Preparing your property for rent

Preparing your property for Lettings Before you begin to let your property, you need to be prepared. There is a lot to do before you can think about getting your tenants into their new home. First impressions are hugely important, so it's vital your home looks its best for tenant viewings.

1. Property Repairs.
   It's easier to do any repairs before a tenant moves in. Treat any damp areas, re-paint the exterior of the property and fix any broken windows & doors. 
   
   
2. De-personalise.
   Neutral and light-coloured wallpaper and painted walls with clean white painted woodwork is much more appealing and has more longevity than patterned wallpaper or brightly-coloured painted walls. 
   
   
3. Clean, clean, clean
   Hire a steam cleaner to clean the floors, any furnishings and even the curtains. Clean the kitchen and bathroom thoroughly, ensuring there is no trace of mould or damp stains anywhere in the property. The tenant will be agreeing to keep the property in the same good quality state during the tenancy, with an allowance for normal "wear and tear" of course. (professional clean) 
   
   
4. Check the Plumbing.
   Ensure that the boiler, hot water supply, sinks, baths, showers and toilets are safe and fit for use. 
   
   
5. Kitchen Appliances.
   Upgrading the kitchen appliances before the tenant moves in is a wise move, making the property much more appealing and ensuring you don't incur expensive repair bills for broken-down appliances during the tenancy. 
   
   
6. Tidy the Garden.
   Gardens should be left neat, tidy and rubbish-free. If there's a lawn it should be cut short before the tenant moves in. If you require the tenant to keep the gardens in good condition, it's reasonable to expect the tenant to do so if you leave the tools, lawnmower etc with them. 
   
   
7. Prepare a Manual.
   If you have instructions for the kitchen appliances, boiler, security alarm, Council rubbish pick-up leaflets etc, it's a good idea to make a copy and leave them in a folder for the tenant to use. 
   
   
8. Spare Keys.
   Get a spare set of house keys cut - one for the managing agent if you are using one which will be given to the tenant. Make sure you leave the window keys and any patio door keys in the property for the tenant to use. 
   
   
9. Energy Performance Certificate.
   It's compulsory to have an EPC and to provide the tenant with a copy. We can arrange for an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) to arrange one of these for your property. Make sure you provide the tenant with a copy. The certificate is valid for 10 years. The certificate has a scale of A to G. The most efficient homes which should have the lowest fuel bills are in band A. 
   
   
10. Gas Safety Certificate.
    Ensure that all gas appliances are maintained in good order, and pay for an annual check/service from a CORGI approved tradesman. You must also give the tenant a copy of the gas safety certificate. 
    
    
11. Electrical Safety.
    Ensure that all electrical appliances provided with the property are safe to use. 
    
    
12. Is the Property Furnished?
    Furniture and Furnishings Fire Safety Regulations labels must be in place on all furniture. 
    
    
13. Landlord Insurance.
    Normal home insurance will not cover you in the event of needing to claim for an accident or damage to the property once you have let the property out. As soon as you have agreed who your tenants are, obtained your Gas and Energy certificates - then you can arrange your landlords insurance.