Prepare Your Rental Property for Occupancy

The law provides for a warranty of habitability. This means that the dwelling must be considered habitable and any known problems must be fixed before you allow a tenant to take occupancy.
When a tenant vacates one of your units, take this opportunity to perform a walkthrough of the unit to determine its condition and discover what repairs or maintenance need to be done.
Properly working fixtures – faucets, showers, tubs, toilets, etc.
Address any leaks or other problems before you rent out your property.
Thoroughly clean your carpets.
Mold, mildew, and pet stains are considered health hazards, and such problems should be completely resolved before you rent out your property. Diseases such as toxoplasmosis, which is normally found in cat urine stains, can be deadly.
Clean the cabinets, closets, and storage areas.
Mildew and mold can lurk underneath cabinets, especially if you have had a problem with leaky fixtures. You may have to replace a cabinet if the damage is severe.
Check the closets.
Closets are one area that tenants frequently neglect when they vacate a property.
Make sure that these areas are completely cleaned and that any forgotten property is handled appropriately.
Make sure the walls free of chips, marks, and holes.
Depending on the length of the previous tenancy, you may have to repaint the unit. Any existing holes should be fixed before you rent out the property. If you do not plan to repaint, examine the condition of the walls carefully and make notes so you do not hold your new tenant liable for damage caused by someone else. At a minimum, you should patch any obvious holes.
Make sure the appliances operate properly
Old appliances waste lots of energy, which is a consideration for landlords providing free utilities to their tenants. Replacing old appliances with new models will save you money on energy and repairs and maintenance.
Make sure all of the doors and windows operate properly
Check all of the doors and windows of your property to make sure that they open and close properly and that they are in good working order. This includes cabinetry, patio doors, and windows.