If you have a whole week in between tenants, use it to your advantage to keep up with minor repairs in the living room. Go through each element of the room, checking for broken parts and dirty pieces that need to be replaced. Make sure the windows open, shut, lock, and unlock easily. Replace any window components that aren't functioning correctly. Check the blinds, clean them, and replace pieces that have broken. Thoroughly clean the ceiling fans and lighting fixtures, checking for broken parts and replacing as needed. Test the sliding glass doors or exterior french doors to make sure everything works great, is safe, and is clean. Wipe down all parts of the room, patch and paint the walls, then clean the flooring thoroughly. Replace light switch and outlet covers, as needed. Double check your work to make sure the room looks, feels, and smells clean before turning it over to new tenants.

When you've got a few weeks to work on your property before handing the keys over to the new tenants, you can do a lot to update and invest in your property. Everything begins to look outdated after a few years and it's in your best interest to keep your property as up-to-date as possible. When the property is first empty, go through the living room and make a list of everything you'd like to clean and replace. For a truly updated look, replace as many features of the room as you can. Tear out the old blinds and replace them with quality blinds that can handle daily use by adults and children. Then install updated lighting and ceiling fans, outfitting them with natural light bulbs and even LED bulbs for maximum efficiency. Tear out the old carpeting or tile and replace it with new, quality flooring. If the room has wood flooring, refinish it for a new look and seal it for maximum longevity. Patch and paint the walls, double check everything for function and look, then clean everything up to reveal a new, updated room ready for thrilled tenants.

Most properties start to look out of date after a couple decades. If you've got a month or more to work on updates, take the time to make your property's living room a modern sanctuary instead of just another room. You'll immediately increase the value of your property and attract the kind of tenants that will take good care of your house. If the living room is the equivalent of a small box, it's time to give it a more open, expansive feel. Install exterior french doors, if the space will allow for it, to bring in maximum light and access to the outdoors. Replace all the windows and consider installing at least one larger window, especially if there's a view to enjoy outside. Consider removing or renovating a wall or two to create an open concept in the house. Install modern light fixtures, replace blinds, and replace all broken elements in the room. Give it a new coat of paint and replace the flooring. Consider installing a modern built-in with feature shelves, a gas fireplace, and/or space for technology and entertainment. Once your living room is fully modern and updated, your new tenants will be your best yet!