How To Prepare Your Property for Rent
Getting ready to rent out a property? By following these 8 easy steps to prepare your house for rental, you can ensure that your property is rent-ready and is attractive to prospective tenants in a competitive rental market. Making sure that prior to the beginning of the tenancy everything is in good condition for tenants to move straight in will also mean you will likely be receiving your rental income faster.
Landlord Checklist For How to Get Your Home Ready for Rent
#1. Verify the keys to all the windows and doors
You will require four full sets of keys for the property. Landlords need an entire set, the tenants renting a property will need two sets, and if you let your property through a letting agent then your agent will need an entire set of front and back door keys to show it to potential tenants, and access for tradesmen during vacant periods if they also perform the role of property manager.
#2. Make the garden beautiful
When preparing your home for letting, cut the grass, tidy the bushes, trim the trees, and remove the weeds. Replace any dead or dying plants and add some fresh flowering plants to flower beds (if the time is right). Remember to sweep any dirt out of the holes in the patio and walks and remove flower pots, outdoor furniture, and garden ornaments. A beautiful garden will ensure your property makes a good first impression.
#3. Make the property spotlessly clean
Renters expect to move into a clean home. Establish the standards from the start and ensure the house is spotless, from cleaning the oven and windows to washing skirting boards. If the property has carpets then particular attention should be made to them along with the kitchen and bathroom, but essentially all fixtures and fittings should be included. If you’d prefer not to do it yourself, consider hiring a cleaning service. If you are using a property management company or a company like House Clearances Glasgow, then they also may be able to take care of this for you.
#4. Let the light in
To make your property more appealing when offering the property for rental it’s a good idea to make sure it is well-lit. Any faulty light bulbs should be changed, and you should consider using energy-efficient bulbs instead because they last longer and have a more cost-effective energy performance for the tenant to use them. Start giving any outdoor lights that don’t require replacement a thorough cleaning; grime and debris tend to make lights dim, and it’s best to have brighter lights for outside security.
#5. Check the gas, electrics, alarms, vents and extractor fans
When offering a property to rent you have certain obligations as a landlord including a number of legal responsibilities. To protect your property and even more so the safety of any tenants who rent your property there are a number of safety regulations that properties must meet. Electricity and gas safety checks are required. Fire safety is also vital for any rental home with heat and interlinked smoke alarms a legal requirement. Carbon monoxide alarms are also usually required especially if you have a gas boiler. You should also make sure that all air vents and extractor or filter fans are clean and working properly. Remember to check the outside of them too where appropriate. Don’t forget to check if the filter needs to be changed in the extract hood above the hob in the kitchen.
#6. Decide whether or not to leave the property unfurnished
As part of your checklist for renting out a house or flat and drafting your tenancy agreement, you’ll need to decide if you are going to let it as furnished or unfurnished. Smaller properties in city centres or near colleges and universities are more likely to be furnished due to the fact that this type of rental market is typically comprised of younger individuals. This kind of property is good for first-time renters and young professionals who aren’t looking for a long-term place to live. They will benefit from not being required to provide their own furniture meaning they’ll be able to move in straight away with minimal hassle. You might also be able to garner a higher monthly income from higher rent payments.
However, many tenants, in our experience, prefer unfurnished homes because they want to customise properties with their belongings and make them their own. You will benefit from this since you won’t have to spend time or money maintaining, repairing, or replacing any items to keep your property in good order. In addition, if you let the property unfurnished then you don’t have to pay for contents insurance to cover those items, and your obligation to pay council tax is greatly reduced during any vacant period between lets.
#7. Keep a neutral colour
Houses are personal to their tenants, therefore, neutral décor is necessary if you want your rental to attract as many tenants as possible. When you’re ready to start renting a property it’s best to provide the walls and ceilings within the property with a lick of paint to ensure you don’t miss out on any tenants. Feature walls in the property’s living room or bedrooms are okay, but try to keep away from bright and flashy colours, keeping a neutral palette in mind.
#8. Find good flooring
When you prepare a property for letting you may want to consider the need to switch the flooring. Karndean and herringbone style flooring are both fashionable right now. They look great and are very durable, they will really finish the property well. Consider putting this kind of flooring in rooms that get a lot of use, and choose high-quality flooring and carpets so they will last longer.
