We’re a month into 2017 and after shaking off the expense of Christmas and finally making it to your first payday, it might be time to refresh your rental property to make it as appealing to tenants as possible!
For some, renting is merely a short-term solution whilst waiting to buy. However, with more and more people now moving into rented accommodation long-term, it’s important that they feel at home in your property.
Here are 5 top tips for getting your property straight, and meeting tenant requirements to ensure a speedy let this year!
Keep it clean
When a tenant moves out, it is their responsibility to leave the property in a clean state. Whilst this is often the case, it is always worth getting your own cleaners in to help freshen up the property before someone else calls it home. A tenant is more likely to treat your property with respect if it’s neat and tidy when they move in.
The standard of living that most tenants look for is much higher than it used to be, modern kitchens, fresh bathrooms and cleaned carpets will all help to make the property more appealing. If it’s an older style of property, the standard should still be high…there’s a big difference between character and run down!
Energy friendly
It’s important to ask yourself how energy friendly your property is to run. If the answer is not very then it’s likely your property won’t be as appealing. Tenants are always keen to understand how much the property will cost them in the way of bills, adding double glazing, an updated heating system and loft and cavity wall insulation will certainly cost you at the time, but will be vital to avoiding void periods in the long run!
Think about areas where your house could be leaking heat and get them sealed up, ensure that doors are closing and sealing properly to help avoid expensive heating bills.
Safe and sound
We all want to feel safe in our homes and it’s important that tenants feel secure in their new home. Ensure that doors and windows close and lock securely, that outside areas are well-lit and the burglar alarm is fully functioning – this will all help to give a tenant peace of mind that their belongings are secure.
Also, ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are present and working and remember that annual gas safety checks and smoke alarm tests are required by law. You may realise that the security measures in place are not sufficient, updating to modern alarm systems could be crucial!
Well maintained
A tenant will want to know that any maintenance issues will be sorted and solved quickly when reported. If the issue involves water, heating or power then this is particularly important. Regular inspections will help you to assess the current state of the property and will ensure you’re able to make any maintenance repairs before a problem arises.
Keep in touch
Keeping in touch with your tenants is imperative, and maintaining a good relationship could be the difference between a good tenant and a troublesome tenant. Being a fair and proactive landlord is beneficial, it’ll help a tenant to feel like you genuinely care about them whilst they live in your property.
Try to make yourself as accessible and approachable as possible, deliver quality service, or use a letting agent to fully manage your properties ensuring they are compliant and let legally. Contact us on 01270 756 341 to find out how that could work for you.
