If you’re planning to rent out your property soon, it’s important to ensure that it is in great condition first. There are a few key things that every landlord should do if they want to attract long-term tenants. Regardless of how much knowledge you have, the process of becoming a landlord can sometimes be overwhelming. This is why, we have prepared a handy guide, which will help you get your property ready to rent in no time. You will also find out more about the different documents that you will need to prepare, as well as how to make sure that tenants have everything they need before they move in.
1. Clean The Property Thoroughly
Giving your house a thorough clean is essential to increasing your chances of finding long-term tenants. It may also be beneficial to hire a professional cleaner, who can help you ensure that the property looks spotless by cleaning the floors and other furnishings. Also, be sure to clean the bathroom and check if there are traces of mould or damp.
Setting the standards high from the beginning means potential tenants will need to return the property in the same good quality. Start working on your property as early as possible so that you can resolve any problems that you may come across.
2. Take Care Of Any Repairs
It’s inevitable for properties to experience wear and tear from time to time. Therefore, if you notice any major issues, you will need to take care of them immediately. If you need help with remodelling or plastering, it’s best to look for local builders. MyBuilder is a great tool, which allows you to find builders near you, who are available to complete various tasks on your property.
Local builders often specialise in a specific area, so you can find a professional to assist you with maintenance and repair work, such as home extensions, room conversions, building or repairing garages, and more.
3. Carry Out An Inventory
Carrying out an inventory is another crucial step, that will help you make sure that your property will remain in the same condition at the end of a tenancy.
A property inventory report will list all of the contents and components that can be found in your property. You can use this report to check the state of all appliances and pieces of furniture when a tenant moves out. Make sure you send a copy of your inventory to your future tenants so that they can get a better understanding of what to expect.
4. Prepare All Relevant Certificates
You will need to show potential tenants that you have taken care of all aspects when it comes to the utilities and appliances in your property. This means that you will need to prepare all relevant certificates, which ensure that all appliances are working safely.
For example, you will need to obtain an Energy Performance Certificate, which provides more information about the energy efficiency of your property. In addition, you will need a Gas Safety Record, provided by a qualified gas engineer once they have done gas work on your property.
5. Keep The Garden Tidy
Remember to look after the exterior of your house just as well as the interior. Maintaining your garden is essential if you want to make a good impression on potential tenants. Make sure you mow and water your lawn regularly, as the grass will be one of the first things that people will notice when they come for viewings.
You should also remove all weeds growing in your flower beds and trim your hedges at least twice a month for the best results. Additionally, be sure to look out for damaged branches or shrubs.
6. Leave Room For Personalisation
People are more likely to want to stay in your property for a longer time if there is room for personalisation. Therefore, it might be a good idea to use neutral colours when painting the walls.
Remember that bold colours might not appeal to everyone, so it’s best to avoid them when decorating your house. This might also make it easier for potential tenants to imagine living in your property and making it their own. Moreover, you will be able to notice any damage which might have occurred when doing the inventory later on.
7. Make Information Readily Available
Finally, it’s important to make prospective tenants feel welcome. Be sure to prepare everything they will need in advance and answer any queries they may have. For example, you may need to get leaflets with instructions on how to use different appliances in the property.
Also, let them know when bins are emptied and ensure they know which items can be recycled. This will ensure that tenants can live comfortably while renting your place. Before a tenant moves in, you should take them through every little detail that they need to know about. Be sure to share your best contact details with them so that they know how to reach you if they experience any problems.
Salman is a prolific environmental writer, and has authored more than 500 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management, sustainability and conservation all over the world.
Salman can be reached on salman@cleantechloops.com
- Why Winter Coats are Crucial to Your Survival - December 3, 2024
- 5 Effective Financial Services Marketing Techniques - December 2, 2024
- 5 Green Money-Saving Tips For One and All - December 1, 2024