{"id":6837,"date":"2024-06-27T15:44:03","date_gmt":"2024-06-27T13:44:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/preparing-a-property-for-rental-roadmap\/"},"modified":"2024-06-27T15:44:03","modified_gmt":"2024-06-27T13:44:03","slug":"preparing-a-property-for-rental-roadmap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/preparing-a-property-for-rental-roadmap\/","title":{"rendered":"Preparing a property for rental: roadmap"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>Want to prepare a property for rental? Then make sure the housing unit complies with local rental laws, is attractive and move-in ready. Learn how here!  <\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Preparing a property for rental<\/h2>\n<p>Are you allowed to rent out your property according to the law? In these steps, you&#8217;ll read what&#8217;s best to get in order. <\/p>\n<h3>Step 1: Schedule a thorough cleaning and maintenance.<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Clean the entire apartment thoroughly. Consider the floors, walls, windows and plumbing as well. <\/li>\n<li>Make necessary repairs. Check the building for things such as broken tiles, leaking faucets and paint chips. <\/li>\n<li>Check and maintain all appliances such as the refrigerator, oven, washing machine and heating\/air conditioning to make sure they are working properly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Step 2: Comply with safety and legal requirements<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Check that you meet the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/woningkwaliteitsnormen\/\">housing quality standards<\/a>. For example, your housing unit must have a minimum area. <\/li>\n<li>Make sure <a href=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/verantwoordelijke-brand-huurappartement\/\">fire safety<\/a> is in order. Install smoke detectors. Provide fire extinguishers and escape plans with emergency routes. Make sure smoke detectors are functioning properly and fire extinguishers are not expired.   <\/li>\n<li>Have electrical wiring and plumbing systems inspected by a professional to make sure everything is safe and up to date. E.g.   <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vincotte.be\/nl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vin\u00e7otte<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Check if you need a rental permit from your municipality.<\/li>\n<li>Be prepared for the duty of disclosure you have as a landlord. You are required to post this when renting out:\n<ul>\n<li>The correct energy score<a href=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/epc-residentiele-eenheid\/\">(EPC RE<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/epc-gemeenschappelijke-delen-appartement\/\">EPC GD<\/a>): have the EPC prepared or request the EPC from the previous owner.<\/li>\n<li>The rent, associated costs and charges: Set correct prices.<\/li>\n<li>The flood sensitivity: Look up the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/een-overzicht-van-alle-woning-scores-en-peilen\/#:~:text=Overstromingsgevoeligheid%20scores\">flood sensitivity<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Local rental rules may apply. So be sure to check what your municipality indicates. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Step 3: Give the housing unit a functional and attractive layout<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Choose a neutral and modern design that appeals to a wide audience.<\/li>\n<li>Make sure the furniture is in good condition and stylish (if you provide furniture).<\/li>\n<li>Consider offering the apartment partially or fully furnished, depending on your target market.<\/li>\n<li>Provide a logical and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/klein-appartement-inrichten-tips\/\">functional layout of small spaces<\/a> with adequate storage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4041\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4041\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4041 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Woning-voorbereiden-op-verhuur_-Voorzie-een-aantrekkelijke-indeling-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Preparing home for rental_ Provide attractive layout\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Woning-voorbereiden-op-verhuur_-Voorzie-een-aantrekkelijke-indeling-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Woning-voorbereiden-op-verhuur_-Voorzie-een-aantrekkelijke-indeling-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Woning-voorbereiden-op-verhuur_-Voorzie-een-aantrekkelijke-indeling-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Woning-voorbereiden-op-verhuur_-Voorzie-een-aantrekkelijke-indeling-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Woning-voorbereiden-op-verhuur_-Voorzie-een-aantrekkelijke-indeling.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4041\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image: Neat home interior with plants<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Step 4: Energy efficiency and comfort<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Look at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/epc-residentiele-eenheid\/\">EPC Residential Unit<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/epc-gemeenschappelijke-delen-appartement\/\">EPC Common Parts<\/a> and improve a few points if you want to make the investment. This will save you energy costs in the long run and increase your living comfort. <\/li>\n<li>As mentioned earlier: Make sure you have an up-to-date EPC. This is mandatory when renting out. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Step 5: Consider amenities and extras.<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Offer high-speed Internet and TV services as an added benefit to tenants.<\/li>\n<li>Make sure the kitchen and bathroom are modern and well-equipped with all the necessary appliances and facilities.<\/li>\n<li>Offer parking, if your target audience asks for it. This is an important factor for renters with cars. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Step 6: Create an <em>eyecatching<\/em> search engine<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Have professional photos taken of your housing unit to present it attractively on rental websites.<\/li>\n<li>Write clear and attractive ad copy that emphasizes strengths.<\/li>\n<li>Consider offering a virtual tour to give potential tenants a detailed view of the apartment.<\/li>\n<li>Compare costs to post your listing on rental websites.<\/li>\n<li>Share your want ad on your social media.<\/li>\n<li>Consider using a real estate agency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Read more tips in our article  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/maak-het-perfecte-zoekertje-voor-je-woning\/\">Property for sale or rent? Here&#8217;s how to create the perfect finder!<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Step 7: Provide legal documentation<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Make sure your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/soorten-huurcontracten\/\">lease<\/a> is watertight and legally correct. This must comply with the Flemish Residential Tenancy Act. Don&#8217;t forget to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/huurcontract-registreren-in-4-stappen\/\">register<\/a> your lease.  <\/li>\n<li>Inform the tenant about the rental deposit, which must be no more than three months&#8217; rent and placed in an escrow account in the tenant&#8217;s name.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Step 8: Communicate and manage<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Make sure tenants know how to contact you with questions or concerns.<\/li>\n<li>Be transparent to tenants and don&#8217;t lie! Lying could have legal consequences. <\/li>\n<li>Establish a maintenance plan for regular maintenance and minor repairs to keep the apartment in good condition.<\/li>\n<li>Select tenants carefully, but keep in mind <a href=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/discriminatie-op-de-huurmarkt-vlaamse-wetgeving\/\">anti-discrimination rules<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4040\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4040\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4040 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Woning-voorbereiden-op-verhuur_-Twee-mensen-schudden-de-hand-met-elkaar-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Preparing home for rental_ Two people shake hands with each other\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Woning-voorbereiden-op-verhuur_-Twee-mensen-schudden-de-hand-met-elkaar-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Woning-voorbereiden-op-verhuur_-Twee-mensen-schudden-de-hand-met-elkaar-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Woning-voorbereiden-op-verhuur_-Twee-mensen-schudden-de-hand-met-elkaar-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Woning-voorbereiden-op-verhuur_-Twee-mensen-schudden-de-hand-met-elkaar-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Woning-voorbereiden-op-verhuur_-Twee-mensen-schudden-de-hand-met-elkaar.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4040\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image: Group of people shake hands<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Sources: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.heylenvastgoed.be\/nl\/verhuren\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Heylen Vastgoed<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.immoweb.be\/nl\/tips-om-te-verhuren\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Immoweb<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vlaanderen.be\/een-huis-of-appartement-verhuren\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Flanders<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Would you like to cite this article as a source? Then use: <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Stiasteny, L. (2024, June 27). Preparing a property for rental: roadmap. Apartment.com. Consulted on (date XX\/XX\/202X), from https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/woning-voorbereiden-op-verhuur-stappenplan   <\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related articles:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/soorten-huurcontracten\/\">4 Types of leases according to legislation<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/appartement-als-opbrengsteigendom-volgens-wet\/\">Apartment as revenue property according to legislation<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/maak-het-perfecte-zoekertje-voor-je-woning\/\">Property for sale or rent? Here&#8217;s how to create the perfect finder!<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/discriminatie-op-de-huurmarkt-vlaamse-wetgeving\/\">Discrimination in the rental market: what does the law say?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/een-overzicht-van-alle-woning-scores-en-peilen\/\">Hoe scoort jouw (potenti\u00eble) woning? Alle woning scores en peilen opgesomd <\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Een woning voorbereiden op verhuur\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/ext\/embed.html?id=657947826842287522&#038;src=oembed\" height=\"775\" width=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" ><\/iframe><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Want to prepare a property for rental? Then make sure the housing unit complies with local rental laws, is attractive and move-in ready. Learn how here! Preparing a property for rental Are you allowed to rent out your property according to the law? In these steps, you&#8217;ll read what&#8217;s best to get in order. Step [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":6260,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1128],"tags":[2037,2036,1130],"class_list":["post-6837","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rental","tag-can-i-rent-out-my-property","tag-preparing-property-for-rental","tag-rental"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6837","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6837"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6837\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6260"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6837"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6837"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.appartement.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6837"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}