How to Clean Out a Nasty House After an Eviction

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How to Clean Out a Nasty House After an Eviction

By Joy Gebarah, Owner of Kernvestors

After flipping more than 100 homes across California, I’ve learned that some of the most challenging projects begin the moment an eviction ends. A house can look perfectly normal on the outside while the inside tells a very different story—trash piled up, food left out, broken furniture, and sometimes damage that goes far beyond clutter. It’s never anyone’s favorite job, but knowing how to clean out a home safely and efficiently makes the process manageable.

Whether you’re a landlord, a new investor, or simply curious about what really happens behind the scenes, here’s a realistic step-by-step look into how to clean out a property after a tough eviction. These steps also come from the perspective of someone who buys houses in Bakersfield and other cities in California, where I’ve had to deal with every kind of cleanup imaginable.

1. Start With Safety First

Before touching anything, gear up. Gloves, boots, and masks are non-negotiable. You never really know what’s hiding under a pile of clothes or what’s been sitting in the fridge for weeks. Sometimes I bring in an air scrubber for a few hours just to clear out the smell and dust before doing any physical work. If the property has structural concerns—soft floors, exposed wiring, or damaged plumbing—address those first. A safe cleanup starts with a safe environment.

2. Do an Initial Walkthrough and Categorize the Job

Every eviction cleanout falls into categories:

- Light debris: Trash, clothing, discarded items

- Heavy debris: Furniture, mattresses, broken appliances

- Hazardous situations: Mold, pests, needles, rotting food

Your approach changes depending on which one you’re dealing with. Some landlords underestimate how long a job will take because they try to jump straight into cleaning without evaluating the full scope.

3. Remove All Trash and Debris First

Most properties require a big dumpster on-site. I usually start from the farthest room and work toward the front door. Big items—sofas, beds, dressers—come out first. Smaller trash fills in the gaps. This phase always takes longer than expected, especially in homes where tenants left behind years of belongings. But once everything is out, the house immediately feels more manageable.

4. Deep Clean Room by Room

When the debris is gone, the real cleaning begins. That means:

- Scrubbing walls

- Disinfecting kitchens and bathrooms

- Cleaning or removing appliances

- Shampooing or ripping out carpets

- Treating any odors that soaked into drywall or flooring

Sometimes replacing is cheaper than restoring. After hundreds of flips, I’ve learned that a ruined carpet or heavily stained tub isn’t worth salvaging.

5. Repair, Refresh, and Get the House Market-Ready

Once the home is clean, minor repairs are surprisingly quick:

- Patching holes

- Repainting

- Replacing fixtures

- Installing new flooring

- Updating broken windows or doors

Whether the owner plans to rent it again or sell it, this is where the house starts to look like a home again—not a project.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning out a property after an eviction isn’t glamorous, but it’s part of the reality for anyone managing rentals or investing in distressed homes. As a company that specializes in buying houses in Bakersfield CA, I’ve seen firsthand that even the worst situations can be turned around with the right process and a little patience. And for homeowners who feel overwhelmed, remember—we buy houses in Bakersfield, no matter the condition. But even if you choose to tackle the cleanup yourself, the steps above will help you approach the job the same way seasoned investors do.

8 Common Mistakes That Lower Your Home’s Resale Value

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When it’s time to sell your house, every small detail matters. A few overlooked issues can make buyers hesitate or reduce their offer price. From neglected repairs to poor curb appeal, some mistakes can quietly eat away at your home’s resale value. The good news is that most of these problems are fixable with a little awareness and preparation. Let’s look at eight common missteps that can cost sellers money and how to avoid them.

Mistake No. 1: Ignoring Basic Maintenance

Leaky faucets, squeaky doors, and peeling paint might seem minor, yet they send the wrong message to buyers. A home that looks uncared for raises red flags about bigger hidden problems. Regular maintenance, such as sealing cracks, fixing drips, and tightening loose fixtures, shows responsibility. Buyers often make emotional decisions. When they spot neglected maintenance, they assume future headaches. Staying ahead on upkeep signals that your home has been treated with respect, which instantly adds confidence and value to the sale.

Mistake No. 2: Skipping Professional Cleaning and Decluttering

Clutter makes rooms feel smaller and hides the true potential of your home. Too many personal items can also make it hard for buyers to imagine their own life in the space. Before listing, deep clean every room, from carpets to baseboards, and remove anything that distracts from the home’s features. Consider hiring a cleaning service to reach spots you might overlook, such as ceiling fans or behind appliances. A spotless, well-organized home photographs better and shows buyers that the property has been cared for in detail.

Mistake No. 3: Overpersonalizing Renovations

Your bright red kitchen cabinets or jungle-themed bathroom might reflect personality, but they can limit your buyer pool. Highly specific design choices often make it harder for others to picture themselves living there. Neutral colors and simple finishes appeal to a wider range of people. If you’ve made unique updates, consider small changes to tone them down. Repainting bold walls or replacing unusual fixtures. Buyers will see move-in-ready potential instead of extra projects they’ll need to redo.

Mistake No. 4: Forgetting About Curb Appeal

First impressions start the moment someone pulls into the driveway. Overgrown grass, faded paint, or cracked sidewalks make buyers question what other issues might exist inside. Boosting curb appeal doesn’t require huge spending just some attention to detail.

Trim bushes, add mulch, clean gutters, and pressure wash walkways. A few flower pots near the entrance can make the home feel inviting. If your budget allows, a new mailbox or updated front door color can provide an instant refresh. For homeowners in Kansas City, contacting Chris Buys Homes KC can be a smart move if you’d rather sell quickly without spending on upgrades. They buy homes as-is, saving you time and repair costs while still giving you a fair offer.

Mistake No. 5: Neglecting Lighting and Ambience

A dim or poorly lit home feels smaller and older than it really is. Lighting affects mood and can either highlight or hide a home’s best features. Make sure every room is bright and welcoming before showings or photos. Replace outdated light fixtures with modern, affordable ones and choose warm LED bulbs for a cozy glow. Open curtains during the day to let in natural light. In the evening, add lamps in darker corners to create balance and comfort.

Mistake No. 6: Ignoring Minor Repairs Before Listing

Loose railings, squeaky doors, or cracked tiles might not seem urgent, yet buyers see them as signs of neglect. These small flaws often lead to lower offers or repair requests during inspection. Fixing them early prevents negotiations from stalling later.

Take a walk through your home and note anything that feels worn or broken. Touch up wall paint, replace broken switch plates, recaulk around tubs, tighten cabinet handles, and oil any noisy hinges. These details might sound simple, but together they shape a buyer’s overall impression of how well your home has been cared for. Addressing them before listing creates a cleaner, more confident presentation that buyers appreciate.

Mistake No. 7: Mispricing Your Home

Setting the wrong price is one of the biggest reasons homes sit unsold. Overpricing turns buyers away, while underpricing means leaving money on the table. Research recent sales in your area and compare homes with a similar size, condition, and location. A good real estate agent can guide you through a pricing strategy using market data and buyer behavior trends. Staying realistic and flexible often leads to faster offers and smoother negotiations.

Mistake No. 8: Skipping Pre-Sale Inspections

Many sellers wait for buyers to order inspections, but getting one done beforehand can work to your advantage. A pre-sale inspection reveals problems early, giving you time to fix them or adjust the price accordingly. Buyers appreciate transparency, and sharing inspection results builds trust. It can even prevent last-minute deal collapses due to surprises. Think of it as an investment that saves stress and supports a stronger sale.

Bonus Tip: Overlooking Energy Efficiency and Photos

Modern buyers care about energy costs and first impressions online. Outdated windows, poor insulation, or dull photos can hurt value fast. Small upgrades like weather-stripping, LED lighting, or hiring a pro photographer can pay off quickly. Clean, bright listing photos and efficient features make your home look valuable and ready for the future.

Final Thoughts

Selling a home is part preparation, part presentation. Each small improvement tells buyers that your home has been loved and maintained. Avoiding these common mistakes not only saves time but can add thousands to your final sale price. Every detail from clean windows to updated lighting, works together to leave a lasting impression. When your house feels ready, buyers feel confident, and that confidence translates directly into stronger offers.

How to Add Value to Your Property Through Home Renovations

Have you ever paused for a moment, looking around your house, and thought about its untapped value potential? Do you find yourself dreaming about enhancing its aesthetic appeal and comfort, while at the same time, increasing its market value? If you're nodding in agreement, this might just be your handy guide to effective home improvement, a roadmap towards tangible investments, and not just fanciful, ephemeral makeovers.

Home renovations promise a fresh perspective, but as many wise property owners know, going for beautification alone might not always be rewarding in the long run. It's about knowing WHICH upgrades can actually give you a solid return on investment when the time comes to sell. In this post, we will guide you through the holistic approach of adding value to your property and making your home a sanctuary that speaks volumes about your personality, style, and creativity.

Whether you're planning to put your property on the market in the near future or simply searching for ways to enhance your living space, this ultimate guide compiles trusted advice from property experts, interior designers, and architects. Let's explore the world of property-value-boosting renovations, shall we?

Realizing the 'Why': The Advantage of Purposeful Home Renovations

Before launching into a home improvement project, it's important to understand the why behind it. Why should you, as a homeowner, be interested in renovations that aim to increase property value? Effectively, it gives your property a competitive edge in the real estate market and can significantly bolster your financial security.

Beyond the economic perspective, value-added renovations permit personal, aesthetic gratification and often lead to increased comfort and efficiency. They facilitate the transformation of a house into a home that reflects your preferences, while being an appreciable asset. A major benefit is the flexibility it offers homeowners – you can choose to sell at a profit, rent out for added income, or just luxuriate in upgraded home experiences.

Choosing the 'What': Identifying Value-Adding Home Improvements

So, what types of renovations add solid value to a property? It's not just about flashy aesthetics – sometimes, it's the functional upgrades that can bring you the highest return on investment. Some prime areas to look at include kitchen renovations, bathroom updates, additional bedrooms or bathrooms, and outdoor enhancements.

As a rule, investing in bathrooms and kitchens provides a significant yield considering these are high-traffic areas in any household and are key selling points to potential buyers. Adding space, either via extensions or conversions, can directly increase your property's worth. Outdoor enhancements, such as landscaping, or adding a deck or patio, can add a fresh vibe to your home, creating enticing living spaces.

Time 'When': Planning Your Home Renovations

Timing is a crucial factor when it comes to value-elevating home renovation. Although there's no hard and fast rule about the 'best time' for a specific project, some seasons might be more favourable for certain types of work.

Major renovations such as kitchen and bathroom remodelings are often most comfortably completed in warmer months due to their invasive nature. On the other hand, indoor painting or small upgrades can be done regardless of the season. Careful planning will ensure a smoother renovation journey and help you prevent costly delays.

Knowing 'Who': Hiring the Right Professionals

Another key aspect of successful renovations is recruiting the right professionals. Add value to your property by hiring skilled tradespeople, interior designers, architects, and contractors who understand your vision and can transform it into reality. 

Look for experienced professionals, ask for recommendations and read testimonials from previous clients. It's also important to discuss their fees upfront to avoid unexpected expenses.

Evaluating The ‘Pros and Cons’: Wise Investments Vs. Money Pits

It's important to weigh the pros and cons of your planned renovations carefully. High-end, trendy renovations may look great but can be out of sync with the rest of the home or neighborhood, making them a poor financial decision. On the other hand, simple updates like adding energy-efficient features or a fresh coat of paint can come with substantial returns.

Navigating the 'How': Creating a Viable Renovation Plan

Equipped with the knowledge of why, what, when, who, and the pros and cons, the final part of your journey is creating a comprehensive plan. Prioritize changes that significantly boost property value, estimate costs accurately, and set a realistic timeline.

Conclusion

Home renovations, when planned thoughtfully, can create a harmony of comfort, aesthetic appeal, and improved lifestyle value—all while boosting your property's long-term worth. Whether you're exploring design upgrades, functionality improvements, or full-scale remodeling, understanding the why, what, when, and how plays a key role in achieving successful outcomes.

If you’re based locally, seeking professional guidance for home renovations in Pascoe Vale can help ensure your project aligns with your vision, budget, and the unique character of your property. Remember, every home is different, and what works well for one may not necessarily fit another.

With careful planning, the right team, and clear goals, you can make improvements that enhance your everyday living experience and increase your property’s appeal to future buyers or tenants. So, are you ready to start your renovation journey?

Risks of Allowing Unauthorized Occupants in a Rental Home

We partnered with a consulting company for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

As a landlord, it can be frustrating to discover unwanted occupants in your rental property after going through the hassle of advertising, thoroughly screening renters, and signing leasing paperwork. Unfortunately, this is a common problem, and even while they might not be creating issues immediately, this could develop into a long-term concern.

That’s why it’s important to know who is a renter, who is a guest, and who is an unauthorized occupant. Also, being aware of your rights as a landlord can go a long way. Continue reading as this guide explores who unauthorized tenants are and the risks of accommodating them.

What is an Unauthorized Occupant?

In the absence of a lease, adults who occupy the property without a permit are considered unlawful occupants.  If they have moved in or are staying longer than is allowed by your lease terms, they are no longer considered a visitor.

The legally valid lease arrangement between you and your renter does not include unauthorized occupants, nor do they have any legal right to be on the property.  Although they could have been permitted to visit the property, their prolonged presence makes them unauthorized occupants. There is often a two-week maximum for visitor stays, though this will vary depending on the state, locality, and lease agreement. 

Difference between Guests and Unauthorized Occupants

The primary distinction between an unauthorized occupant and a guest is that they moved into or stayed in your space for any period of time without being invited to do so. In this situation, a written agreement between the landlord and unauthorized residents is typically lacking. They are not covered by the lease even though they reside in the rented property.

A guest may be establishing residency if they stay overnight frequently, especially after the period stipulated in the lease agreement. In Florida, for example, a visitor who stays for more than 14 days in a six-month period or seven consecutive nights is often considered a renter. Additionally, it's a clear sign that a visitor has established residency when they begin to receive mail or shipments at your house. There is often an official link between the address and this activity.

Unauthorized occupants do not have permission to occupy the premises under the lease, do not owe the landlord rent, and usually did not sign the lease agreeing to the lease term. This can be problematic in cases of nonpayment of rent, causing damage to property, or not following the lease rules. It can also become a challenge if you need to evict them, as they may start to refuse or claim you cannot evict them.

Landlords must keep a keen eye out for unlawful residents. They should keep an eye out for indicators such as increased utility costs or an increase in the number of cars parked outside. Finding any changes in the occupants of the property can also be facilitated by conducting routine inspections. Bay Property Management Group Austin Texas can facilitate the proper process for adding occupants. It is beneficial to establish explicit guidelines in the lease regarding the duration and frequency of guest visits to prevent confusion.

Risks of Allowing Unauthorized Occupants in a Rental Home

1. Unpaid Rent

The unauthorized occupier may remain in the flat if the renter stops making rent payments or even moves out. This kind of potential tenant can be difficult, costly, and time-consuming to evict.  As a result, during the eviction process, landlords will continue to incur financial losses. You increase your chances of finding yourself in this kind of predicament by letting an unlawful tenant remain on the property.

2. Lease Violations

Regarding leases, you should be concerned about more than just the possibility of damages. The terms of the lease have not been viewed or accepted by unauthorized occupiers. Even if your tenant requests it, they are not legally obligated to follow such guidelines. The issues they create could be as basic as parking infractions. It's not a big deal, but your other tenants will still find it annoying.

Furthermore, their presence can be a complete violation of the lease. Is there a provision in your lease prohibiting long-term guests or subleases? If so, this unapproved occupant most likely violates the terms of the lease.

3. Potential Damage to Property

It might be challenging to hold the unauthorized occupant responsible if they cause any damage to the property. Legal tenants are responsible for the behavior of their guests, and any damage that exceeds the security deposit may typically be covered by a tenant's renters' insurance. However, it could be challenging to hold various kinds of unlawful tenants accountable.

Final Thoughts 

Making the regulations clear in the lease is the most important thing to keep in mind during the entire process of dealing with unauthorized tenants. Learn about the laws and regulations in your area pertaining to tenant guest policies.

On the owner's side, property managers offer additional expertise in developing legal procedures, vetting candidates, and enforcing regulations. Hiring a qualified property management team is also an effective technique for dealing with unauthorized tenants, excessive visitors, or legitimate tenants, protecting your investment as well.