How to Prepare a Rental Apartment for a New Tenant

Handing over an apartment to a new tenant is an important stage that affects both the future rental relationship and your property's reputation in the long term. A well-prepared apartment leaves a positive first impression, attracts higher-quality tenants, and helps reduce vacancy periods. Let's look at what to focus on in 2025 to ensure your rental apartment preparation goes smoothly.

Thorough cleaning as a foundation

A clean apartment is the basis of everything. Proper cleaning leaves a good first impression on the new tenant and shows that you care about your property. Start with a clean slate and move logically through the apartment.

Start in the kitchen and move to other rooms according to efficient cleaning order. Clean all household appliances thoroughly, especially the washing machine, refrigerator, and oven. These are appliances the tenant will interact with daily.

Don't forget ventilation vents, radiators, and hard-to-reach surfaces. Pay special attention to sanitary facilities – the bathroom and toilet must be in impeccable condition. Tenants particularly appreciate clean sanitary facilities, which indicate that the entire apartment is well-maintained.

Wash windows and remove dust from all surfaces, including lampshades and curtain rods. Clean windows let in more light and make rooms feel more spacious.

Minor repairs and maintenance

Performing small repairs before the new tenant arrives saves time and money later. Small problems can quickly grow into larger ones if not addressed promptly.

Check and repair creaky doors and floors if needed. Remove stains and scratches from walls or paint over them. Clean and well-maintained walls make the entire room feel fresher.

Make sure all faucets and pipes work without problems and prevent issues proactively by avoiding plumbing blockages. Replace burnt-out light bulbs and secure loose outlets. These small details show that you care about the apartment's condition.

Check that all doors, windows, and locks work smoothly. Functioning locks and secure windows give the tenant confidence that their home is protected.

Meeting safety requirements

In 2025, rental apartment safety is more important than ever. By showing that you care about your tenants' safety, you also raise your professionalism as a landlord.

A smoke detector is mandatory in at least one living space. It's recommended to install it on the ceiling of a room in front of the bedroom, in the hallway, or in the foyer, so the detector can detect fire from all parts of the living space and alert sleeping residents in time. In apartments with a stove or gas heating, add a carbon monoxide detector to detect the dangerous carbon monoxide created by incomplete combustion.

Make sure the apartment has a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit – these simple tools can save lives in an emergency.

Check the safety of electrical installations – this reduces fire risk and injury hazards. In 2025, safe electrical systems are an increasingly important factor that tenants value.

Documentation and handover

Thorough documentation helps prevent future misunderstandings and disputes. It is the basis of trust between you and your tenant.

Prepare a detailed handover report with photos of the apartment's condition. Include an inventory list of the apartment and user manuals for all equipment. These documents protect you from future disputes and give the tenant a clear picture of what to expect in the apartment.

Prepare for contract signing – ensure that all important points are reflected in the rental agreement. A proper contract protects both parties' interests and establishes clear rules for cooperation.

Prepare clear instructions on house rules, waste disposal, and common areas. Compile important contacts (manager, emergency services, owner) in one place. Clear instructions help the tenant adapt faster and avoid misunderstandings.

Verifying tenant reliability

Before handing over the apartment, it's wise to check the tenant's background to avoid future problems. A reliable tenant is the basis for stable rental income.

Use the Kinnisvara24 portal to check the tenant's background to get information about a potential tenant's payment behavior.

Find out in advance whether this could be a long-term tenant or if they're likely to end the rental agreement after some time. Long-term tenants ensure more stable income and fewer vacancy periods.

Small additions to increase apartment value

Strategic small investments can significantly increase the apartment's attractiveness and rental value. These don't have to be expensive but can noticeably improve the tenant's experience.

Add bedding sets and towels, especially for short-term rentals. Install air purifiers or additional ventilation. Refresh bathroom accessories such as shower curtains and bath mats. Such small details make the apartment feel more like home.

Install energy-efficient LED lighting, which reduces electricity consumption and is increasingly important in 2025. Refresh the apartment with small decorative elements such as plants, pictures, or vases. These give the apartment character and a warm atmosphere.

Apartment marketing and presentation

A well-prepared apartment also needs good presentation to find quality tenants quickly. Professional marketing helps reduce vacancy periods.

Take quality photos of a clean and well-organized apartment. Prepare a good real estate listing that highlights all the advantages. A thorough and honest description helps find tenants who truly fit your apartment and conditions.

Be sure to add the apartment floor plan to the listing, which helps interested parties understand the layout of the rooms. Think through how to present the apartment – good lighting and fresh air work wonders.

It's also worth considering adding video material to the listing, as video in real estate listings has become increasingly popular. Video gives potential tenants a better idea of the apartment and reduces the number of unnecessary viewings.

How Kinnisvara24 helps reduce rental apartment vacancy

Kinnisvara24 offers several options that help find quality tenants and reduce vacancy periods. Using our portal makes the entire process smoother.

Add your rental apartment listing to the Kinnisvara24 portal to reach a larger number of potential tenants. Our portal is a growing platform that ensures maximum visibility for your listing.

Use background check options to find a reliable tenant and always get 100% of payments. Familiarize yourself with tenant rights and obligations so you know what you can demand and what you cannot.

Remember that a well-prepared apartment that is professionally presented will find a tenant faster and at a higher rental price. Our platform helps you achieve this goal.

Careful preparation of a rental apartment for a new tenant is not just an obligation but also an investment. A well-maintained apartment, thoughtful documentation, and a professional approach create the foundation for a reliable rental relationship and stable income. Use the opportunities offered by Kinnisvara24 to make the entire process smoother and find the best tenants for your apartment.