Preparing a property for rental: roadmap

Want to prepare a property for rental? Then make sure the housing unit complies with local rental laws, is attractive and move-in ready. Learn how here!

Preparing a property for rental

Are you allowed to rent out your property according to the law? In these steps, you’ll read what’s best to get in order.

Step 1: Schedule a thorough cleaning and maintenance.

Clean the entire apartment thoroughly. Consider the floors, walls, windows and plumbing as well.
Make necessary repairs. Check the building for things such as broken tiles, leaking faucets and paint chips.
Check and maintain all appliances such as the refrigerator, oven, washing machine and heating/air conditioning to make sure they are working properly.

Step 2: Comply with safety and legal requirements

Check that you meet the housing quality standards. For example, your housing unit must have a minimum area.
Make sure fire safety is in order. Install smoke detectors. Provide fire extinguishers and escape plans with emergency routes. Make sure smoke detectors are functioning properly and fire extinguishers are not expired.
Have electrical wiring and plumbing systems inspected by a professional to make sure everything is safe and up to date. E.g. Vinçotte
Check if you need a rental permit from your municipality.
Be prepared for the duty of disclosure you have as a landlord. You are required to post this when renting out:
- The correct energy score(EPC RE and EPC GD): have the EPC prepared or request the EPC from the previous owner.
- The rent, associated costs and charges: Set correct prices.
- The flood sensitivity: Look up the flood sensitivity.
Local rental rules may apply. So be sure to check what your municipality indicates.

Step 3: Give the housing unit a functional and attractive layout

Choose a neutral and modern design that appeals to a wide audience.
Make sure the furniture is in good condition and stylish (if you provide furniture).
Consider offering the apartment partially or fully furnished, depending on your target market.
Provide a logical and functional layout of small spaces with adequate storage.

Preparing home for rental_ Provide attractive layout — Image: Neat home interior with plants

Step 4: Energy efficiency and comfort

Look at the EPC Residential Unit and EPC Common Parts and improve a few points if you want to make the investment. This will save you energy costs in the long run and increase your living comfort.
As mentioned earlier: Make sure you have an up-to-date EPC. This is mandatory when renting out.

Step 5: Consider amenities and extras.

Offer high-speed Internet and TV services as an added benefit to tenants.
Make sure the kitchen and bathroom are modern and well-equipped with all the necessary appliances and facilities.
Offer parking, if your target audience asks for it. This is an important factor for renters with cars.

Step 6: Create an eyecatching search engine

Have professional photos taken of your housing unit to present it attractively on rental websites.
Write clear and attractive ad copy that emphasizes strengths.
Consider offering a virtual tour to give potential tenants a detailed view of the apartment.
Compare costs to post your listing on rental websites.
Share your want ad on your social media.
Consider using a real estate agency.

Read more tips in our article Property for sale or rent? Here’s how to create the perfect finder!

Step 7: Provide legal documentation

Make sure your lease is watertight and legally correct. This must comply with the Flemish Residential Tenancy Act. Don’t forget to register your lease.
Inform the tenant about the rental deposit, which must be no more than three months’ rent and placed in an escrow account in the tenant’s name.

Step 8: Communicate and manage

Make sure tenants know how to contact you with questions or concerns.
Be transparent to tenants and don’t lie! Lying could have legal consequences.
Establish a maintenance plan for regular maintenance and minor repairs to keep the apartment in good condition.
Select tenants carefully, but keep in mind anti-discrimination rules.

Preparing home for rental_ Two people shake hands with each other — Image: Group of people shake hands

Sources: Heylen Vastgoed, Immoweb, Flanders

Would you like to cite this article as a source? Then use:

Stiasteny, L. (2024, June 27). Preparing a property for rental: roadmap. Apartment.com. Consulted on (date XX/XX/202X), from https://www.appartement.be/woning-voorbereiden-op-verhuur-stappenplan

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