How to prepare an apartment for the first tenant - step by step

Introduction for new landlords

Have you decided to rent your property? Congratulations on this step! Before the first tenant, however, the apartment needs to be thoroughly prepared. In this article, we will provide you with a complete guide on how to ensure that your entry into the world of renting is successful. The time and resources invested will be returned to you.

Phase 1: Technical inspection

Electrical installation

Check:

• Age of wiring (copper vs. aluminum)
• Circuit breaker capacity
• Number and condition of sockets
• Lighting functionality

Recommendation:

• Electrical revision (mandatory for older of flats)
• Replacement of old distribution systems
• Sufficient sockets in each room
• FI circuit breaker for safety

Plumbing

Check:

• Condition of pipes
• Water pressure
• Functionality of taps
• Tightness of connections

Recommendation:

• Replacement of old distribution systems (steel for plastic)
• New batteries
• Waste control

Heating

Check:

• Functionality of boiler/radiators
• Thermostatic heads
• Revision of gas appliances

Recommendation:

• Annual boiler service
• Thermostatic heads for all radiators
• Review report for documentation

Windows and doors

Inspection:

• Tightness
• Hardware functionality
• Condition of frames
• Safety features

Recommendations:

• Adjustment or replacement of seals
• Security insert in the lock
• Peephole and chain

Phase 2: Surfaces and design

Painting

Rules:

• White or very light walls
• Washable colors
• Quality design

Tips:

• Professional painter (3,000-5,000 Kč per room)
• Neutral colors = wider target group
• Moisture control before painting

Floors

Suitable materials:

• Laminate (300-600 Kč/m²)
• Vinyl LVT (500-1,000 Kč/m²)
• Tiling in wet areas

Not suitable:

• Carpet (unhygienic)
• Sensitive parquet floors (damage)

Bathroom

Priority:

• Functional and clean
• Modern appearance
• Quality equipment

Minimum:

• Functional shower/tub
• Quality toilet and sink
• Ventilation (fan)
• Brackets and accessories

Kitchen

Requirements:

• Functional line
• Hob and oven
• Sink and battery
• Hood

Optional:

• Dishwasher
• Refrigerator
• Microwave

Stage 3: Equipment

Basic equipment (mandatory)

Bathroom:

• Shower head and hose
• Mirror
• Towel rack
• Toilet paper holder

Kitchen:

• Stove/hob
• Oven or microwave
• Trash can

Other:

• Lighting in all rooms
• Sufficient sockets
• Bells and name tags

Premium equipment (optional)

Increases value:

• Washing machine
• Dishwasher
• Refrigerator
• Furniture

Decide according to:

• Target groups
• Competition in the location
• Expected rent

Phase 4: Safety

Mandatory elements

• Smoke detector (new buildings)
• CO detector (gas appliances)
• Fire extinguisher (recommended)

Recommended features

• Security lock
• Peephole
• Door chain
• Main water shut-off (accessible)

Stage 5: Documentation

Technical documentation

Collect:

• Revision reports
• Appliance manuals
• Emergency contacts
• House rules

Photo documentation

Get:

• General shots of rooms
• Equipment details
• Condition of surfaces
• Meters (conditions)

Legal documents

Prepare:

• Sample lease agreement
• Transfer log
• Record sheet

Stage 6: Administration

Insurance

Check:

• Property insurance (does it cover the rental?)
• Owner's liability
• Expand if necessary

Tax matters

Prepare for:

• Taxation of rental income
• Flat-rate option vs. actual costs
• Record of income and expenses

Energy

Decide:

• Energy per landlord or tenant
• Transfer method
• Deposits

Stage 7: Marketing

Photography

Professional photos:

• Daylight
• Tidy and spacious impression
• All rooms
• Details (bathroom, kitchen)

Advertisement

Contents:

• Exact layout and size
• Location and availability
• Equipment and condition
• Price and conditions
• Quality photos

Where to advertise:

• Sreality.cz
• Bezrealitky.cz
• Facebook groups
• Local servers

Tours

Preparation:

• Clean and ventilated apartment
• Lights on
• Information materials
• Time for questions

Stage 8: Selection of the tenant

Selection criteria

Check:

• Stable income
• Reference
• Reason for moving
• Overall impression

Checks

Perform:

• Insolvency register
• Central record of foreclosures
• Confirmation of income
• Reference from previous landlord

Checklist before the first tenant

Technology

• [ ] Electrical revision
• [ ] Plumbing check
• [ ] Boiler service
• [ ] Functional appliances

Surfaces

• [ ] Painted
• [ ] Floors in good order
• [ ] Clean bathroom
• [ ] Functional kitchen

Safety

• [ ] Smoke detectors
• [ ] Security lock
• [ ] Insurance

Documents

• [ ] Photo documentation
• [ ] Lease agreement
• [ ] Transfer protocol
• [ ] Instructions and contacts

Marketing

• [ ] Professional photos
• [ ] Advertisement prepared
• [ ] Inspections scheduled

Time schedule

4-8 weeks before:

• Technical inspection
• Repair plan
• Ordering craftsmen

2-4 weeks before:

• Repairs completed
• Painting and cleaning
• Photo documentation

1-2 weeks before:

• Advertising
• Inspections
• Tenant selection

Before handover:

• Contract signing
• Handover protocol
• Key handover

Conclusion

Preparing the apartment for the first tenant is an investment that will pay off:

1. Technically prepared apartment = less problems
2. Quality equipment = higher rent
3. Good documentation = legal protection
4. Professional approach = quality tenants

Take the time to prepare and your entry into the rental world will be successful. With each subsequent tenant, you will become more experienced and the whole process will go more smoothly.

> Czech-law scope and editorial note: Legal, tax, accounting, tenancy, service-charge, condominium, metrology, insurance and data-protection statements in this article refer to the Czech Republic and the rules effective for the relevant date. Figures and examples are illustrative, not legal or tax advice. Verify current rules with the relevant Czech authority or a qualified adviser.