Preparing Your Property for Renting |
We have found that a good relationship with tenants is the key to a smooth-running tenancy. It is important that tenants should feel comfortable in what will become their home, and that they perceive they are receiving value for money. It therefore follows that a well-maintained property offered in good decorative order will go a long way towards this, and enables landlords to achieve the highest possible rental figure. Tenants will also be more inclined to treat such a property with greater respect.
General ConditionElectrical, gas, plumbing, waste, central-heating and hot water systems must be safe, sound and in good working order. Repairs and maintenance are at the landlord's expense unless misuse can be established. Interior decorations should be in good condition and preferably plain, light and neutral.
FurnishingsYour property can be let fully furnished, part furnished or unfurnished. We would generally recommend that you offer your property unfurnished. But in cases such as student lets, and some company lets, part or fully furnished may be required. Whichever of these is appropriate will depend on your preferred target market. We will be happy to give you advice on whether to furnish or not, and to what level. As a minimum you will need to provide decent quality flooring, curtains/blinds and light fittings. Remember that "fair wear and tear" on the property and any furnishings supplied will have to be taken into account when checking out at the termination of each tenancy. Fair wear and tear is not an allowable deduction from a tenant’s deposit.
Personal ItemsPersonal possessions, such as ornaments, pictures and books should be removed from the premises, especially those of real or sentimental value. Some items may be boxed, sealed and stored in the loft at the owner's risk. All cupboards and shelf space should be left clear for the tenant's own use. If the landlord requires that areas of the property, such as the loft or garage, are not to be accessed by the tenant, this has to be made clear at the outset of the tenancy.
GardensGardens should be left neat, tidy and rubbish free, with any lawns cut. Tenants are required to maintain the gardens to a reasonable standard, provided they are left the necessary tools. However, few tenants are experienced gardeners and, if you value your garden or if it is particularly large, you may wish us to arrange visits by our regular gardener.
CleaningOn the rare occasion that there is an inventory problem at the end of the tenancy, most disputes tend to involve the cleanliness of the property. Kitchens and bathrooms top the list. Therefore, it is vital that a standard of cleanliness is established at the outset of any tenancy, and that the property is offered in a thoroughly clean condition. We always recommend employing a professional cleaner for this purpose, as it provides invoiced evidence, and gives the landlord, tenant and inventory clerk a clear reference point. It is always the responsibility of the tenant to leave the property in a comparable condition; should they fail to do so, cleaning will be arranged at their expense.
Information for the TenantIt is helpful if you leave as much information for the tenant as possible. For example, provide instructions for operating the central-heating and hot-water systems, washing machine and alarm system. Please leave local information about refuse collection days, and contact numbers for your local council and amenity suppliers.
KeysYou should provide one set of keys for each tenant. Where Full Management is chosen, we will also require our own set of keys.
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