How To Prepare The Property For Letting

In the competitive property rentals market, there is no room for the ‘amateur’ landlord. The standards demanded by tenants are high and an additional budget for preparing the property must be available.

Anyone considering buying to let should allow sufficient funds to decorate and furnish (if applicable) the property to a good standard:

• Above all the property must be clean, newly decorated, light, bright and fresh.
• Redecorate in neutral shades with good quality carpets and curtains in co-ordinating colours. All carpets and curtains should be new, or if not, professionally cleaned. Most tenants prefer wooden floors.
• Unfurnished properties should include fixtures and fittings such as curtains and kitchen appliances.
• Try to imagine the kind of tenant who will be living in the property, and be guided by the letting agent. The requirements of a single city highflyer will differ from those of a family with young children.
• Stay away from dramatic decor - even in rented property most people like to extend their own personality to their surroundings. Prepare the property like a primed canvas ready to take individuals’ finishing touches but with enough character to give the property a homely feel.
• Equip the kitchen with the necessary appliances - washing machine, separate dryer (imperative for larger properties), oven and hob, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave, and if they are not new, make sure they are spotlessly clean and in perfect working order.
• Bathrooms must be modern and a proper ‘power shower’ should be installed. Bathroom floors should be tiled.
• The property must have modern amenities, furniture should be new, or if not, should be of good quality and condition. Upholstered furniture should be professionally cleaned and must comply with the Fire and Furniture Regulations 1993.
• All gas appliances must be checked by a CORGI registered plumber and a Landlords Gas Safety Certificate must be obtained. Electrical appliances also need to comply with safety regulations and wiring must be in good order.
• In one-bedroom flats, provide a sofa-bed in the living room for guests.
• At the top end of the market, corporate tenants will need the resources to entertain formally - the kitchen and dining and reception rooms should all be equipped and decorated accordingly.
• Provide good quality crockery, cutlery, pots and pans. For the average one or two bedroom flat, six place settings should be provided, plus a selection of wine glasses and tumblers. Provide eight place settings for a three bedroom property.
• The crockery should be easily replaceable but in keeping with the standard of the accommodation. The kitchen must be properly equipped with standard cooking utensils: a selection of saucepans, a large frying pan, casserole dishes and one or two serving bowls or large dishes. Also provide an ironing board, iron, toaster, kettle and a vacuum cleaner.