How to get your property lease-ready
A property that shows well leases faster and for more. Work through this before you list and you will attract better tenants at a stronger rent.
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The short version
- Fix every visible fault before an applicant ever sees it.
- Deep clean and declutter so the property photographs and shows larger.
- Confirm smoke alarms and safety meet current NSW requirements.
- Professional photos drive more enquiry than anything else.
- Have the condition report and lease ready so you can sign quickly.
Fix the faults first
Small faults send a big signal. Tenants read a dripping tap or a sticking door as a sign the property is not cared for, and they tend to treat it the same way.
- Leaks, dripping taps and worn seals
- Sticking doors and windows
- Cracked tiles and chipped or marked paint
- Loose handles, blown globes and faulty power points
- Anything that signals neglect
Clean and declutter
A spotless property is the cheapest way to lift your rent. It costs little and changes how the whole home feels.
- Deep clean throughout, including carpets and windows
- Clear and tidy gardens, gutters and outdoor areas
- Declutter so every room feels larger and lighter
- Aim for neutral, well-lit spaces that photograph well
Style the rooms that matter
You do not need a full styling budget. Focus on the rooms that make the decision: the living space, the main bedroom and the kitchen. Let the light in, keep it neutral, and remove anything personal or worn.
Check safety and compliance
Compliance is not optional, and it protects you. Make sure smoke alarms are installed and working, and that basic safety meets the current NSW requirements.
Important
NSW rental rules change. Confirm the current smoke alarm and safety standards with NSW Fair Trading, or ask us, before you list. Our NSW responsibilities guide covers the essentials.
Photograph it properly
Professional photography in good light is the single biggest driver of enquiry. More enquiry means more competition, and more competition means a faster lease at a stronger rent. A floorplan helps applicants picture the space. Do not skip this step.
Prepare the paperwork
Have everything ready so an approved applicant can sign without delay. Every day of delay is a day of vacancy.
- A detailed condition report with date-stamped photos
- The written tenancy agreement
- Landlord insurance covering loss of rent and tenant damage
- Keys, remotes and any manuals or warranties
Set the right rent and launch
Finally, list at a number the market will pay. Get a current rental appraisal, market before the current lease ends where you can, and you will lease without sitting empty. See how we manage, or book a free appraisal below.
Related guides
Maximise your rental return
Price, presentation and the levers that lift your rent.
Read the guide →NSW landlord responsibilities
Smoke alarms, bonds, paperwork and more.
Read the guide →Have us manage it
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See how we manage →More than management
Your property deserves more than a manager. Through Lifestyle Property Hub, our growing network, landlords tap trusted property specialists, from buyers’ agents to mortgage brokers and tax-depreciation experts.
Explore Lifestyle Property Hub →Ready to lease? Start with the right number
Book a free rental appraisal and we will tell you exactly what your property should achieve, and how to present it to get there.