Recently, I assisted a family who received a job transfer from Boise to another state. They felt it was too valuable to sell their home, but they were also concerned about leaving it vacant, so they decided to rent it out. The first question they faced in this situation was how much to set the rent.

According to data from RentCafe in July 2026, the average rent in Boise is $1,720, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,536. Data from Zumper shows slightly lower averages of $1,575 overall and $1,450 for one-bedroom units. Within Boise, rent can vary by over $200 depending on the neighborhood, so it's best to use these figures as a reference and check the recent market prices in the area where your home is located. Downtown and the desirable North End tend to be priced higher than average, while the outskirts are generally lower. In recent years, Boise has seen an influx of residents, causing both home prices and rents to rise, so it's important to base your pricing on the most current market data rather than figures from 1-2 years ago.

Once you've determined the rent range, it's time to list your property. Posting on Zillow Rental Manager or Apartments.com, along with detailed descriptions of square footage, parking, and pet policies, can improve the quality of inquiries. Including information about the time it takes to get to schools or downtown in your description can also lead to quicker responses.

When inquiries come in, it's crucial not to skip the screening process. Requesting a credit check, proof of income, and contact information for previous landlords are standard practices. It's common to look for income that is about three times the rent, and it's essential to directly contact previous landlords to confirm if there were any issues with late payments or disputes.

The lease agreement should clearly outline the rent amount, security deposit, payment due date, late fees, pet and smoking policies, and maintenance responsibilities. Idaho does not have a legal cap on security deposits. However, landlords must return the full amount or a detailed statement of deductions within 21 days after the tenant vacates, and even if the contract extends this period, it cannot exceed 30 days. If this deadline is not met, the landlord loses the right to make deductions.

If rent is overdue, a written notice must be sent within three days, informing the tenant to pay the overdue amount or vacate the property. Without this procedure, a landlord cannot evict a tenant immediately.

It's important to prepare not just for the end of the lease. Maintaining heating, plumbing, and electrical systems while the tenant is living there is also the landlord's responsibility. Delaying repairs when requests come in can often put landlords at a disadvantage in future rent disputes.

Before listing your property, it's advisable to check the following:

• Inspect the home's facilities and any areas needing repairs.
• Compare the latest market prices in two or three neighborhoods.
• Take multiple photos during daylight from various angles.
• Prepare the application and screening questionnaire in advance.
• Set up a separate account for holding the security deposit.

After signing the lease, it's a good idea to conduct a walk-through with the tenant on move-in day. Documenting the condition of the walls, floor scratches, and appliances with photos and having both parties sign a checklist can significantly reduce disputes over the return of the security deposit later. It's also recommended to establish renewal conditions in advance. Deciding whether the lease will automatically convert to a month-to-month agreement after one year or if notice will be given a few weeks prior to renewal can alleviate concerns about vacancies.

It's essential to clearly state in the lease whether utilities like water or trash collection are included in the rent. This can affect the tenant's perception of the actual rent cost, so specifying this from the start can help reduce misunderstandings during the inquiry stage. If you plan to raise the rent the following year, it's helpful to inform the tenant in advance about the increase amount and notification timeline to maintain a good relationship.

Be aware that there may be additional county ordinances, so it's wise to double-check with the city's website or a lawyer before renting. Keep in mind that this is general information and not legal or investment advice, so consider consulting a professional before finalizing any contracts.