Get Your Property Rent-Ready
A rent-ready property commands higher rent, attracts better tenants, and rents faster. Use this checklist to prepare your rental for the Inland Empire market.
2–3 weeks
Faster time to lease for well-prepared properties
$100–$200
More monthly rent for move-in ready vs. as-is condition
Fewer
Maintenance calls in year one from a properly prepped rental
The Complete Rent-Ready Checklist
Work through each section before listing. Magnolia can walk your property and advise on priorities.
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Curb Appeal & Exterior
- Fresh exterior paint or power wash siding and walkways
- Clean and trim all landscaping
- Repair or replace broken exterior lights
- Inspect roof for missing tiles or visible damage
- Clear gutters and downspouts
- Clean or repaint the front door and replace worn hardware
- Ensure driveway and walkways are clean and crack-free
🛋️
Interior Condition
- Fresh neutral paint throughout (white or light gray recommended)
- Deep clean all flooring — steam clean carpet or refinish hardwood
- Replace any damaged or badly worn carpet
- Repair all nail holes and wall blemishes
- Replace broken blinds or window coverings
- Clean all windows inside and out
- Ensure all interior doors open, close, and lock properly
🍳
Kitchen
- Deep clean oven, stovetop, and range hood
- Clean inside and outside of all appliances
- Check for leaks under sink and test garbage disposal
- Repair or replace damaged cabinet doors and hardware
- Clean grout on tile counters and backsplash
- Ensure dishwasher runs and drains correctly
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Bathrooms
- Re-caulk tub/shower surrounds and replace moldy grout
- Check for toilet leaks and ensure secure mounting
- Replace worn toilet seats
- Clean exhaust fans and test functionality
- Ensure sink drains freely and hardware is secure
- Replace any cracked or damaged tile
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Systems & Safety
- Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms — replace batteries
- Check HVAC filters and replace if needed
- Confirm furnace and A/C operate properly (service if last done >1 year)
- Inspect water heater for age and sediment
- Test all GFCI outlets in kitchen and bathrooms
- Ensure all light switches and outlets function
- Check for any plumbing drips, slow drains, or water pressure issues
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Final Prep
- Professional cleaning of the entire property
- Re-key all locks (recommended between every tenancy)
- Document condition with dated photos room by room
- Ensure all utility accounts are accessible for tenant transfer
- Confirm mailbox is functional and keys are available
Not Sure Where to Start?
Magnolia offers a free pre-listing property walkthrough as part of our rental analysis. We'll tell you exactly what to prioritize to maximize your rent and minimize your vacancy.