Preparing to Let

Presentation

Always present your property in the best possible condition. The more attractive your property, the greater your chances are of finding a tenant and keeping your property occupied throughout the year.

Good quality properties always rent quickly. When properties are obviously looked after and presented in the best possible condition, tenants are more likely to treat the property as if it were their own. If you don’t appear to look after your property, the tenant will do the same!

Also, don’t overlook the furnishings – make sure these reflect the quality of the property, and the type of tenant you want to attract. Properties can be let down by the condition of their furnishings.

Also, the better the quality of furnishings the less maintenance and repair will be needed by you.

Furnished or Unfurnished

We get asked this a lot, and there is no right or wrong answer. In the past, furnished properties used to achieve higher rents, however, today there is little difference in rental value between furnished and unfurnished.

You now also get the same legal protection when your property is furnished or unfurnished.

Whether furnished or unfurnished, the property should include:

• All kitchen “white goods”, ie. Cooker, fridge/freezer, washing machine (a washer-dryer is recommended to avoid condensation), and larger more expensive properties a dishwasher is always a plus
• Carpets, curtains and/or blinds and light fittings
• Unless a gardening service is provided, it is necessary to provide garden tools, lawn mower, etc.
• Bathrooms should always include a shower, ideally have tiled or vinyl floor coverings and adequate ventilation
• Instruction manuals for all appliances, including boilers and timer controls

A fully furnished property would also include:

• Furniture, linen, kitchen crockery & utensils, vacuum cleaner, iron, ironing board, etc.

Remember: Whatever appliances are supplied, it is the landlord’s responsibility to maintain and repair them should they break down.