Things You Must Do Before Listing a Property for Rent

 

1. Do a ‘Walk-Through’ (Pretend You’re the Tenant)

Start with a proper walk-through of your property. And I mean really look at it, not just as the owner who’s lived with that chipped tile since 2018. Pretend you’re the tenant.

Would you be excited to live there? Or are there weird smells, sticky doors, and one rogue cupboard that won’t close unless you kick it (just right)?

Fixing these small issues upfront shows potential tenants that you care. It helps attract people who’ll care back.

Easy Fix: Write a checklist whilst you take ‘the walk’. Think: lightbulbs working? Doors close properly? Paint a bit scuffed? Curtains falling off the rod like they’ve given up on life?

 

2. Get the Place Professionally Cleaned (Especially the Oven… Sorry)

know you could clean it yourself. But here’s the thing: tenant expectations are high. They’re comparing your place to the other 4 they saw on Saturday, one of which smelled like lemon zest and dreams.

A proper end-of-lease style of cleaning goes a long way.

It’s not just about hygiene. It shows respect. And that respect is usually returned.

True story: I once skipped the deep clean and had a lovely couple come to the inspection, sniff, and ask, “Has someone recently cooked fish here?” I had. It was two weeks prior. Don’t be me.

3. Take Good Photos With Proper Daylight and Diligent Decluttering

This one’s huge. People shop with their eyes. If your listing photos are dark, blurry, or have a sock peeking out from under the couch, you’re going to struggle.

If you don’t want to hire a pro photographer (totally understandable), just:

• Shoot in good daylight
• Open the blinds
• Tidy up

Use your phone’s grid tool to keep things straight

Pro Tip: No one wants to see your personal items. Stash the toothbrushes, cords, and mystery piles.

 

4. Check Smoke Alarms and Compliance (Boring but Important)

This part is the least fun, but the most important legally.

In NSW, landlords must ensure their properties meet certain safety standards like smoke alarms, blind cord safety, water efficiency, and more.

There are affordable services that can check all this for you (and issue a report). It’s peace of mind, especially if you’re not across all the nitty-gritty regulations.

Gentle Reminder: It’s not about being a stickler. It’s about keeping people safe if anything goes wrong.

5. Set a Realistic Rent (Not Just What You Wish It Was Worth)

We all love our homes. Maybe your kitchen bench is where your kid took her first steps. But truth be told, sentiment doesn’t pay the rent. Tenants don’t see your memories, they see a price tag.

Check listings in your suburb. Talk to a local property manager (yes, even if you DIY! You can always ask our team for rent appraisals). The goal is to price it just right: not too high that it sits vacant, not too low that you regret it later.

Fun Fact: Properties priced correctly get better applications faster, which usually translates: better tenants.

6. Decide: Self-Manage or Use a Property Manager?

Here’s the honest bit. Managing your own property can save you some money. But it’s also work. You’ll be:

• Answering calls at odd hours

• Navigating tenancy laws

• Handling repairs and disputes

I’ve done both. There were moments I loved the control of self-managing. And other times (like when the hot water broke at 9 PM on a public holiday) I really wished someone else was handling it.

Think about: Do you have the time, patience, and know-how to manage it well?

If not, a property manager (a good one!) is worth their fee. You can also try our premium property management service at no cost for 60 days! Register your interest here.

7. Prep the Paperwork — Yep! Even the Boring Stuff

You’ll need:

• A solid lease agreement (not just one you downloaded from a sketchy site)
• An ingoing condition report with photos
• A tenant application form
• Bond lodgement forms (in NSW, this must go to Rental Bonds Online)

Having this ready before you list saves you stress when you find the right tenant.

And yes, I’ve scrambled to write a lease the night before move-in day. 0/10. Do not recommend.

8. Decide What’s Included (And Be Clear About It)

Will the lawn be included in rent? Are you leaving that fridge behind? Are pets allowed?

These things matter to tenants, and being upfront avoids miscommunication. If you say “pet-friendly,” make sure you mean it. (And if not, that’s okay too — just say so and be clear about it.)

Clear listings = better-fit enquiries = less time wasted for everyone.

9. Make a Maintenance Plan

Once the tenant moves in, the work doesn’t stop. Stuff breaks. Drains clog. Light fittings stop working for no reason at all.

Having a go-to handyman or plumber you trust (and who actually shows up!) makes a huge difference. Bonus points if you leave the tenant with a contact list in case of urgent repairs.

Life hack: Even if you’re using a property manager, still know your go-to tradies. It helps if anything urgent pops up when they’re unavailable.

10. Be Emotionally Ready to Let Go (This One’s Personal)

This might sound dramatic, but here it is: If this was your home, it’s okay to feel a little weird renting it out.

You might drive past and feel a twinge seeing someone else’s curtains up. Or get frustrated when a tenant doesn’t trim the hedge just like you used to.

But here’s the good news: it’s a sign you’ve created a space worth caring about.

And now someone else gets to enjoy it, too.

Letting go (a little) is part of the process.

Final Thoughts (And a Pep Talk)

Renting out a property can feel like a lot, especially if it’s your first time (Trust me, I get it!).

But doing these 10 things can set you up for fewer headaches, better tenants, and more confidence in the process.

And if you’re already overwhelmed? That’s okay too. Start small. Fix one thing. Ask one question. Google one rule.

You don’t have to do it all perfectly, just thoughtfully.

And if you ever want a second opinion or a local team who’s walked this road more times than we can count (with or without sausage rolls), we’re right here in The Hills.

What’s one thing on this list you know you need to do but you keep putting it off? (It’s probably the oven, isn’t it?)