Preparing a Rental Property for New Tenants

Start with a full walkthrough

Do a room-by-room check of the empty property before anything else. Note every repair, cosmetic issue, and maintenance item. Photograph everything — this also protects you under the Residential Tenancies Act when it comes to the condition report.

Repairs to prioritise

Doors, latches, and locks. Every door should open, close, and latch cleanly. Exterior locks should be re-keyed between tenancies as a standard precaution.

Windows and window seals. Check that every window opens, closes, and latches. Replace perished seals. Any condensation staining around window frames needs investigating.

Taps and wet areas. Check for dripping taps. Re-seal any pulling silicone around baths, showers, and kitchen sinks. A new tenant will notice these immediately.

Deck and outdoor areas. Check deck boards for soft spots and loose fixings. Make sure the yard gate latches and the fence is secure. See deck repairs and fence and gate repairs.

Gutters. A gutter clean between tenancies is one of the highest-return maintenance jobs you can do. It prevents the water damage complaints that come in the first winter. See gutter cleaning.

Walls and surfaces. Fill and paint over any holes from picture hooks, scuff marks on walls, or damaged skirting boards. A well-presented property attracts better tenants and commands a stronger rental return.

Healthy Homes Standards

New Zealand's Healthy Homes Standards set minimum requirements for rental properties across heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture and drainage, and draught stopping. The between-tenancy window is a practical time to address any outstanding items.

Note: any Healthy Homes work that involves electrical, plumbing, or restricted building work must be carried out by appropriately licensed tradespeople.

What Shore Home Repairs can help with

We handle the practical repair and maintenance items on this list across the North Shore — door adjustments, lock replacements, minor wall repairs, gutter cleaning, deck maintenance, fence fixes, and general property upkeep before a new tenancy. See rental property maintenance.