Buying a vacant house alone does not start rental income.
It is only when you prepare the property for tenants, advertise it, and sign a contract that the rental business begins.
Think about the ‘path to renting’ even before you make the purchase.
‘I want to buy a vacant house cheaply and try renting it out.’
When you think that way, the first thing that might come to mind is the rent.
However, to rent out a house you have purchased, you need to make several preparations, such as checking the condition of the property, cleaning, repairs, setting the rent, and deciding on recruitment methods.
If you start working without deciding on an order, you might end up spending money on unnecessary areas or delaying the start of recruitment. This article organizes the flow until you rent out a vacant house to tenants.
1. Think about who you want to rent to
First, think about what kind of tenants you want to have.
Is it for families or single people? Is it an area where a car is necessary? Will you allow pets? If it is a large house, there might be demand for business or warehouse use in addition to residential use.
Thinking about the tenant profile makes it easier to prioritize necessary repairs and facilities.
For example, if it is an area where many people commute by car, the ease of using the parking lot is important. If you are assuming a family with children, you will also want to check the number of rooms, storage, and the surrounding shopping environment.
2. Check the condition of the building
Next, check the condition of the building and facilities.
Organize the areas that would cause trouble for tenants in their daily lives, such as roof leaks, plumbing, water heaters, electricity, fittings, floors, windows, and locks. Even if you make it look clean, they cannot live there if the facilities do not work.
If the house has been vacant for a long time, you may not know if the facilities still work. Do not judge things that cannot be checked as ‘no problem,’ but record them as items that need verification.
If it is difficult to judge on your own, consult with specialized contractors or real estate companies to identify the necessary repairs before renting it out.
3. Decluttering and cleaning
If there are items left behind, separate what to dispose of and what to keep.
There are ways to rent it out with furniture and appliances left in place, but there are pros and cons depending on the tenant’s wishes and local demand. First, think about who you want to rent to, and then decide what to keep.
For cleaning, tidy up not only the floors and plumbing but also the windows, storage, entrance, garden, and exterior. Aim for a state where people who come for a viewing can imagine what it is like to actually live there.
4. Decide on rent and recruitment conditions
Research surrounding rental listings and think about the target rent.
In addition to rent, organize your rental terms, including key money, security deposits, pet policies, parking availability, and whether short-term leases are permitted. Setting terms that are too strict may reduce inquiries. On the other hand, tailoring conditions to the target tenant can sometimes make the property’s appeal easier to convey.
When setting the rent, consider the condition of the building, its facilities, and its location, while also using surrounding market rates as a reference. If there is little response after you begin advertising, it may be necessary to review the rent, terms, or how the photos are presented.
5. Requesting Rental Services
When asking a real estate agency to handle the listing, organize and communicate the property’s features, repair status, and your desired terms.
Providing specific information—such as ‘It is an old house, but here is what has been repaired,’ ‘Is there parking?’, ‘Are pets allowed?’, and ‘What kind of person would you like to have as a tenant?’—makes it easier to create an effective listing.
If you are consulting with multiple real estate agencies, compare their listing methods, fees, and scope of service. Even after you begin advertising, check the number of inquiries and viewings, and adjust the terms as necessary.
6. Preparation from Viewing to Contract
Once you receive an inquiry, prepare the date, time, and method for the viewing. Make sure the interior is safe to inspect, that electricity and water are functional, and that there are no hazardous areas inside the house.
If a prospective tenant applies, verify the contract terms and required documents. If you have any questions regarding the creation of the contract or the tenant screening process, consult with a real estate agency or a professional.
It is also reassuring to decide on communication methods after move-in, repair procedures, and rent collection methods before signing the contract.
7. Consider the Time and Costs Until Move-in
Just because you start advertising does not mean a tenant will be found immediately. During that time, you may still need to cover property management, taxes, insurance, and lawn maintenance.
Before purchasing, consider not only the repair costs but also the expenses that will accrue during the period until a tenant is secured. If you create a plan without a buffer, you may be forced to change your terms in a panic if the search for a tenant drags on.
Don’t Carry the Burden Alone; Have Someone to Consult
Renting out a vacant house requires a wide range of decisions, including repairs, rent setting, advertising, contracts, and post-move-in management. You do not have to do everything by yourself.
The Vacant House Information Desk provides guidance on consultations and support for property purchases, repairs, and tenant recruitment. Since the content, costs, and participation requirements differ for each plan, please check the details before considering them.an.officeblog.jp
Click here for details on real estate investment consultations and the AM Salon
Knowing the process of renting out a vacant house will help you see what needs to be confirmed before purchasing. Do not just look at the property price; make your purchase decision only after considering ‘who you will rent to,’ ‘what kind of repairs are needed,’ and ‘how you will proceed with the listing.’
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*Rental conditions and contract details vary depending on the property, region, and contract type. Please consult with a real estate company or professional as needed.
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