Plano Rental Checklist: 15 Must-Do Tasks Before You List

Thinking of renting out your home in Plano? Smart move. With strong schools, a booming job market, and a steady stream of relocating professionals, the demand for quality rentals is high. But before you stick a “For Lease” sign in the yard or snap listing photos, make sure your property is truly rent-ready.

Here are 15 must-do tasks every Plano landlord should check off before listing their home:

1. Deep Clean Every Inch

A quick vacuum won’t cut it. Clean carpets, wipe baseboards, scrub grout, and make those windows sparkle. A spotless home photographs better and gives tenants confidence in how the property is maintained.

2. Handle Repairs Proactively

Loose handles, leaky faucets, squeaky doors, fix them now. Not only will it reduce future maintenance calls, but it also sets the tone that you're a responsible landlord.

3. Update Safety Features

Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms per Texas Property Code. Make sure locks, window latches, and exterior lights are secure and functional.

4. Tidy Up the Yard

Curb appeal matters. Mow, mulch, trim, and clear out any junk. A fresh exterior invites strong first impressions and quicker leasing.

5. Get a Professional Inspection

Optional, but smart. Identifying unseen HVAC, plumbing, or roofing issues upfront avoids expensive surprises during tenancy.

6. Set Competitive Rent

Use current market comps in Plano to determine rent. Navigate’s leasing team can run a rental analysis that balances ROI with local demand trends.

7. Stage for Success (or Declutter Big Time)

If you plan to show it furnished, stage smartly. If vacant, remove all personal items and clutter. Clean lines help tenants envision themselves in the space.

8. Document Property Condition

Take timestamped photos and videos of every room and major system. This protects you during move-outs and deposit disputes.

9. Rekey All Locks

It’s not just best practice, it’s the law in Texas. Rekey locks between tenants for safety and liability protection.

10. Ensure Utilities Are Active

Keep water, power, and gas on during showings and make-ready work. It’s also critical for inspections and move-in readiness.

11. Get Landlord Insurance

Standard homeowners insurance won’t cut it. Upgrade to a landlord policy that covers rental risks and names your property manager as an interested party.

12. Set Up an Operating Reserve

Navigate requires a $450 reserve to handle day-to-day maintenance without delay. You can easily contribute this through your owner portal.

13. Review Resident Screening Criteria

Familiarize yourself with Navigate’s 10-step screening process, which includes full credit, criminal, income, and rental history checks. You’ll know exactly what kind of applicants to expect.

14. Understand Your Legal Duties

From Fair Housing compliance to Texas Property Code requirements, being a landlord comes with rules. Our team handles legal compliance, lease enforcement, and eviction proceedings when needed.

15. Partner with a Local Expert

If you're not ready to manage all this on your own, Navigate has you covered. From marketing to maintenance, we handle every step so you can enjoy passive income, without the late-night plumbing calls.

Let’s Make Renting in Plano a Breeze

Whether you’re a first-time landlord or a seasoned investor, Navigate is your go-to guide for stress-free property management. We’ll handle the details, so you can focus on the big picture (like enjoying your weekends again).

Ready to lease with confidence? Book your free property consult today and let’s get your rental off the ground. Fast, smart, and fully prepped.