Ensuring your property is rent-ready is a crucial step in the rental process. At Doorstead, we strive to make this process as smooth and efficient as possible for our property owners. This guide outlines what you can expect during our Rent Ready process, including the requirements, estimated costs, and the level of involvement we need from a property owner.

What is Doorstead’s Rent Ready?

Rent Ready refers to the state of a property that meets our standards and is fully prepared for new tenants. A Doorstead Rent Ready property is clean, safe, and functional, ensuring a positive experience for tenants and maximizing rental income for owners. Don’t worry! We don’t have any crazy expectations or anything that doesn’t fit the standard market expectations for rental homes. See some real-life examples of Doorstead’s Rent Ready process and repair standards here. 

Key Components of Rent Ready:

Our Rent Ready process is nothing beyond the normal market standard of cleaning and getting your house in reasonably good shape to welcome your next tenant. Below are some of our expectations and standards.

1. Cleanliness: The property must be thoroughly cleaned, including carpets, floors, and appliances.
2. Functionality: All systems (e.g., HVAC, plumbing, electrical) and appliances must be in working order.
3. Safety: Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and other safety features must be in place and functional.
4. Maintenance: Any necessary repairs or maintenance tasks must be completed.

The Rent Ready Process at Doorstead

Step 1: Initial Inspection - Day 1

Once you sign up with Doorstead, our team conducts an initial inspection of your property. This inspection identifies areas that need attention to bring the property up to our Rent Ready standards.

Step 2: Customized Rent Ready Plan - 1 to 3 Days

Based on the inspection, we provide a detailed Rent Ready plan that includes:

• List of required tasks: Specific repairs, cleaning, and maintenance needed.
• Estimated costs: An itemized estimate of expenses associated with the tasks.

Step 3: Approval and Scheduling - 1 to 2 Days

You review and approve the Rent Ready plan. Once approved, our team schedules and coordinates with trusted vendors to perform the necessary work. The quick our owners respond, we quicker we can get schedules in place!

Step 4: Rent Ready Work - 3 to 5 Days

Our network of skilled vendors performs the required tasks to get your property Rent Ready. We manage and oversee the entire process to ensure high-quality work and timely completion. Please note that the 3-5 days here is an estimate- the days to complete the work depends on the job scope. 

Step 5: Final Inspection and Quality Assurance - 1-2 Days

After the work is completed, our team conducts a final inspection to ensure all tasks meet our standards. If any issues are found, they are promptly addressed.

Step 6: Marketing and Tenant Placement 

Once your property is Rent Ready, we begin marketing it to potential tenants. Our goal is to minimize vacancy time and secure high-quality tenants quickly.

Rent Ready Costs

The cost of getting your property Rent Ready can vary based on the condition of the property and the extent of work required. Below are some common Rent Ready tasks and their estimated costs:

Common Rent Ready Expenses

Property Removal

$195 - $480*

Removal of all personal items. Disposal fees may apply.

Keys/Remotes

$50 - $250

Two sets of all keys and necessary remotes.

Cleaning

$165 - $850

Move-in deep cleaning of the entire property.

Painting

$300 - $4750

Interior and exterior painting as needed.

Flooring Repairs

$150 - $850

Minor repairs to flooring, including carpet shampoo.

HVAC Maintenance

$240 - $475

Minor repairs and parts replacement for HVAC systems.

*These are average costs and can vary based on location, vendor availability, and specific property conditions. We will provide a custom analysis based on your property's inspection.

Additional Costs and Considerations

• Labor Rates: General contractors typically charge $125-$195 per hour, while handymen charge $95-$120 per hour. This varies largely from vendor to vendor and market to market. 
• Trip Costs: Some vendors may charge a trip fee for assessments or diagnostics.
• DIY Options: Owners can perform some tasks to save costs, but Doorstead will still need to review the work for quality assurance.

Owner Involvement

While Doorstead manages the Rent Ready process, your involvement is crucial for certain decisions and approvals. Here's what we need from you:

1. Approval of the Rent Ready Plan: Review and approve the initial plan and cost estimates.
2. Coordination for Access: Ensure our team and vendors have access to the property.
3. Handling External Projects: Manage any major repairs or renovations that fall outside the scope of our vendors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my property requires significant repairs?

For extensive repairs or renovations, Doorstead will recommend professional vendors and provide guidance. However, you will need to manage and contract these services independently.

Can I use my own vendors?

Yes, you can use your preferred vendors for certain tasks. Doorstead will require proof of completed work and may conduct a quality assurance check to ensure the property meets our standards. We provide vendors for you as a free service in case you don’t have the time or capacity to source your own vendors. 

How long does the Rent Ready process take?

Overall, the Rent Ready process typically takes between two weeks to one month, depending on the extent of work required, owner’s response times and cooperation, and vendor availability.

Doorstead's Rent Ready process ensures your property is in optimal condition for new tenants, maximizing your rental income and minimizing potential issues. By following this comprehensive guide, you can understand what to expect and how to best prepare your property for a successful rental experience.

For further questions or assistance, please contact our Homes Team at properties@doorstead.com or our Vendor Team at vendors@doorstead.com.