Whether you’re a new landlord or an experienced rental property owner in San Mateo County, you’re certainly familiar with the discerning tastes of prospective tenants in the Bay Area’s most desired neighborhoods and communities. San Mateo County tenants have high expectations, and in order to keep your property occupied with well-qualified residents, you need to meet and even exceed those expectations.

As the real estate market continues to be competitive, the first impression your property makes on potential renters can significantly affect the speed of your leasing process, the amount of your rental value, and the quality of the tenant you attract.

In San Mateo County, rental demand has lately been way ahead of the existing supply. You should be able to find good tenants quickly – as long as your property shows well.

As experienced property managers in San Mateo County, we have a lot to offer landlords who are trying to prepare their rental homes for the market. We’ve put together a guide that provides step-by-step advice on getting your property in show-worthy shape to maximize its appeal to the high-caliber renters you’re aiming to attract.

This is a unique rental market. Make sure you’re getting creative with the listing of your property and your selection of residents. As you work through our recommendations, you’ll notice that we cover everything from enhancing the property’s curb appeal to preparing the interior space for tenants to imagine themselves moving right in.

Let’s get started.

Landscaping and Curb Appeal: The First Invitation

The exterior of your rental property is the first thing prospective tenants will notice after they’ve viewed your listing or if they happen to be driving or walking through your neighborhood. That initial impression is going to impact whether they want to see the inside or not. In San Mateo County, an unkempt or disorganized exterior can instantly turn people away. Here are some investments to make in your landscaping and curb appeal that will help prepare your rental home:

Enhance Your Curb Appeal with Native Plants

Consider landscaping using native, drought-resistant plants. This not only aligns with the local area’s ecological values but also saves you money on water bills and reduces maintenance requirements. Eucalyptus, bay laurel, and California lilac shrubs can give your yard a luscious, natural look with minimal effort.

Update Hardscape Elements

If you have a pathway or garden wall that’s seen better days, investing in restoration or a new installation can make a significant impact. Broken pavers and chipped retaining walls not only detract from the aesthetic but can also be a safety hazard. Make your exterior more pristine by paying attention to these details.

Pay Attention to Lighting

Outdoor lighting adds dramatic appeal, particularly during evenings. It’s a good safety feature, too, and it can highlight the architecture of the property. Consider solar-powered options for an eco-friendly touch that saves on energy costs as well.

Upgrades and Improvements for San Mateo County Rental Homes

Once you’ve managed to attract a pool of interested potential tenants, it’s the details that will matter next. You’ll want to offer your prospective renters a property that’s modern and full of improvements and updates. A full renovation will rarely be necessary, especially if your property is already in generally good condition. Some attention to these things, however, will be impactful:

Fresh Coat of Paint

Nothing transforms a space quite like a fresh coat of paint. Stick to neutral colors to appeal to a broad range of tastes, and ensure both the interior and exterior paint is in top condition. Fresh paint makes your property look modern and new.

Update the Fixtures

Switch out outdated lighting fixtures, drawer pulls, and cabinet hardware for more modern options. Stainless steel is a popular choice for kitchens, while bathrooms often benefit from the elegance of brushed nickel or chrome.

Evaluate Flooring Considerations

In San Mateo County, where the weather is generally mild, hardwood floors are a timeless and practical feature. If your property has carpet, consider replacing it with hardwood or other low-maintenance flooring. Rugs and carpets can always be added to help preserve the flooring. You’ll find that tenants prefer hard surface floors. They’re easier to clean and maintain, and there’s less of a risk with allergens.

Professional Cleaning Provides a Pristine Rental Home

A good tenant will never be willing to move into a home that has not been professionally and thoroughly cleaned. Remember that you’re showing your new tenants how you expect to have the property returned to you at the end of the lease term. A professional cleaning service is a sound investment to give your property that ‘brand new’ feel.

Deep Clean Carpets and Upholstery

Professional cleaning will always be necessary for carpets, even if they’re only a year or two old. You want to steam clean those carpets during every turnover so you’re able to lift out any accumulated grime and eliminate odors.

Surface Area Sanitization

Ensuring that all surfaces, from countertops to window sills, are not just clean but also sanitized is especially important in the post-pandemic era. Proving a sterile environment is a big selling point to the modern tenant.

Attention to Detail While Making a Home Rent-Ready

Don’t ignore the small spots that can make a space seem uncared for.

Make sure light switches, baseboards, and other often-neglected areas are cleaned and free of dust and dirt. Have the ceiling fans dusted. It’s often these little touches that set a property apart.

In the competitive San Mateo County rental market, presenting a clean, well-maintained property with modern appeal will attract the tenants and the rental values you’re looking for. Curb appeal and first impressions matter enormously, and there’s no overstating the value of making a great initial impact. Modernize where you can, and always present a spotlessly clean space.

We’d love to take a look at your specific property and make some targeted recommendations. Please contact us at Bayside Management. We lease, manage, and maintain investment properties in San Mateo and around the Peninsula, including San Carlos, Redwood City, Pacifica, San Bruno, Half Moon Bay, Daly City, Mountain View, Foster City, and Palo Alto.