Getting Your Rental Property Up to Scratch

Published: 17/01/2018

If your rental property has just become available again after a long time you’ll be keen to get it shipshape to attract new tenants. Here’s some reminders of what might need doing:


The Property in General


Decorate the walls, you can use white throughout the property. It looks clean and it’s easy to maintain. Clean the windows and check the furniture for wear and tear. If things are looking a bit tired or old fashioned, then replace them. You’ll attract tenants quickly if your property is clean, bright and modern.


The Lounge


Hoover and shampoo the carpets and have the curtains cleaned. If you decide to modernise by ripping out the carpet and fitting laminate, you can add a rug to give the room some colour. Replace curtains with blinds and instantly you have a modern looking lounge that any tenant will love.


Hallway

Put up a couple of shelves in the hallway and fill a bowl with potpourri. That way when prospective tenants come to view the property when they open the door there will be a pleasant smell.

The Kitchen

Give the kitchen a thorough clean, so that it’s free from grease. Make sure cupboards and appliances are clean and fresh. If this room also needs modernising, think about installing new cupboards fronts which is an affordable way to revamp the kitchen.

The Bedrooms

As you’ve re-decorated and cleaned any curtains or put up blinds, your bedrooms should be looking fresh. Any worn mattresses will need to be replaced and check that any other bedroom furniture is in good order.

The Bathroom

A deep clean in here too. Check the grouting on the tiles and make sure the shower head is working properly. Replace the shower curtain if you have one, with a new one and put a new bath mat down on the floor.


Entrance


Make sure door locks are secure and give the front door a lick of paint if it needs it. If you have a front garden, then get rid of any weeds and make it look tidy. It’s the first thing any prospective tenants will see, so a first impression counts for a lot.


Back Garden

If you a space at the back of the house, make sure it’s tidy. If you have a washing line check that it’s functional. If you have an outdoor cupboard or shed, check the locks and windows to make sure they are working.


A clean, tidy property won’t stay empty for long, which is much better for you as a landlord because you won’t be losing money while the property is empty and the money you’ve spent on making it look good will be worthwhile.