{"id":369199,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:16","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/checklist-before-you-rent-out-your-property.html"},"modified":"2024-01-18T22:41:08","modified_gmt":"2024-01-19T03:41:08","slug":"checklist-before-you-rent-out-your-property","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/checklist-before-you-rent-out-your-property.html","title":{"rendered":"Checklist: Before You Rent Out Your Property"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Checklist: Before You Rent Out Your Property<\/h1>\n
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\n By Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

There are many things to think about before you start renting out your property. You should consult your accountant about the many financial and tax implications. It would be a good idea to research whether your city or county has a department that governs landlord-tenant relations. Involving your attorney in your new venture is also a good idea. A smart property owner finds out in advance what laws apply to their rental properties.<\/p>\r\n

In addition, it is a good idea to take a few minutes and think about how your rental property will affect the neighbors. That includes neighbors inside the building and in the neighborhood, particularly if you won’t be living nearby. The following landlord checklist should help you think about preventing conflicts before they arise. For more information, check out our Rental Property Repairs and Maintenance section<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Preparing the Property<\/h2>\r\n

Before you start showing your rental unit to prospective tenants, it’s a good idea to spruce up the condition of the property. You should conduct a thorough walkthrough of the premises well in advance. This is to ensure compliance with state laws on fair housing<\/a> and get a head start on property management.<\/p>\r\n

It would be helpful to have an inspection checklist to ensure everything in the property is in working order. On the outside of your unit, consider installing signs or devices that make it clear:<\/p>\r\n