Maintaining and managing a range, or even a single property, can be a difficult task. The stresses of keeping a property running no matter how good a landlord you are can often result in some features being neglected. To a landlord and current tenants these features may become common place and are therefore of no issue. However, to new prospective tenants, these features could turn into reasons to not rent a property.
The three features are:
Bathroom Sealant and Grout:
Landlords often update grout and sealant in older bathrooms in order to increase the aesthetics of aging tiles and bathroom suites. In newer bathrooms it is often considered to be of no need due to a recent redevelopment. However, this is untrue. This misconception can often result in dissatisfied tenants. With medium to longer term contracts mould will begin to form and sealant unseal. The savvier prospective tenant may take this into account when viewing a property.
?Radiators and Heating:
The second feature that is regularly forgotten by landlords is the heating system used for the property. Radiators are the most common system and often become part of the furniture, ignored because of the misunderstanding that no matter what type of radiator is used it serves the same purpose. In fact, updating radiators to more modern equivalents increases the modern feel and look of a home, as well as increasing the heating efficiency of the building – an aspect that will appeal to prospective tenants.
Window Dressings:
Updating bathroom sealant and grout is most likely a necessity, but often involves employing someone – increasing costs. Adding new radiators is not a cheap option and therefore a decision that should not be taken lightly – it would be wise to consult with fellow landlords as to their preferred methods.
The last feature to consider, window dressings, is likely to be the cheapest of the considerations that landlords often neglect to update. New curtains poles and new blinds, especially wooden blinds, give a modern feel to a property that aged curtain poles and fabric blinds do not. Like radiators, window dressings are often seen as items set apart from décor, items that do not need updating regularly as times change. It is wise not to fall into this trap. Adding a new blind to a property helps increase a room’s aesthetics and makes a room appear modern, new and fresh – helping to justify a landlord’s rental value and impress potential tenants.
If you need advice contact an independent lettings specialist such as BELVOIR SHEFFIELD, don’t fall foul of the law! Contact us on 08452 60 40 90 or email sheffield@belvoirlettings.com
Taken from: http://www.residentiallandlord.co.uk/feature29.html
