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Rent Ready Standards

Every state in the U.S. (other than Arkansas) has its own version of the warranty of habitability.

The California Code has very detailed laws that specifically define the obligations of a landlord or renting agency. To be considered habitable under state law, a rental unit must have:

  • Waterproofed and weather-protected roof and exterior walls
  • Unbroken doors and windows
  • Plumbing or gas facilities in good working order
  • A water supply that produces hot and cold running water and is connected to a sewage disposal system
  • Heating facilities in good working order
  • Electrical lighting with proper wiring
  • A building and grounds that are free of garbage and pests
  • Well-maintained floors, stairways, and railings
  • A locking mail receptacle for each unit in all "residential hotels" (that is, buildings with six or more guestrooms)

Because of the specificity of the California Code, there has been little need for courts to weigh in on what issues would be considered a breach of the warranty. Keep in mind, however, that the warranty of habitability does not apply if any of the above issues are caused by either the renter or the renter’s invited guests.

We are committed to providing safe, clean, and properly maintained homes to our residents. In addition to the above, the below items must be completed before we will advertise and rent a property:

  • Property professionally cleaned and free of trash and debris, inside and outside.
  • HVAC system to be in good operating condition, with a new filter installed.
  • All mechanical elements including appliances operating as designed.
  • Caulking in kitchen and bathrooms shall be clean and free of discoloration.
  • Doors and locks all functioning properly.
  • Deadbolts on all exterior doors.
  • Windows must open, close, and lock properly and window screens be in good condition.
  • Professionally cleaned to ‘Hotel Room Clean’
  • Carpet professionally cleaned and looking fresh
  • All painted surfaces fresh with no mis-match touch-up areas and repainting must be done corner to corner.
  • All bedroom windows must have vertical or mini-blinds
  • No personal property or items in the unit. This includes furniture, knickknacks, toiletries, shower curtains, Kleenex boxes, kitchen or bathroom items, soap dispenser, pictures, etc.
  • No lawn equipment including mowers, tools, etc.
  • Garage floor swept
  • No exterior debris
  • Lawn cut and trimmed
  • Landscaping fresh and clean
  • Smoke and CO detectors installed per local code regulations.
  • Back sliding door must have vertical blinds
  • All light bulbs working
  • Doors open & close smoothly and doorstops installed on all doors
  • Safety railings secure
  • Wood-burning fireplace(s), if operational, shall be clean of any debris and have a fireplace screen or heat-proof glass doors installed. If non-operational, the fireplace opening on the interior of the home shall be permanently sealed with an aesthetically pleasing material.
  • Recommendations:
    • All windows (except basement windows) should have vertical or mini blinds.
    • No draperies on windows
    • All windows should have screens

This list is not meant to cover each and make-ready required item, but it does list some of the most important and often overlooked.