Before you decide to let your property, you need to prepare your home. First impressions count and it’s vital you make the best one during prospective tenant viewings. Here at Kings Lettings, we’re an award-winning Lettings Agents with over 50 years experience, so we’ve put together a simple guide exploring the best hints and tips to gain the most interest when renting out your home.
STRUCTURAL REPAIRS
When preparing your house it’s essential you see to any repairs before placing your property on the market. Whether it’s treating damp areas, repairing broken locks, or unblocking drains, these are issues to fix not cover up as they will only cause problems further down the line.
DE-PERSONALISING DECOR
You will need to consider the decor of your property. Most prospective tenants feel more drawn to neutral, plain or light-coloured wallpapers and paints as they can imagine their belongings situated much better. Brightly-coloured walls and bold patterns are not to everyone’s tastes and don’t offer much longevity.
Another benefit to keeping decor neutral is it makes spotting changes or damage during the inventory much easier.
THOROUGH CLEANING
This goes without saying but it’s incredibly vital your property has a deep clean from top to bottom. You may wish to hire a steam cleaner or a professional to complete the job for you. Everything including curtains, blinds, furnishings and the inside of appliances need to be in impeccable condition. The kitchen and bathroom need particular attention, and you must ensure there are no mould or damp stains anywhere in the property.
It’s important you showcase to your tenants the quality and state you wish the property to remain during their agreement.
CHECK THE PLUMBING
Ensure the hot water supply, boiler, sinks, showers, baths and toilets are safe and in working order.
KITCHEN APPLIANCES
If your kitchen appliances are due an upgrade we would advise doing so before the tenant moves in as it not only makes the property seem more appealing but will decrease the chance of expensive repair bills for broken appliances during the tenancy.
GARDEN MAINTENANCE
As well as ensuring the interior of your property is up to scratch you need to consider your exterior space too. Your garden should be left neat, tidy and free of rubbish. If you’ve got a garden shed this should be cleared, weeds should be removed and any lawns should be cut short. If you require your tenants to maintain the garden’s condition then it is reasonable to leave the correct tools and equipment for them to do so. You may also wish to stipulate this responsibility in the tenancy agreement too.
TENANT INFORMATION
Be sure to leave instructions for kitchen appliances, security alarm, boiler and electrical equipment, as well as any local council information regarding rubbish collection times. It’s natural for tenants to have questions at the start of their tenancy but having all of this information available makes for a smoother transition.
SPARE KEYS
It’s important you have enough spare keys cut. We would recommend having two sets cut for the tenant, a set for you, and perhaps for your letting agent. Be sure to include window, shed, garage and patio door keys too.
If you’re worried about keys going missing you can also opt to have these covered with Lost Key Cover with your home insurance policy.
ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE (EPC)
It is compulsory to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
You need to contact an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) to arrange one of these for your property.
The certificate scales the home A to G with the most efficient homes with lower fuel bills being in band A.
These certificates are valid for 10 years and are considered a decision-making factor to many tenants today.
GAS SAFETY CERTIFICATE
You must ensure that all gas appliances are maintained and a copy of the Gas Safety Certificate is handed over to the tenant on arrival.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
(EICR) Electrical Installation Condition Reports are now a key part of electrical safety, Landlords have the responsibility to ensure that a tenanted property has an electrical installation that is safe to use by its tenants. This includes all portable appliances, also known as non white goods. A portable appliance test must be completed. Most electricians can carry this out.
FURNISHED LETTINGS
If you are letting your home with furnishings you must ensure a Furniture and Furnishings Regulations label is in place on all furniture.
LANDLORDS INSURANCE
Your normal home insurance will not cover you in the event of need to claim for an accident or damage once your property is let out to tenants. Once you’ve decided on your tenants and have obtained your Gas and Energy certificates, then you can arrange your landlords insurance.
Should you require any advice related to letting your property please feel free to contact us here at Kings Lettings. We can also offer any tips related to renting or letting your property, whether you’re a first time landlord or rent out several properties, we’re always happy to share our expertise.
If you’re thinking about renting out property in the London, Reading, Maidenhead, Staines and Windsor area, or are looking for further advice, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Whether you’re a first time landlord, taking on a new property, or simply looking to encourage tenant interest, we’re always happy to share our expertise here at Kings Lettings.
KINGS LETTINGS, 103 HIGH STREET, MAIDENHEAD, BERKSHIRE, SL6 1JX
Lettings and property management offices in London, Reading, Maidenhead, Staines & Windsor.
T: +44 (0)16 2863 2188 | E: MAIDENHEAD@KINGS-LETTINGS.CO.UK
