After your most recent tenants moved out of your vacation home, you may be shocked to discover some cosmetic damage, a layer of filth on the flooring, and leaking plumbing. Where do you start making repairs, and how will this project affect your likelihood of renting out the home in the near future?

Tackle Minor Issues Yourself

Listing what needs to be addressed will help you categorize the workload and determine what you can handle on your own. The level of disrepair may seem overwhelming, but the cleanliness of the home may be compounding the problems and making them seem worse than they really are. First, remove and dispose of any items that your previous tenants left behind. There is no reason to hold onto any of these materials, unless you think that you will be able to sell some of the items for profit.

Deep clean the carpets, draperies, and flooring. Wipe off counters, wall moldings, and fixtures. Once the cleaning task is finished, focus on the repairs. Will you be able to afford some basic materials, and do you feel confident about patching leaky pipes, applying caulk to areas in need, or patching small holes in walls? If so, buy the materials you need and pack your toolbox. Plan on dedicating a few days to tackle all of the home repairs. 

Receive Help With Monumental Projects

If the heating and air conditioning systems aren't working properly, or if there is a major leak and you are uncertain where the problem is stemming from, hiring a repair person is your best option. Large problems like these will make the home uninhabitable and the longer you put off having the problems addressed, the longer you will be unable to earn money by leasing out the home.

It is unfortunate that you will need to invest money in the repairs, but you will have peace of mind that the issues have been properly corrected. This means that you probably won't need to worry about addressing the same types of things when your new tenants move in.

If the home visually looks decent and you have maintained the lawn as well as the inside of each room, begin showing the rental property to people who are looking for a place to live. Be upfront about the length of time that it may take to have the major repairs completed. If you are fortunate enough to find a suitable tenant, collect the security deposit and have the individual sign the lease. The money collected will help buffer the costs associated with the major repairs that are currently underway.