How Can You Improve Your Property's Interior?

Updated 21 days ago (March 6, 2026)

A house's exterior is only part of the story. You also need to make sure the inside is presentable as tenants start to imagine their day-to-day life on your property.

Here are some tips that can help you create a clean, tidy, and attractive interior:

  • Make sure all rooms, along with accompanying appliances, counters, cabinets, and fixtures, are spotless.

  • Clean the floors or carpets. Replace flooring that is stained, torn, or mildewed.

  • Make sure every appliance works.

  • Replace the window coverings if they are no longer in good shape. Leave the curtains or blinds open to allow natural light to come in during the visit.

  • Make sure the property has no ants or other pests.

  • Repaint the rooms if necessary, especially if the last paint job was done more than one or two years ago.

  • If a family with children is going to visit, remember to cover the power outlet. Keep the child out of dangerous areas such as swimming pools and stairs.

  • Make sure the smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, and fire extinguisher are in place and in working condition.

  • You may want to add some nice furniture to help prospective tenants imagine themselves living in the property.

  • Put a pot of spiced apple cider on the stove, which is a tried-and-true trick to make the house smell good.

  • It's always a good idea to replace the shower curtain with one that is brand new.

Legal Disclaimer: Tellus provides this content for informational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Laws vary by state and locality, and regulations may have changed since this article was published. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

State-by-State Guide

Laws on this topic vary significantly by state. Select a state below to read about its specific laws and statutes.

StateState-Specific Guide
California California Security Deposit Laws for Landlords, California Rent Increase Rules for Landlords, California Landlord Maintenance and Repair Obligations, California Lease Agreements for Landlords, California Eviction Process for Landlords, California Landlord Entry Rules and Tenant Privacy
New York New York Security Deposit Laws for Landlords, New York Rent Increase Rules for Landlords, New York Landlord Maintenance and Repair Obligations, New York Lease Agreements for Landlords, New York Eviction Process for Landlords, New York Landlord Entry Rules and Tenant Privacy
Texas Texas Security Deposit Laws for Landlords, Texas Landlord Maintenance and Repair Obligations, Texas Lease Agreements for Landlords, Texas Eviction Process for Landlords, Texas Landlord Entry Rules and Tenant Privacy
Florida Florida Security Deposit Laws for Landlords, Florida Landlord Maintenance and Repair Obligations, Florida Lease Agreements for Landlords, Florida Eviction Process for Landlords, Florida Landlord Entry Rules and Tenant Privacy
New Jersey New Jersey Security Deposit Laws for Landlords, New Jersey Rent Increase Rules for Landlords, New Jersey Landlord Maintenance and Repair Obligations, New Jersey Eviction Process for Landlords, New Jersey Landlord Entry Rules and Tenant Privacy
Illinois Illinois Security Deposit Laws for Landlords, Illinois Rent Increase Rules for Landlords, Illinois Landlord Maintenance and Repair Obligations, Illinois Eviction Process for Landlords, Illinois Landlord Entry Rules and Tenant Privacy
Massachusetts Massachusetts Security Deposit Laws for Landlords, Massachusetts Landlord Maintenance and Repair Obligations, Massachusetts Lease Agreements for Landlords, Massachusetts Eviction Process for Landlords, Massachusetts Landlord Entry Rules and Tenant Privacy
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Security Deposit Laws for Landlords, Pennsylvania Landlord Maintenance and Repair Obligations, Pennsylvania Lease Agreements for Landlords, Pennsylvania Eviction Process for Landlords, Pennsylvania Landlord Entry Rules and Tenant Privacy
Washington Washington Security Deposit Laws for Landlords, Washington Rent Increase Rules for Landlords, Washington Landlord Maintenance and Repair Obligations, Washington Eviction Process for Landlords, Washington Landlord Entry Rules and Tenant Privacy
Maryland Maryland Security Deposit Laws for Landlords, Maryland Rent Increase Rules for Landlords, Maryland Landlord Maintenance and Repair Obligations, Maryland Eviction Process for Landlords, Maryland Landlord Entry Rules and Tenant Privacy