The DRH Property Solutions step by step guide
If you are looking to let out your property, then it is best practice to get it prepared. Thorough preparation prior to letting your property will not only help ensure you let your property out but also save you a lot of stress down the line. At DRH Property Solutions we have prepared a in depth guide to help you get started.
1.) Repair and Evaluate Your Property
You should walk through your property and make a checklist of any parts that need to be repaired, maintained or updated. If you believe any parts of your rental need some TLC then it is best to get all those issues ironed out now rather than when someone is living in it. A poorly maintained property will be prone to breaking down and could end up costing you much more in the long run. So, ensuring all parts of your property are repaired and maintained will save you time, stress and money down the line.
2.) Minimalism Works
When perspective tenants are viewing your property, they want to be able to envision themselves in the home. This is much harder to do so if there is strong and unique décor within the premises. Not everything has to be basic and painted white but maybe remove any strong aesthetic features that may put off a potential renter. You want to aim for a clean and tidy blank canvas that is ready for your new tenant to add their own personality to. The same goes for furniture if you are letting a furnished property. Additionally, opt for furnishing that is comfy and simplistic, any furnishing that is smaller can easily be moved around which is ideal for your tenants to add their own mark to the place without having to completely redecorate.
3.) Clean, Clean, Clean
Once you are happy with how your property looks its time to get it spotless. You want your property to be in the best possible condition not only to make it more attractive to potential renters but also so they can see the standards it needs to be in if they want to get their deposit back once leaving the home. A thorough deep clean targeting every area of the home will go a long way to attracting the right sort of tenants you want. A tenant that is happy viewing a dirty property will also be more likely to leave the home that way.
4.) Check all Plumbing and Appliances
You should be checking every aspect of your home including all plumbing. Ensuring the taps, radiators, boiler and bathroom appliances are performing to optimal standards. Doing these checks now can will save you money down the line ensuring they are ready to perform for many years to come and avoiding any issues that could create disgruntled tenants.
5.) Invest in Kitchen Appliances
New kitchen appliances can be a cost-effective way to improve the appeal of a property. Many smaller kitchen appliances such as kettles, toasters and microwaves can be bought for a relatively cheap price. You would be surprised by how these little features can greatly add to the appeal of your home to potential letters.
6.) Neaten up the Garden
If you want your tenants to care for the garden, then it should be in a reasonable condition to start with. If tenants move into a home with a neat and tidy garden, they will be much more likely to keep it that way. A well-maintained garden will greatly improve the appeal of your home as tenants will be able to invasion themselves in it.
7.) Prepare a Tenant Information Guide / Welcome Pack
A welcome guide for your tenants will be an excellent addition to your property that can explain a wide range of things, anything from how to use the cooker to optimal temperatures for the boiler will help your tenant settle into the property quicker. Ensure all basic questions are answered in the guide even down to what days the rubbish is collected. The information you give your tenants the less of your time they will take up asking you these simple questions.
8.) Energy Performance Certificate
Energy performance certificates are now required for all landlords. A copy will have to be provided to your tenants. This certificate will outline how energy efficient your home is and can be a big factor in how appealing your property will be for potential renters.
9.) Fire Safety Checks
It is imperative your property meets all the relevant fire safety guidelines and is safe for your potential tenants. Be sure to research what parts of your home need to be improved to meet all fire safety regulations from fire extinguishers to smoke alarms.
10.) Get Your Gas Safety Certificate
You will need a certificate from a gas safe engineer to ensure any gas in your property is working and safe for your tenants. All gas appliances should be serviced annually to ensure safety for anyone who lives there.
11.) Electrical Safety Reports
Electrical safety reports are easy to get and can be carried out by any qualified electrician. They can check and test any electrical appliances you are providing within the property.
12.) Get Landlords Insurance
Your home insurance will not cover you if you are renting out your property, you will need a sperate landlords insurance package. This can be obtained once you have specified who your tenants are and all relevant gas and electrical safety reports have been completed.
In Conclusion
While letting out your property is an exciting endeavour without prior planning a multitude of issues could arise. After following these steps, you should hopefully be much closer to being ready to get your property on the market and ready to rent!
If you are still not 100% sure on what to do or how to get tenants into your property then consider contacting DRH Property Solutions. Their experienced team can further guide you through the process, you could even get your rental income guaranteed by DRH for the next 5 years making your rental venture easier and more secure.
