Many real estate publications underline the importance of cleanliness.
Our 18 years of experience in this business have taught us that presentation is the key to success when renting out your apartment, and that making your rental a clean will bring in more quality clients. We have had many satisfied tenants who have wished to return on their next visit, and have even spread the word to friends and family because of the pristine condition of the rental.
In our recent client surveys, cleanliness comes only after location in criteria for a good rental. One of our clients raved, “It was very clean and tidy, I wish I was still there!!!” Another responded, “The apartment was very comfortable and was clean, in good condition and we felt very much at home.”
New York Habitat presents you with these tips to improve the overall aesthetic charm of your rental:
- Interior basics: Start here by making sure the walls, ceilings, and trim work are freshly painted, washed, and have no holes or cobwebs. Make sure to sweep, mop, and polish any non-carpeted floors. For carpeted floors, clean between every tenant change, no matter how long or short their stay. Since carpets collect dust mites and germs, sometimes creating odors, professional cleaners may be a good option.
- Kitchens and Bathrooms: An unkempt bathroom or kitchen is the surest way to lose potential quality tenants, so it is important to give these areas some extra effort. Make sure to clean them thoroughly. Cleaning out your refrigerator before tenants arrive is also a good idea.
- Overlooked areas: Smaller spaces, like ceiling fans, lights, vents, grills, mirrors, windows, and appliances quickly collect dust and dirt because they are often overlooked. Give your rental a more attractive presentation by cleaning off these often neglected, yet regularly used spots.
- Clutter: Sometimes, having a lot of furniture can be limiting to the spatial atmosphere of an apartment. Try to leave some floor space to the clients—you never know how much they might bring with them for their stay.
- Odors: A clean appearance is complemented by an attractive scent. Remove anything that may cause an odor. Consider placing plug-in air fresheners around the house, as they can emit a pleasant smell for a month at a time. Make sure to get rid of smells before clients arrive to avoid a negative first impression.
A clean presentation is the key to successful tenant prospecting, often ensuring renter returns and a positive reputation. For more information on the subject, read another entry on our blog, “Tips from the Pros: Clear the clutter”.
Feel free to leave your cleaning tips and ideas in our comments section.
That is exactly right: I would never return to an apartment that is not spotless when I arrive there. My family rented accommodation in Paris last winter, and we were most impressed to find the place in pristine condition – and that is exactly why we are planning to return next year to the very same apartment.
I stayed at a place last year in London that was apparently clean (not a New York Habitat apartment, unfortunately, it seems!) but the bathroom sink had scale and it was not very nice. Funny how scale in your own house looks cleaner than scale in somebody else’s place… I’ll say, owner, watch out for signs you overlook that a client will NOT overlook!!!
Nice blog.