Tips for letting property - A guide for landlords to help you rent your property effectively

The first thing to note is that standards have risen tremendously over the last ten years and you will only get the maximum rent and good tenants if your property is clean, has working fixtures and fittings, is freshly redecorated and furnished in a contemporary style. Having the property given a complete check will cost little, ensure your tenants are happy and don’t seek to move within months while ensuring your property does not require costly repairs.

Follow some or all of our renting tips and you will find your property renting a lot quicker, with the most reliable tenants and at the price you really desire.

Outlet Top Tip for letting property

First impressions really do count and many tenants will have already formed an impression before they have even stepped across the threshold of your property. A tidy and well-kept front garden or entrance way with newly painted front door are immediately appealing whereas scruffy and bin bag littered entrances may turn many prospective tenants away.

Complete list of maintenance to consider:

• Have the property repainted using neutral colours.
• Clean and dust the property thoroughly, particularly carpets, settees, doors if they do not need repainted, bathrooms (including de-scaling toilets) and kitchen (including the oven). Consider using professional cleaners. A decent management company will arrange to have it professionally re-cleaned at the end of the tenancy.
• Ensure windows are cleaned inside and outside. Check all taps are working and fix any which are dripping.
• Have the boiler serviced.
• Check all the electrics and appliances are working and safe.
• If lampshades are damaged or missing, replace them. This can cost very little and will influence someone’s first impression of a room.
• Check all curtains and blinds are clean and operating smoothly.
• Fix or replace wobbly toilet seats.
• Have the bathroom joints redone to ensure they are no leaks and remove any mould.
• If there is a garden, ensure it is tidy and lawns are cut. Remove any dead foliage and cut back overgrown flower beds. Planting fresh greenery and flowers always brightens up outside spaces. Make sure hedges are trimmed, particularly if there are some at the front of the property.
• Check the guttering for leaks or blockages.
• Ensure the rooms appear light and contemporary.
• De-clutter – do not underestimate the appeal of a tidy property. If your property is already rented and you are organising viewings for prospective new tenants, ask the current tenants to have the property tidied up for the viewing. Make sure your prospective tenants know in writing what you will be checking, cleaning and repairing or hand this responsibility over to your managing agents.
• If your property needs modernising, get a few quotes to be sure you choose the right contractors. Try and get references or recommendations before employing them.
• When you find a tenant, be sure to get work and previous landlord references (and check them), ask for a 6 week deposit in advance.

When working through the maintenance or improvements on your property, remember the purpose is to try and present your home in the best possible way so as to make it fully marketable, attracting the widest possible audience as well as seeking the highest price while getting the most reliable tenants to take good care of the property and pay the rent on time.

Remember, landlords also need to know their legal requirements and obligations.

If you have any questions the property management staff at Outlet will be more than happy to assist. Give them a call on 020 7287 4244.