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As a landlord, you want your property to be occupied by someone who is going to look after it, cause you minimal hassle and, of course, pay the rent on time. But how can you achieve all of this and still keep your void period as short as possible? Claire Pile MARLA of Stags Lettings department offers her top tips for finding the right tenant fast.
One of the easiest, cheapest yet most regularly overlooked ways to entice potential tenants is to create a clean and fresh atmosphere as they walk through the door. Paying particular attention to kitchens and bathrooms, ensure your property is grime, dust and stain-free – this will not only attract the right type of tenant but will also pay dividends when they come to move out and, in theory, leave it as they found it.
Often, the interior of a property is well presented but the garden and outside areas are overlooked. As we tend to judge a property before we set foot through the front door, it is important to ensure that the path is swept, the hedges are tidy and the lawn is mown. With increasingly busy lifestyles, low-maintenance gardens are becoming more favourable than ever before so try not to set your tenants too much work as this could be a turn-off.
Take 10 minutes to step back from your property and consider the first impressions through the eyes of your potential tenant. A flaking font door, leaking gutter or untidy bin area can all be very off-putting but are often cheap and easy to fix.
Paying particular attention to high-traffic areas such as hallways and reception rooms, make sure your walls, radiators and skirting boards are in good condition. A lick of paint can make all the difference to the atmosphere of a home.
Before inviting any prospective tenants into your property, make sure all nagging maintenance jobs are completed. This will eliminate unnecessary questions and concerns on behalf of the tenant. If there are unfinished jobs, make sure they can clearly see that work is in progress.
Maximise your exposure for no extra charge by promoting your property with a ‘to let’ board. This is usually included within your agent’s service and can drum up more interest than you might think.
For more advice on the rental of your home or to discuss any aspect of residential lettings, contact Claire Pile or your local lettings office today.
