Resources | Preferred Vendors
Our resources page contains handy checklists for getting your property ready for rental, preparing for your move, and links to informational websites.
Checklist for getting your property ready for rental:
Exterior:
Put your best “face” forward, and ensure that the front entry is welcoming, all surfaces are in good condition (no peeling, cracking, or flaking paint on walls, trim, or porches), the yard is groomed, fences, decks and walkways are in good shape, downspouts are connected, and everything is neat and tidy. Repair broken doors, screens, window sash cords or cracked panes, and window treatments if they are staying. Stash the bikes, strollers, ladders, and grill neatly in a storage area.
Interior:
Be prepared to paint after you have moved out. While colorful walls may suit you as well as a prospective tenant, most walls will need a fresh coat of paint to give a fresh feel, especially in high traffic areas, or in rooms where candles or fireplaces have been used frequently. Clean your carpets and floors to remove soil and pet odors, and ensure that all light fixtures are in good order with appropriately-sized light bulbs. Be prepared to have sinks and tubs resurfaced or replaced once you leave, as well as recaulked, if they are in bad condition. Arrange furniture to appeal to a wide audience, not just your family’s needs. Make sure closets are neat and organized and storage areas and garages appear adequate. Clean, clean, clean! Bathrooms, kitchens (all surfaces including the insides of appliances and cupboards), and windows will instill confidence in prospective tenants about the kind of landlord you will be.
ACCESSING HOMESTEAD FORMS ON THE NET
Accessing forms requires Adobe Acrobat.
Go to dc.gov.
The applicable page is captioned
cfo.dc.gov/services/tax/forms/frames/real-property.shtm.
If that page comes up, go to step 5 and continue. That shortcut may not always function.
If it doesn’t, here are the step by step instructions.
1. Type homestead exemption in “Ask” box.
2. The page that comes up has a variety of answers; select “Homestead/Senior Citizen Tax Relief Confirmations”.
3. The next page is titled “Homestead/Senior Citizen Tax Relief Confirmation”. In the third paragraph, select the link “Tax Forms/Publications”.
4. The next page is titled “Tax Forms/Publications with Filing Deadlines”. Select the “Real Property” box, and from that pull down menu, select “Application” (to establish a homestead exemption) or “Cancellation” (to cancel the exemption).
5. The next page is titled “Tax Forms/Publications”. Under the “Homestead/Senior Citizen Tax Relief” category, once again, select “Application” or “Cancellation”.
6. Print the form and mail to the address at the top of the form.
(Be aware of the fact that websites are periodically revised, and this information may not be correct at the time you use it. However, the forms will probably be available some where on the DC site.)
For more information Contact Us.
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