Getting Your Property Rental Ready
A Step-by-Step Guide for Prospective Landlords
So, you’ve decided to rent out your property — How exciting!
Here is a list of things to be mindful of when preparing your investment for rent.
At Mareeba Property Management, we regularly assist owners in preparing their investment properties for the rental market. Some homes are ready to advertise immediately, while others may benefit from a few improvements, repairs, or compliance updates before meeting Queensland’s Minimum Housing Standards and being ready to welcome quality tenants.
The good news is that you don’t have to navigate the process alone. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Step 1: Ensure Your Property Meets Minimum Housing Standards
Queensland rental properties must meet the Minimum Housing Standards before being leased to tenants.
Some key areas to consider include:
✔ The property is weatherproof and structurally sound
✔ Doors and windows are secure and operating correctly
✔ Locks and latches are functional
✔ Plumbing and drainage are in good working order
✔ Electrical fittings and lighting are safe and operational
✔ The property is free from serious health and safety hazards
If you’re unsure whether your property meets the current standards, our team can help identify any items that may require attention before advertising.
Step 2: Complete Any Outstanding Maintenance
Prospective tenants often notice maintenance issues immediately.
Before advertising, consider:
• Repairing leaking taps
• Repairing fencing and gates
• Servicing air-conditioners
• Replacing faulty lights or ceiling fans
• Repairing damaged screens, doors, or locks
Completing maintenance early helps present your property at its best and may reduce maintenance requests during the tenancy.
Step 3: Check Smoke Alarm Compliance
Queensland has strict smoke alarm requirements for rental properties.
Before tenants move in, smoke alarms must comply with current legislation.
If required, MPM can recommend local contractors to inspect, upgrade, and maintain your smoke alarm systems.
Step 4: Present the Property at Its Best
First impressions count.
Before photography and inspections, consider:
• Mowing lawns
•Trimming gardens
•Removing rubbish
•Pressure cleaning pathways and driveways
•Tidying outdoor entertaining areas
Many prospective tenants decide whether to inspect a property based on the photographs they see online, so presentation is key.
Step 5: Give the Property a Thorough Clean
A clean property photographs better, presents well at inspections, and helps establish a clear standard for the commencement of the tenancy.
Professional cleaning is often a worthwhile investment before advertising.
The property’s condition at the start of the tenancy is documented on the Entry Condition Report. Establishing a high standard from the outset helps set expectations for the care and presentation of the property throughout the tenancy.
If pets are approved, landlords may also wish to consider a professional pest treatment prior to advertising. Starting with a clean and pest-free property can assist in maintaining the property’s condition during the tenancy.
Step 6: Gather Important Property Information
Having important documents ready can help streamline the onboarding process.
Helpful information includes:
✔ Current Rates Notice
✔ Water account details
✔ Pool compliance certificates (if applicable)
✔ Body Corporate information (if applicable)
✔ Appliance manuals and warranties
✔ Emergency contact information
Step 7: Understand Water Charging
One of the most common questions landlords ask is:
“Can the tenant pay for the water?”
The answer depends on the property’s setup and whether legislative requirements have been met.
To recover water consumption charges from a tenant, Queensland legislation requires certain criteria to be met, including water efficiency requirements and appropriate provisions within the tenancy agreement.
For properties within the Mareeba Shire Council region, water consumption charges are typically identified on the Water Consumption Summary. In many cases, the Tier 2 consumption charge may be recoverable from the tenant, subject to legislative requirements and the property’s individual circumstances.
Our team can review your property’s water arrangements and advise whether water consumption charges may be recoverable from tenants.
Step 8: Hand Over Keys, Remotes & Access Devices
Before advertising can commence, your property manager will generally require 2x Full sets of keys:
- House keys
- Mailbox keys
- Security keys
- Garage remotes
- Gate remotes
- Shed or storage area keys
Providing all access devices early helps ensure a smooth tenancy commencement.
Step 9: Consider Landlord Insurance
While not a legislative requirement, landlord insurance is strongly recommended for all investment properties.
Even the best tenants can experience unexpected circumstances, and landlord insurance can provide valuable protection for your investment.
Depending on the policy selected, landlord insurance may assist with:
✔ Loss of rent
✔ Tenant damage
✔ Legal liability claims
✔ Malicious or accidental damage
✔ Certain tenant-related risks and unforeseen events
It is also wise to ensure you have appropriate public liability cover in place. Accidents can happen, and liability insurance may provide important protection if a tenant, contractor, or visitor suffers injury at the property.
We recommend speaking with your insurance provider to ensure your cover is appropriate for your individual circumstances before the tenancy commences.
Step 10: Let MPM Handle the Rest
Once you have signed your Management Agreement and your property is ready for the market, our team can assist with:
✔ Compliance guidance
✔ Professional photography
✔ Marketing and advertising
✔ Prospective tenant inspections
✔ Application processing and tenant screening
✔ Lease preparation
✔ Bond lodgement
✔ Ongoing property management
Our goal is simple: to help you secure quality tenants while protecting your investment and ensuring compliance with Queensland tenancy legislation.
Not Quite Rental Ready?
That’s okay.
Many properties require a little preparation before they’re ready to hit the market. Whether it’s maintenance, presentation, compliance requirements, or simply understanding where to start, our team is happy to help.
Contact Mareeba Property Management today and let us help get your property rental ready.
freya@rentmpm.com.au or 07 40922 111
Disclaimer
This guide is intended as general information only and is designed to assist prospective landlords in preparing a property for the rental market. Requirements may vary depending on the property and individual circumstances. Property owners should seek independent professional advice where required.