Before you welcome tenants to your rental property, you need to make sure everything is in order. From legal compliance to smart pricing, ticking the right boxes up front can save you stress later on. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a landlord checklist before listing a property—plus, how Preferental can make the entire process smoother and more efficient.

Why preparation matters for landlords

Getting a property ready for rent is more than a quick clean and a listing online. Preparing properly helps you:

  • Avoid legal issues
  • Set the right rental price
  • Attract reliable tenants
  • Reduce vacancy time

Let’s dive into the essential steps.

Inspect and repair the property

Before listing, inspect your property thoroughly. Look out for issues such as leaky taps, cracked tiles, broken appliances, or peeling paint. Addressing these problems up front creates a good first impression and sets the tone for your expectations.

Preferental tip: Use our platform’s maintenance tracking tool to schedule inspections and manage repairs effortlessly.

Ensure compliance with legal requirements

South African landlords must comply with certain laws and regulations. These include:

  • Ensuring the property meets health and safety standards
  • Providing a written lease agreement
  • Registering the deposit with an interest-bearing account

Preferental offers legally sound lease agreements as part of our comprehensive property management services, helping you stay compliant with ease.

Deep clean and declutter the space

A clean, fresh-smelling property makes a world of difference. Hire professional cleaners if needed. Remove any personal items or leftover clutter. Neutral, tidy spaces appeal to more potential tenants.

Stage your property for photos

High-quality photos attract more views. Open curtains, add soft lighting, and arrange furniture to maximise space. If you’re not confident with photography, consider hiring a professional.

Set a competitive rental price

Pricing your rental correctly is essential. Too high and you scare off tenants. Too low and you risk cutting into your profits.

Create a compelling listing

Your listing should be clear, honest, and highlight your property’s best features. Include:

  • Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
  • Parking availability
  • Nearby schools, shops, or transport links
  • Any unique features (like solar panels or fibre internet)
  • With DepositPlus by Preferental, tenants can enjoy greater flexibility, reduced upfront costs, and access to more rental opportunities—all while securing their next home with confidence. Learn more about DepositPlus here. (insert link)

Screen tenants thoroughly

Once enquiries start coming in, screening tenants becomes crucial. Look at credit checks, previous rental history, and proof of income.

With Preferental’s tenant vetting services, you get a full background check, including credit history and payment behaviour, helping you choose the best applicant with confidence.

Prepare a professional lease agreement

Avoid generic templates. A proper lease agreement should cover:

  • Payment terms
  • Deposit conditions
  • Maintenance responsibilities
  • Termination clauses

Preferental provides customisable, legally binding lease agreements, saving you time and giving you peace of mind.

Conduct an entry inspection

Before your new tenant moves in, complete a detailed entry inspection report. Document everything with photos. This forms a fair baseline for any future damage claims.

Our digital inspection reports make it easy to record and store this info online.

Why landlords choose Preferental

Preferental offers everything landlords need to manage properties efficiently—from tenant screening to rent collection. Our services are designed to take the hassle out of being a landlord, whether you manage one property or a whole portfolio.

For additional tips on managing your rental property, read this guide on landlord tips from Private Property.