professional cleaning crews need to be among those professionals you’re working with.
Conducting the Move-In Inspection for Your New Jersey Rental
A move-in inspection is a crucial step to ensure the home is fully prepared for your tenants and to document the property’s condition.
Begin by walking through each room systematically, checking for any damages, potential safety concerns, or maintenance issues. Pay close attention to walls, floors, ceilings, appliances, and fixtures, documenting any pre-existing damage with photos or detailed notes. This record is essential for setting clear expectations and protecting both parties when the lease ends.
Next, verify that all locks, windows, and doors operate securely and that any promised repairs or upgrades have been fulfilled. At the end of the inspection, provide tenants with a checklist or move-in report, allowing them to verify the property’s condition and address any additional concerns. This thorough process not only demonstrates professionalism but also helps foster a trusting tenant-landlord relationship.
Just a couple of loose ends…
Let’s not forget these two important things that must be done before your new tenant moves in:
- Change Locks and Update Security
For your tenants’ safety and peace of mind, always change locks before new tenants move in. This prevents unauthorized access by prior tenants while reinforcing trust and professionalism. If your property has electronic access systems, update the codes.
Consider installing additional security measures, such as motion-sensor lights or cameras, to appeal to tenants who value enhanced safety features.
- Safety Features, Too
New Jersey law requires that landlords provide working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers in rental units. Double-check these items!
- Make Sure Utilities Are in Working Order
Before your new tenants move in, make sure all utilities—electricity, water, gas, and internet—are functioning correctly. While tenants typically set up utility accounts in their name, confirming these systems are operational ahead of time makes the move-in process seamless.
Quick Tip:
Consider leaving detailed instructions for setting up utility accounts in New Jersey to save your tenants time and avoid confusion.
- Leave a Welcome Note or Gift
Going the extra mile can make your tenants feel truly valued. Include a welcome package with items like a handwritten note or welcome letter. Some landlords leave basic household items like cleaning supplies or toilet paper. You might also offer local resources or recommendations, such as restaurants, grocery stores, and nearby transit options in the neighborhood.
Take this advice, and we think you’re ready to go.
If you need some help with the turnover process or the move-in preparations, we’re your team. Contact us at Realty Solutions. We lease, manage, and maintain homes in Audubon, Collingswood, Cherry Hill, Haddon Heights, Blackwood, and the surrounding communities.
