First impressions, as they say, are everything. When getting your property ship shape for prospective tenants to view, there are areas which need addressing before you even think of placing it on the market.
The Major Things
Of course, it is your responsibility to ensure the building is of a safe standard and that the electrics, heating and plumbing are fully serviced and working. Consider the age of any heating or plumbing - if the system is old it may be advisable to have it renewed before rental, so you will cut down on call outs and breakdowns.
Be sure to install plenty of smoke and carbon dioxide alarms.
Flooring
There's a reason why so many rental properties have tiled or laminate floors. They are easy to keep clean and less prone to damage. Even if you have carpeted floors upstairs, it's worth considering changing those in high traffic areas such as the hallway and living room to something a little more hardwearing.
If your floors are carpeted, get them professionally cleaned.
Walls
The easiest décor is to have the walls plaster finished and decorate with a coat or two of neutral paint (magnolia anyone?). These are easy to freshen up should it be necessary between tenancies.
White Goods
Even if you are renting the property unfurnished you may be expected to provide a washing machine and dishwasher. If it's furnished, then you'll need to supply a fridge, freezer and probably a tumble dryer as well. There are so many on the market now that it can be difficult to know which to purchase, but there's a good range of budget options available from most stores.
Furniture
Depending on how you are renting, furniture may or may not be an option. If the place is furnished, make sure you don't leave anything in there of high monetary of sentimental value. Think simple and neutral, and don't buy cream sofas! IKEA tends to be a big favourite with landlords!
Keep it Simple
The best thing with a rental property is to keep colours neutral and clean. The last thing a prospective tenant wants is to walk into a property with bright red walls or an orange ceiling! Although your tenant will not own the property, it will still be their home. And they will like to think that they can make their own stamp on it. Neutral and clean colours ensure that this is possible.
Exterior Appeal
Don't forget the outside. If necessary, touch up any paintwork and tidy up the garden - back and front. Give the windows a clean as this all adds to the first impression.
If you do all of this then you ensure that your property will have the best possible chance of a tenant wanting to live here. Renting a house is fairly similar to selling - you want that first impression to have the 'wow' factor, and getting everything prepared prior to putting it on the market will help to achieve this.
The Major Things
Of course, it is your responsibility to ensure the building is of a safe standard and that the electrics, heating and plumbing are fully serviced and working. Consider the age of any heating or plumbing - if the system is old it may be advisable to have it renewed before rental, so you will cut down on call outs and breakdowns.
Be sure to install plenty of smoke and carbon dioxide alarms.
Flooring
There's a reason why so many rental properties have tiled or laminate floors. They are easy to keep clean and less prone to damage. Even if you have carpeted floors upstairs, it's worth considering changing those in high traffic areas such as the hallway and living room to something a little more hardwearing.
If your floors are carpeted, get them professionally cleaned.
Walls
The easiest décor is to have the walls plaster finished and decorate with a coat or two of neutral paint (magnolia anyone?). These are easy to freshen up should it be necessary between tenancies.
White Goods
Even if you are renting the property unfurnished you may be expected to provide a washing machine and dishwasher. If it's furnished, then you'll need to supply a fridge, freezer and probably a tumble dryer as well. There are so many on the market now that it can be difficult to know which to purchase, but there's a good range of budget options available from most stores.
Furniture
Depending on how you are renting, furniture may or may not be an option. If the place is furnished, make sure you don't leave anything in there of high monetary of sentimental value. Think simple and neutral, and don't buy cream sofas! IKEA tends to be a big favourite with landlords!
Keep it Simple
The best thing with a rental property is to keep colours neutral and clean. The last thing a prospective tenant wants is to walk into a property with bright red walls or an orange ceiling! Although your tenant will not own the property, it will still be their home. And they will like to think that they can make their own stamp on it. Neutral and clean colours ensure that this is possible.
Exterior Appeal
Don't forget the outside. If necessary, touch up any paintwork and tidy up the garden - back and front. Give the windows a clean as this all adds to the first impression.
If you do all of this then you ensure that your property will have the best possible chance of a tenant wanting to live here. Renting a house is fairly similar to selling - you want that first impression to have the 'wow' factor, and getting everything prepared prior to putting it on the market will help to achieve this.
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