Rent-Ready Requirements for Orange County Rental Homes

What Owners Need to Know Before Listing With Niguel Point Properties

At Niguel Point Properties, we know that the fastest way to secure high-quality tenants and protect long-term rental value is to present a home that’s clean, safe, and fully functional on day one.

Below is our minimum rent-ready standard, combining California habitability requirements and Niguel Point Properties’ internal expectations for delivering exceptional resident experiences.

Interior Requirements

Appliances & Mechanical

• All appliances fully operational
  
• HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical components working as designed
  
  

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• Installed within 15 feet of each bedroom
  
• Wall-mounted only — plug-ins are not accepted
  
  

Carpet & Flooring

• Carpet professionally cleaned
  
• No stains, smells, or damage
  
• Hard flooring cleaned and in good repair
  
  

Cleanliness Standard

• Must meet “hotel-room clean” standard
  
• Kitchens and bathrooms should shine
  
• No streaks, grime, grease, mildew, or residue
  
  

Doors & Locks

• All exterior doors must have functioning locks
  
• Interior doors should have doorstops
  
  

Kitchen & Bathroom Condition

• Fresh caulking around tubs, sinks, and countertops
  
• No mildew, water staining, or cracked tiles
  
• Fixtures operating properly
  
  

Lighting

• All fixtures have working, matching bulbs
  
  

Interior Paint

• Fresh and clean
  
• No scuffs, mismatched touch-ups, or patch marks
  
  

Personal Property

• No furniture, décor, toiletries, or leftover items
  
• No owner “lock-off” spaces; tenants must have full access
  
  

Smoke Detectors

• Installed on each floor and inside every bedroom
  
• Must meet California fire code
  
  

Unfinished Basements (if applicable)

• Broom-swept and cleared of all belongings
  
  

Windows

• Open, close, and lock properly
  
• Screens required on second-story bedroom windows
  
• Blinds installed in all bedrooms

Safety Standards

Ensuring resident safety is non-negotiable.
All doors and windows must lock securely.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors must be installed to code.
Meeting these standards protects your tenant, your property, and reduces liability exposure.

Pricing Guidance

The Orange County rental market rewards properties that are clean and move-in ready. With current supply and demand shifts, strategic pricing is essential. Homes that meet our rent-ready standards consistently:

• Lease faster
  
• Attract higher-quality tenants
  
• Reduce vacancy costs
  
• Maintain stronger long-term value
  
  

Our team will guide you on competitive pricing once your home is fully prepared.

Important Note to Owners

This checklist is not meant to address every make-ready item, but it does outline the minimum standard required before we list your home for rent. Meeting these requirements helps ensure legal habitability compliance and aligns your property with Niguel Point Properties’ service expectations.