Listing a rental home is more than just snapping a few photos and clicking “publish.” At Pyramis, we set clear expectations with our landlord clients from the beginning because presenting a home that’s truly rent ready is essential to attracting the best tenants, reducing vacancy time, and minimizing headaches after move-in.

Below is our current Rent-Ready Standard — the minimum condition your property must meet before it’s listed for rent.

1. Deep, Professional-Level Cleaning

We’re not talking about a casual tidy-up — this is hotel-grade clean. Every surface should be dusted, wiped, and sanitized. That includes:

  • Baseboards, windowsills, blinds, ceiling fans, and light fixtures
  • Inside drawers, cabinets, and closets
  • Sliding door tracks and window panes
  • Bathrooms and kitchens scrubbed top to bottom
  • Floors vacuumed and mopped — including behind appliances

A clean property makes a strong first impression and sets the tone for how tenants will treat the home.

2. Professionally Cleaned Carpets

All carpeted areas, including closets, must be cleaned by a professional carpet cleaning company — not a DIY rental unit. This is especially important if pets or smokers ever lived in the home. Please retain the receipt, as proof may be requested.

If carpets are heavily stained, damaged, or harbor lingering odors, replacement may be necessary before listing.

3. Fresh-Looking Paint and Proper Texture

Paint is one of the most noticeable signs of how a property has been maintained. Tenants often associate patchy or mismatched paint with broader neglect.

Touch-ups are only acceptable if seamless. As a rule of thumb, if more than 20% of a wall needs touch-up, we recommend repainting the entire wall.

Texture repairs should match the surrounding surface. Poorly matched drywall work can be a red flag during showings.

4. Safety & Code Compliance

Safety isn’t optional. Texas Property Code has specific requirements — and we enforce them:

  • Smoke detectors: Must be present in all required areas, functional, and replaced if over 10 years old.
  • Carbon monoxide detectors: Required if the home has gas service or an attached garage.
  • Batteries: Fresh in all applicable devices.

We make this easy. Our trusted locksmith vendor handles rekeying and ensures all safety features (including peepholes and keyless deadbolts) meet current code.

5. All Systems Fully Functional

Every mechanical system and appliance must be in good working order:

  • HVAC, water heater, stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher
  • Fans, lights, garage doors, and remotes

“If it’s in the house, it has to work.” This includes every burner, every drawer, and every cycle — no “sometimes it works” exceptions. Optional appliances that don’t work (e.g., a broken wine fridge) must be removed before listing.

6. Remove All Personal Property

There should be no personal or leftover items in the home — no tools, cleaning supplies, hangers, curtains, lawn items, or décor. These can create liability issues and tenant confusion.

If the property includes a security system, ownership must be transferred to the tenant or the service canceled before listing. Equipment can remain in the home, but it must not be tied to the owner’s account.

7. Replace Common Wear Items

These small details make a big impact and must be addressed before listing:

  • Lightbulbs: All must be working and match in color temperature (soft white vs daylight).
  • Air filters: Fresh and appropriately sized.
  • Drip pans: Clean and rust-free.
  • Water filters (refrigerator or reverse osmosis): Changed, if applicable.
  • Range hood filters: Degreased or replaced.

8. Yard & Landscaping Condition

Curb appeal matters. All outdoor spaces should be:

  • Mowed, edged, and weed-free
  • Shrubs trimmed and trees cut back from rooflines
  • Free of any debris, leaves, or dead limbs

This ensures great first impressions, safe access, and high-quality marketing photos.

9. Pest-Free Environment

The home must be free of visible signs of pests, including roaches, ants, rodents, and wasps. We recommend scheduling a general pest treatment before listing, especially during warmer months.

10. Smart Home Devices & Digital Tools

If your property includes smart thermostats, doorbell cameras, or security systems:

  • Devices must be factory reset before move-in
  • Tenants must be given instructions to set up or manage the equipment, if not otherwise easily obtained
  • Subscriptions should not remain active under the owner’s name

Why Rent-Ready Matters

Presenting your property in rent-ready condition helps:

  • Attract better tenants, faster
  • Minimize tenant disputes and repair requests
  • Shorten vacancy periods
  • Preserve the long-term condition of your asset

By adhering to these standards, you protect your investment, reduce liability, and start the tenancy off on the right foot — and we’re here to help every step of the way.