With Intellirent streamlining your rental application process, you are freed up to focus on one of the most important parts of owning a rental--getting your property prepped and ready to go so it moves fast! To help you out, this is the first of a five-part series with tips for agents and landlords on making the right moves to attract the best renters.

So, where to start? While gleaming hardwood floors and shiny stainless steel-clad kitchens make for a good visual, ensuring the safety and security of your rental is priority #1. You want to protect your investment, and you want your renters to feel safe in their new home. Not only does this improve your chances of attracting renters quickly, it is also the law. Federal, State and Local laws are in place to inform landlords of their responsibilities on providing a safe, habitable environment for their renters.

Exterior Doors. A good first step towards ensuring safety is investing in quality lock assemblies for exterior doors. And, of course, it goes without saying that you should always  re-key the locks between tenants.

Security Systems.  Depending on your rental's location and set-up, renters may appreciate having a home security system. When deciding whether or not it is necessary, you should consider a few different factors: What are the crime and break-in statistics in the area? Is the immediate entrance to the rental highly visible to foot and street traffic? Do you already have security features that deter theft (e.g., limited access entry-way, motion-sensing exterior lighting, etc.)? Offering this perk to renters may set your rental apart from the competition, but it is not always a value-added investment if you have other security measures in place.

Life Safety Devices.  Finally, make sure your rental has an adequate number of functional life safety devices including fire extinguishers and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  If your rental is on a second or third level and does not have a fire escape, you may also need to invest in an expandable, multi-story fire escape ladder. In addition to laws requiring the presence of life safety devices, they also require that you stay up to date on certification of these devices. And don't forget about the elevator. A prospective new tenant seeing an expired certification inside of your elevator could give the impression that the property is not properly maintained.

Investing in your rental's safety and security provides peace of mind for both you and your tenant. By complying with laws and showing that you care about your renters, you will be well on your way to attracting and retaining good tenants!

Check back on Intellirent's blog for the next part of this series on Tips on Faster Rentals.