The Ultimate Checklist: How to Prepare Your Rental for Listing Photos and Tours
Make your property shine online—and in person—with these smart, simple steps (powered by Nextpad Homes)
First impressions matter—especially in rental real estate.
Whether you're posting your listing online or showing the unit in person, how your rental looks and feels can mean the difference between a fast lease and weeks of vacancy.
Great photos attract better applicants. Great tours close the deal.
This checklist-style guide walks you through:
✅ What to clean, stage, and fix
✅ How to prepare for listing photos
✅ How to get tour-ready in a hurry
✅ And how Nextpad Homes helps you list and fill units faster—with less effort
SECTION 1: Prepping the Property for Photos & Tours
Start here before you touch the camera or schedule showings.
Clean & Declutter (Top to Bottom)
Remove all personal items, trash, and clutter
Vacuum carpets and sweep all hard floors
Dust surfaces, baseboards, window sills
Clean windows and mirrors (inside and out)
Scrub bathrooms—tub, sink, toilet, fixtures
Wipe down kitchen appliances and counters
Replace old or dirty shower curtains
Pro tip: Hire a professional cleaning service for a one-time deep clean—it pays off in better photos and tenant impressions.
Lighting & Ambiance
Replace any burnt-out bulbs
Use warm, consistent lighting in every room
Open blinds and curtains for natural light
Turn on all lights for photos and showings
Add air fresheners or open windows to remove odors
Smell matters—make sure there’s no trace of smoke, mildew, or pet odor before the first prospect walks in.
Minor Repairs & Finishing Touches
Patch holes or scuffs in walls
Touch up paint (especially around light switches and corners)
Fix dripping faucets or running toilets
Tighten loose doorknobs or cabinet pulls
Replace cracked outlet covers or switch plates
Mow lawn, trim bushes, and clean up the entryway
✅ Nextpad helps you track maintenance tasks by unit—so your team (or you) can knock them out in order.
SECTION 2: Getting Ready for Listing Photos
Once the space is clean and bright, it’s time to show it off.
✅ Photo Prep Checklist
Stage rooms with minimal, clean furniture (if furnished)
Remove all visible cords, trash bins, and toiletries
Clear off kitchen and bathroom counters
Fluff pillows, smooth bedding, and adjust curtains
Close toilet lids and hide plungers/toilet brushes
Take photos during daylight hours (late morning or early afternoon preferred)
Photo order tip: Shoot from corners to capture full-room angles. Landscape mode works best.
✅ Must-Have Listing Photo Shots
Front exterior / curb appeal
Living room
Kitchen (including appliances)
Each bedroom
Each bathroom
Laundry area (if included)
Outdoor space (yard, patio, balcony)
Parking space or garage (if applicable)
Entry/stairwell/common areas (for multifamily units)
✅ Nextpad Homes lets you store and reuse your best photos—so relisting is easy next time around.
SECTION 3: Getting Ready for In-Person Tours
Once your photos are live and inquiries are coming in, be ready to show your rental confidently and professionally.
✅ Tour Prep Checklist
Open all blinds and turn on lights before the tour
Do a final walkthrough to remove last-minute messes
Set temperature to a comfortable level (heat or A/C)
Leave a window open slightly (for airflow if stuffy)
Bring extra applications (or better—send digitally)
Be prepared to answer questions about utilities, deposit, lease terms, parking, etc.
✅ With Nextpad, prospective tenants can apply online instantly—no paper forms or email chains needed.
✅ During the Tour: Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
Be on time and professional
Highlight key features and upgrades
Let prospects walk the space without hovering
Ask what they’re looking for (and listen)
DON’T:
Oversell or talk nonstop
Get defensive about flaws
Share personal opinions about past tenants
Rush through the tour
Great Photos Get Clicks—Great Tours Get Leases
Marketing a rental is about more than just square footage and rent.
It’s about presentation, polish, and professionalism.
When you prep your property the right way, you:
Attract better tenants
Lease faster
Command higher rent
Avoid wasted time on no-shows and bad fits
With Nextpad Homes, you get:
Listing tools that showcase your property beautifully
Photo storage and syndication to top rental platforms
Instant online applications and tenant screening
Messaging and scheduling tools for tours
A system to self-manage efficiently and impress every prospect
👉 Ready to market like a pro and fill your vacancy faster?
Use Nextpad Homes to streamline your entire rental process—from prep to lease signing.