Preparing Your Lake Havasu Home For Rent

Preparing your home in Lake Havasu City to become a full-time unfurnished rental property involves a combination of physical improvements, legal preparation, and strategic marketing.

Start by getting the rental property in top shape; this means deep cleaning every room, touching up paint, and repairing items like leaky faucets, broken fixtures, or damaged doors. Safety is crucial, so ensure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed, windows and doors lock securely, and all major systems like HVAC and plumbing are fully operational. If the yard needs work, trim back overgrowth, clean up debris, and consider installing low-maintenance desert landscaping to appeal to tenants and reduce upkeep.

Next, remove all personal belongings and furniture, leaving only essential appliances like the refrigerator, oven, and possibly a washer and dryer. Adding simple window coverings like blinds is a good idea, as tenants expect them in an unfurnished rental.

Then, reach out to our team at Lake Havasu Property Management. Many of our owners in Lake Havasu opt for professional management, especially if they live out of town; the fee for management services is 10% of the monthly rent. We will take care of the marketing to get your home rented. We have less than a 1% vacancy rate in Lake Havasu.

Our tenant screening is vital. We use a rental application, run credit and background checks, verify employment and rental history, and follow fair housing guidelines. Additionally, we determine who will pay utilities (tenants typically cover this in single-family rentals) and set up online rent collection for convenience. Before moving in, we document the condition of the home with a checklist and photos to protect ourselves from disputes later on.

Optional upgrades, such as vinyl plank flooring, neutral paint, ceiling fans, and smart thermostats, can help you command a higher rent and attract more qualified tenants. Your Lake Havasu home can become a stable, income-generating asset with proper planning and presentation.

1. Physical Preparation

Deep clean all rooms, including floors, baseboards, appliances, and windows

Touch up paint and repair walls, fixtures, doors, and cabinets

Ensure HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems are fully operational

Install or test smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers

Secure all windows and doors with proper locks

Trim landscaping, clean up the yard, and consider low-maintenance desert plants

2. Unfurnish the Home

Remove all furniture and personal belongings

Leave major appliances (refrigerator, stove, oven, dishwasher, washer/dryer if included)

Install basic window coverings (e.g. blinds or shades)

4. Lake Havasu Property Management

Draft or review a lease agreement compliant with Arizona law

Set your rental price and lease duration (typically 12 months)

Collect the first month's rent and a security deposit (usually 1 to 1.5 months' rent)

Verify HOA rules and ensure they allow rentals if your home is in a governed community

Marketing & Tenant Screening**

Take photos of the property

Use a written rental application and documented screening criteria

Run background, credit, employment, and rental history checks on all applicants

Set up online rent collection and maintenance request systems

Prepare a move-in checklist with condition photos for documentation

7. Optional Upgrades to Boost Rent Value

Apply fresh neutral-colored interior paint

Replace carpet with vinyl plank or other durable flooring

Improve curb appeal with gravel, succulents, or low-maintenance landscaping