{"id":67011,"date":"2026-07-24T08:42:01","date_gmt":"2026-07-24T15:42:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=67011"},"modified":"2026-07-24T09:09:32","modified_gmt":"2026-07-24T16:09:32","slug":"how-to-set-up-your-home-as-a-rental-property","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-your-home-as-a-rental-property\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Set Up A Rental Property: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Landlords"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Turning your home into a rental property can create a steady source of income, but success starts well before your listing goes live. Whether you&#8217;re renting out a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/30818\/TX\/Austin\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home in Austin, TX<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or a vacation <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/12572\/SC\/Myrtle-Beach\/rentals\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rental in Myrtle Beach, SC<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, taking the time to prepare your home, understand your responsibilities, and create a positive renter experience can help you attract qualified tenants and protect your investment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The process of setting up a rental property involves more than cleaning the house and posting photos online. From making the property <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-does-move-in-ready-mean\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">move-in ready<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to setting the right rental price and creating a clear lease, every step helps lay the foundation for a successful rental.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/yTcsYdyT2lU\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Decide what type of rental works best for your goals<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before preparing your property, think about how you plan to rent it. Knowing which type of rental you want to operate will help guide decisions about furnishing the home, setting rental policies, marketing your property, and planning for ongoing maintenance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><b>long-term rental<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> typically offers more consistent monthly income and less turnover. A <\/span><b>short-term rental<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> through platforms like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/airbnb-vs-renting-out-house\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Airbnb<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or Vrbo A short-term rental may generate more gross revenue during high-demand periods, but it can also involve greater operating costs, more vacancies, and more hands-on management.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before deciding between a short-term or long-term rental, make sure you&#8217;re actually allowed to rent the property. Local <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/guides\/zoning\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">zoning regulations<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, city ordinances, homeowners association (HOA) rules, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-is-a-mortgage\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mortgage agreements<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and insurance policies can all affect whether you can rent your home and under what conditions. Short-term rentals, in particular, may require permits, registration, lodging tax collection, or additional insurance coverage.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Short-Term Rental<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Long-Term Rental<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Higher income potential during peak seasons<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More consistent monthly income<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flexible scheduling for personal use<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lower tenant turnover and fewer vacancies<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Requires furnishing and frequent cleaning<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Usually rented unfurnished<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More guest communication and hands-on management<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Less day-to-day management once tenants are settled<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pricing often changes with demand<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Typically uses a fixed monthly rent<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><b><i>&gt;&gt;Read: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/difference-between-short-term-and-long-term-rental\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><b><i>What\u2019s the Difference Between Short Term and Long Term Rental?<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Get your rental move-in ready<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A common mistake landlords make is rushing to list a property before it&#8217;s completely ready. While it&#8217;s tempting to shorten vacancy time, prospective tenants are more likely to rent a home that looks clean, functional, and ready for move-in. Before scheduling photos or showings, make sure to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Test all appliances and major systems.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repair damaged flooring, paint, fixtures, or caulking.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure doors, locks, and windows are secure.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deep clean the entire home, including kitchens and bathrooms.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improve curb appeal with basic landscaping and exterior maintenance.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s also worth thinking beyond cosmetic updates. As Dan Saunders, owner of <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.thirdcoastvacations.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Third Coast Vacations<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, explains, \u201cOne of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is focusing on d\u00e9cor before they focus on the fundamentals. Before listing your home, make sure it&#8217;s well-maintained, professionally cleaned, safety-checked, and equipped with the amenities guests expect.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A clean, functional home helps renters picture themselves living there. Addressing <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/home-maintenance-tips\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">maintenance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> issues before move-in may reduce avoidable repair requests shortly after a tenant arrives.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Don&#8217;t market the property before it&#8217;s ready<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marketing your rental too early can create unrealistic expectations, especially if the home still needs repairs or cleaning.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paul Kiledjian, CEO of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/rentalhousepm.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RentalHouse Property Management<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, explains why waiting until the property is truly rent-ready is worth it. \u201cWhen renters come to tour a unit, they want to see it in the exact condition they can expect it to be in on the day they move in. Seeing a pristine rental unit generates excitement about their new home. Clutter, paint blemishes, broken fixtures, and stained caulking and grout all detract from getting a unit rented. The guiding principle for rent-readiness is that a landlord should be able to confidently tell prospective tenants, \u2018What you see is what you get.\u2019\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The same principle applies to your listing photos. Images should accurately represent the property&#8217;s current condition so prospective renters know exactly what to expect when they schedule a tour.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-75132 size-blog-post\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/1_How-to-Set-Up-Your-Home-as-a-Rental-Property-945x630.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"945\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/1_How-to-Set-Up-Your-Home-as-a-Rental-Property-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/1_How-to-Set-Up-Your-Home-as-a-Rental-Property-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/1_How-to-Set-Up-Your-Home-as-a-Rental-Property-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/1_How-to-Set-Up-Your-Home-as-a-Rental-Property-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/1_How-to-Set-Up-Your-Home-as-a-Rental-Property-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/1_How-to-Set-Up-Your-Home-as-a-Rental-Property-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/1_How-to-Set-Up-Your-Home-as-a-Rental-Property.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 945px) 100vw, 945px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. How to know how much to rent your house for<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-much-should-i-charge-for-rent\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Setting the right rent<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> means balancing what the local market will support with what you need to cover your costs.\u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start by calculating your monthly expenses, including your mortgage, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-do-property-taxes-work\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">property taxes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, insurance, HOA dues, maintenance costs, and any utilities or services you plan to cover. This will help you determine whether renting your home is financially viable, but your expenses alone do not determine how much renters will be willing to pay.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To estimate a competitive rental rate, research <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-find-real-estate-comps-in-my-area\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">comparable properties<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in your area. Look for rentals that are similar in:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Location and neighborhood<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Square footage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Number of bedrooms and bathrooms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Property type<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall condition and recent updates<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parking, outdoor space, and other amenities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pet policies<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Utilities or services included in the rent<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compare the typical market rate for these properties with your total expenses. If comparable homes are renting for less than you would need to charge to cover your costs, you may need to reconsider whether renting the property makes financial sense.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re listing a short-term or vacation rental, you may also need to adjust your pricing throughout the year. Peak travel seasons, holidays, local events, and changes in demand can all influence the nightly rate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Saunders has found that successful rentals combine smart pricing with strong presentation. \u201cWe&#8217;ve found that proactive maintenance, professional photography, and a pricing strategy that adjusts with market demand have the greatest impact on both guest satisfaction and long-term rental success.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once your home is clean and fully prepared, professional <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-to-look-for-in-listing-photos\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">listing photos<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can showcase its layout, condition, and best features, helping attract more prospective renters to schedule a showing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Create a listing that answers renters&#8217; questions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your rental listing is often a prospective tenant&#8217;s first impression, so it should answer their biggest questions before they even schedule a showing. In addition to highlighting features like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, parking, pet policies, and nearby amenities, be clear about what&#8217;s included in the rent and what responsibilities belong to the tenant.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being transparent upfront can reduce misunderstandings later. As Betzalel Levin, CEO of <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/sapirrealty.com\/\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sapir Realty<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, explains, \u201cConfirm what utilities and upkeep the tenant will need to pay for and clearly indicate on your listing. For example: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/lawn-care-tips\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lawn care<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and gutters. You don&#8217;t want a tenant disputing what they are responsible for after the tenant moves in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The more accurately your listing reflects the property and your policies, the smoother the leasing process is likely to be.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-75133 size-blog-post\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/2_How-to-Set-Up-Your-Home-as-a-Rental-Property-944x630.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"944\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/2_How-to-Set-Up-Your-Home-as-a-Rental-Property-944x630.jpg 944w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/2_How-to-Set-Up-Your-Home-as-a-Rental-Property-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/2_How-to-Set-Up-Your-Home-as-a-Rental-Property-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/2_How-to-Set-Up-Your-Home-as-a-Rental-Property-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/2_How-to-Set-Up-Your-Home-as-a-Rental-Property-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/2_How-to-Set-Up-Your-Home-as-a-Rental-Property-449x300.jpg 449w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/2_How-to-Set-Up-Your-Home-as-a-Rental-Property.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 944px) 100vw, 944px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Screen tenants and prepare the lease<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you&#8217;ve found an interested applicant, take time to screen them carefully before signing a lease. Depending on your local laws, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-screen-tenants\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">screening<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may include identity verification, income verification, rental history, credit information, and other legally permitted criteria. Applying the same screening standards to every applicant helps support a fair and consistent process.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Levin recommends taking advantage of today&#8217;s more comprehensive screening tools. \u201cMake sure to have an account with some kind of screening company, there are many today who offer more than just basic credit checks. They include ID and income verification. Consider reaching out to companies that offer rent insurance products. Include in your lease the requirement for tenants to obtain <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/guides\/what-is-renters-insurance\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">renters insurance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. These policies also protect you as a landlord in case of tenant-caused damages like fires or flooding.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking these steps before handing over the keys can help protect both you and your tenants throughout the lease.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Know your legal rights and responsibilities<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/types-of-rental-properties\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rental property<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> should have a clear lease agreement that outlines each party&#8217;s responsibilities. Before renting your home, familiarize yourself with the landlord-tenant laws that apply in your state and municipality. These laws often govern <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/guides\/what-is-a-security-deposit\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">security deposits<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, required disclosures, eviction procedures, fair housing requirements, property maintenance standards, and notice periods. If you&#8217;re unsure about your obligations, consider consulting a local real estate attorney or property management professional before listing your home.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because landlord-tenant laws vary by state and municipality, it&#8217;s also wise to review local regulations or consult a real estate attorney before renting out your property. Understanding your legal obligations and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/landlord-responsibilities\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">landlord responsibilities<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> upfront can help you avoid costly disputes later.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8. Complete a final walkthrough before move-in<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once the lease is signed and your tenant has been approved, do one final walkthrough before move-in day. Test appliances, faucets, locks, garage doors, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and make sure any agreed-upon repairs have been completed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s also a good idea to document the property&#8217;s condition with dated photos or videos and complete a move-in inspection checklist with your tenant. Having both parties acknowledge the property&#8217;s condition at move-in can help prevent disputes over security deposits or damage when the lease ends.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>&gt;&gt;Read: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/rental-walkthrough-checklist-for-landlords\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><b><i>The Ultimate Rental Walkthrough Checklist for Landlords<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Set your rental up for long-term success<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-know-its-time-to-turn-your-home-into-a-rental\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Turning your home into a rental<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> takes planning, but doing the work upfront can make the process much smoother. Prepare the property carefully, set a rent that reflects the local market, communicate expectations clearly, and make sure you understand the rules where you live. With the right systems in place, you\u2019ll be better positioned to protect your property and provide a positive experience for your tenants.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>&gt;&gt;Read: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-rent-a-house\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><b><i>How to Rent Out Your House<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Whether you\u2019re setting up your home for a long-term or a short-term rental, make sure you understand everything that goes into renting your home and becoming a landlord.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":817,"featured_media":75132,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"default","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[34343],"tags":[2730,3477],"coauthors":[36451],"class_list":["post-67011","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-renting-a-home","tag-redfin-estimate","tag-renting"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.7 (Yoast SEO v28.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Set Up a Rental Property in 8 Steps | Redfin<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Want to set up your home as a rental property? This guide will tell you everything you need to know about becoming a future landlord\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-your-home-as-a-rental-property\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Set Up A Rental Property: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Landlords\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Want to set up your home as a rental property? This guide will tell you everything you need to know about becoming a future landlord\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-your-home-as-a-rental-property\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling &amp; More\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/redfin\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-07-24T15:42:01+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-07-24T16:09:32+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/1_How-to-Set-Up-Your-Home-as-a-Rental-Property.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Freda Nkrumah\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@redfin\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@redfin\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Freda Nkrumah\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/how-to-set-up-your-home-as-a-rental-property\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/how-to-set-up-your-home-as-a-rental-property\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Freda Nkrumah\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/10192b93cd026bd2941a8e7f66bdcae5\"},\"headline\":\"How to Set Up A Rental Property: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Landlords\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-07-24T15:42:01+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-07-24T16:09:32+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/how-to-set-up-your-home-as-a-rental-property\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1576,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/how-to-set-up-your-home-as-a-rental-property\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2019\\\/10\\\/1_How-to-Set-Up-Your-Home-as-a-Rental-Property.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Redfin Estimate\",\"renting\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Renting a Home\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"copyrightYear\":\"2026\",\"copyrightHolder\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/#organization\"}},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/how-to-set-up-your-home-as-a-rental-property\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/how-to-set-up-your-home-as-a-rental-property\\\/\",\"name\":\"How to Set Up a Rental Property in 8 Steps | Redfin\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/how-to-set-up-your-home-as-a-rental-property\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/how-to-set-up-your-home-as-a-rental-property\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2019\\\/10\\\/1_How-to-Set-Up-Your-Home-as-a-Rental-Property.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-07-24T15:42:01+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-07-24T16:09:32+00:00\",\"description\":\"Want to set up your home as a rental property? This guide will tell you everything you need to know about becoming a future landlord\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/how-to-set-up-your-home-as-a-rental-property\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/how-to-set-up-your-home-as-a-rental-property\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/how-to-set-up-your-home-as-a-rental-property\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2019\\\/10\\\/1_How-to-Set-Up-Your-Home-as-a-Rental-Property.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2019\\\/10\\\/1_How-to-Set-Up-Your-Home-as-a-Rental-Property.jpg\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":800},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/how-to-set-up-your-home-as-a-rental-property\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"How to Set Up A Rental Property: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Landlords\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling &amp; More\",\"description\":\"Real estate on Wall Street, Main Street and your street.\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Redfin\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/03\\\/Redfin-logo-512x512-1.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/03\\\/Redfin-logo-512x512-1.jpg\",\"width\":512,\"height\":512,\"caption\":\"Redfin\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/redfin\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/redfin\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/redfinrealestate\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/company\\\/redfin\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.pinterest.com\\\/redfin\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/channel\\\/UCMIuo1QSGcmWnevT9jdC_Ow\",\"https:\\\/\\\/en.wikipedia.org\\\/wiki\\\/Redfin\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/10192b93cd026bd2941a8e7f66bdcae5\",\"name\":\"Freda Nkrumah\",\"description\":\"Freda is a skilled Content Marketer at Redfin, driven by her passion for storytelling, writing, and crafting engaging content that resonates with audiences. Based in Washington, DC she enjoys exploring the city\u2019s restaurant scene, spending quality time with friends, and unwinding with movies, TV shows, and her cherished Smiski figurines. Freda dreams of a home that blends the elegance of midcentury modern with the simplicity of Japandi design.\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.redfin.com/blog\\\/author\\\/freda-nkrumahredfin-com\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How to Set Up a Rental Property in 8 Steps | Redfin","description":"Want to set up your home as a rental property? This guide will tell you everything you need to know about becoming a future landlord","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-your-home-as-a-rental-property\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How to Set Up A Rental Property: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Landlords","og_description":"Want to set up your home as a rental property? This guide will tell you everything you need to know about becoming a future landlord","og_url":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-your-home-as-a-rental-property\/","og_site_name":"Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling &amp; More","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/redfin","article_published_time":"2026-07-24T15:42:01+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-07-24T16:09:32+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":800,"url":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/1_How-to-Set-Up-Your-Home-as-a-Rental-Property.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Freda Nkrumah","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@redfin","twitter_site":"@redfin","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Freda Nkrumah","Est. reading time":"8 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-your-home-as-a-rental-property\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-your-home-as-a-rental-property\/"},"author":{"name":"Freda Nkrumah","@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/10192b93cd026bd2941a8e7f66bdcae5"},"headline":"How to Set Up A Rental Property: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Landlords","datePublished":"2026-07-24T15:42:01+00:00","dateModified":"2026-07-24T16:09:32+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-your-home-as-a-rental-property\/"},"wordCount":1576,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-your-home-as-a-rental-property\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/1_How-to-Set-Up-Your-Home-as-a-Rental-Property.jpg","keywords":["Redfin Estimate","renting"],"articleSection":["Renting a Home"],"inLanguage":"en-US","copyrightYear":"2026","copyrightHolder":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/#organization"}},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-your-home-as-a-rental-property\/","url":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-your-home-as-a-rental-property\/","name":"How to Set Up a Rental Property in 8 Steps | Redfin","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-your-home-as-a-rental-property\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-your-home-as-a-rental-property\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/1_How-to-Set-Up-Your-Home-as-a-Rental-Property.jpg","datePublished":"2026-07-24T15:42:01+00:00","dateModified":"2026-07-24T16:09:32+00:00","description":"Want to set up your home as a rental property? This guide will tell you everything you need to know about becoming a future landlord","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-your-home-as-a-rental-property\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-your-home-as-a-rental-property\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-your-home-as-a-rental-property\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/1_How-to-Set-Up-Your-Home-as-a-Rental-Property.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/1_How-to-Set-Up-Your-Home-as-a-Rental-Property.jpg","width":1200,"height":800},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-set-up-your-home-as-a-rental-property\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How to Set Up A Rental Property: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Landlords"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/","name":"Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling &amp; More","description":"Real estate on Wall Street, Main Street and your street.","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"Redfin","url":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Redfin-logo-512x512-1.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Redfin-logo-512x512-1.jpg","width":512,"height":512,"caption":"Redfin"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/redfin","https:\/\/x.com\/redfin","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/redfinrealestate\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/redfin","https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/redfin\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCMIuo1QSGcmWnevT9jdC_Ow","https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Redfin"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/10192b93cd026bd2941a8e7f66bdcae5","name":"Freda Nkrumah","description":"Freda is a skilled Content Marketer at Redfin, driven by her passion for storytelling, writing, and crafting engaging content that resonates with audiences. Based in Washington, DC she enjoys exploring the city\u2019s restaurant scene, spending quality time with friends, and unwinding with movies, TV shows, and her cherished Smiski figurines. Freda dreams of a home that blends the elegance of midcentury modern with the simplicity of Japandi design.","url":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/author\/freda-nkrumahredfin-com\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67011","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/817"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=67011"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67011\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":110966,"href":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67011\/revisions\/110966"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/75132"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=67011"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=67011"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=67011"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=67011"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}